It is difficult to definitively provide a single answer to this question as the definition of what constitutes an “old” nickel is subjective. Generally speaking, most collectors of coins would consider nickels minted before 1950 to be old.
However, some “old” nickels can be even harder to find as some date back to the late 1700s and early 1800s. The oldest nickels in existence likely come from the 18th century, when the Spanish colonies in America produced coins known as the “bits of eight” (or reales).
While these coins were not actually made of nickel, they were among the first coins to feature a “nickel-like” surface, hence the name.
What year of nickels are worth keeping?
The type of nickel that is worth keeping depends on which year it was minted. Generally speaking, there are five types of nickels that are worth keeping due to their age or rarity:
1. Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938) – These are classic and iconic coins due to the Indian head design and are worth more than the value of five cents due to their age.
2. Jefferson Nickels (1938-Present) – After the buffalo nickel, these are the most commonly circulated coins in the U. S. Any Jefferson nickel with the mint mark “S” is worth more than the five-cent face value duue to being minted at the San Francisco Mint.
3. Silver War Nickels (1942-1945) – These are very rare and carry a higher collectible value due to the silver content (35%) and the fact that they were minted during WWII. Due to their silver content, they weigh 5.
5 grams instead of the usual 5. 0 grams, so they are easily identifiable.
4. Bicentennial Nickels (1975-1976) – These coins feature the Liberty Bell and the moon on the reverse side and because of this, they have become popular collectibles.
5. Westward Journey Nickels (2004-2005) – The reverse side of these coins feature designs that commemorate the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which makes them desirable to collectors.
Any coin collector should always research the year of each nickel before deciding to discard it as it may be much more valuable than its face value.
What dates to look for on nickels?
When it comes to looking for dates on nickels, it’s important to keep in mind that nickels are one of the coins produced by the US Mint since the late 1800s. As such, there is a wide range of dates you may come across when searching for them.
Generally, you should expect to find dates from 1883 through today. Assuming you are looking for the traditional liberty nickel produced from 1883 to 1912, look for the following dates: 1883, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912.
For coins minted starting in 1913 to the present, you should keep an eye out for the following dates: 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1923, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Are 1964 nickels worth saving?
Yes, 1964 nickels can be worth saving, depending on the condition, mintmark, and other factors. Common, circulated 1964 nickels are typically only worth face value, but in uncirculated condition, they can be worth up to a few dollars each.
There is also the 1964-D nickel, with a “D” mintmark beneath Monticello on the reverse, and if you find one of these, it may be worth up to $2-3 or more in uncirculated condition. Another variety worth investigating is the 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) nickel, which was a special business strike issue struck specifically for collectors and not legal tender.
Finding one of these coins can fetch up to around $15 in MS-64 condition. Finally, there is the 1964 Proof nickel, produced exclusively as a collectible and distinguishable from the business strike coins because of its shinier surface texture.
Depending on the condition, these coins can retail for up to $30 or more.
Are nickels before 1965 worth anything?
Yes, nickels dated before 1965 are worth more than just 5 cents. Pre-1965 nickels are composed of 90% copper and 10% nickel, rather than the copper-plated zinc alloy that replaced it. This means that they have a higher intrinsic value, and due to the increasing cost of copper, are worth more than their face value.
The exact value of pre-1965 nickels depends on the specific coin and the market at the moment. Generally speaking, though, a pre-1965 nickel is worth around 20 to 25 cents, although it can range from 10 to 50 cents or more.
Nickels minted before 1947 tend to be worth the most. Additionally, the condition of the coin is important. If the pre-1965 nickel is in uncirculated condition, or even if it has only light wear, it will be worth more.
When it comes to selling pre-1965 nickels, it’s important to practice due diligence. While some are worth more than face value, many are not. Additionally, it’s important to not rely on online values alone.
Different dealers may value the same coin differently, so consulting a few different dealers and resources is beneficial. Ultimately, it’s best to work with a professional and experienced dealer who specializes in coins.
What years are nickels good?
The US 5-cent coin, commonly referred to as a nickel, has been in circulation since 1866. Over the years, the design of the nickel has changed, but the composition has remained mostly the same except for the years 1942-45 when the coins were minted from an alloy of silver, copper, and manganese.
Nickels minted from 1866-1942 are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel and those minted from 1946-present are composed of 25% nickel and 75% copper. All nickels are therefore still good, regardless of the year minted, although some dates may be worth more as collectibles.
What nickels to keep?
When it comes to collecting nickels, there are certain nickels that are more valuable than others. These are usually coins that have errors, such as misprints, off-centers, double-strikes and more. Nickels that have been in circulation for a long time may also have significant value.
Specifically, Liberty Nickels (Peace Nickels) that were struck between 1883-1912 and Buffalo Nickels (Indian Head Nickels) that were struck between 1913-1938 are very desirable among collectors. Similarly, War Nickels ( Jefferson Nickels) struck between 1942-1945 are sought after because they contain 35% silver.
As a result, they are worth more than their face value. Additionally, any nickel with a potential designer’s mark, such as a “d” or an “s” mint mark on a Jefferson Nickel, should also be kept since they are valuable as a collectible.
Lastly, any nickel from a rare year such as 1981-S or 1995-P should be saved as well.
What makes the 1964 nickel so rare?
The 1964 nickel is a rare and highly sought after coin due to the fact that only 216,000 of this particular nickel were minted at the Philadelphia mint. This is significantly fewer than the other nickels minted in that year, which were over 260 million.
What’s more, this nickel has an intriguing backstory. The 1964 nickel was released at the same time as the one-year-only Jeppeson reverse. It was minted in order to meet coin demand, as the denomination was experiencing an unusual shortage at the time.
Additionally, the reverse design was also used on 1964 dimes and quarters, which makes it quite a novelty in its own right. Finally, there are also numerous varieties of the 1964 nickel which further add to its rarity.
It is possible to find rays on the reverse, a doubled die on the obverse, and extremely rare Coins of the Year (C. O. Y. ) issues. In short, the 1964 nickel is a rare coin due to its limited mintage, unique background story, and the various varieties available.
For this reasons, it is highly coveted by collectors.
Why should I hoard nickels?
Hoarding nickels can be a sensible way to save money and can also be quite fun! Nickels are small and easy to store, so it’s easy to build a big collection without displacing too much of your other belongings.
Furthermore, since five cents is not a large amount, hoarding nickels is something that almost anyone can afford to do. Additionally, many special edition nickels exist and can be a rewarding experience to hunt, adding a level of interest in the coin collecting hobby.
By hoarding nickels, you can help ensure that you will have access to a small but effective emergency fund. Nickels, like all money, retain their value over time and, as the amount of stored coins grows, will gain in value as well.
Furthermore, many items that cost less than a whole dollar are easier to purchase in cash than via banks, meaning you will save money on bank fees. Having a barrel of nickels on hand for spending can reap this financial reward.
Finally, coin collecting is a beloved hobby for many people and leads to many hours of fascinating and enjoyable research on the history of coins and of coin collecting itself. Nickels are aneasy and affordable way to start getting into the hobby.
It is a great hobby to have, and can be both fun and an aid to financial security.
Why is a 1964 nickel worth so much?
A 1964 nickel is worth so much because it is an extremely rare and valuable coin due to the fact that it was the first and only nickel to be minted with a composition that was composed entirely of silver.
The coin measures 21. 21 millimeters in diameter and weighs 5 grams, which is lighter than a classic nickel. This was because, in 1964, the US Mint replaced nickel with a composition made from copper and silver.
This was done to save money, as nickel is a more expensive metal than copper.
The coin was made available to the public in small quantities and some have estimated that only around 2 million were minted, making it one of the lowest mintage nickels of the 20th century. Therefore, a 1964 nickel is very hard to find and highly desirable to coin collectors and investors, which makes them significantly valuable.
In addition, the coins that have survived in pristine condition are worth much more than their initial face value. This explains why a 1964 nickel is worth so much.
How can you tell if a 1964 nickel is rare?
The rarity of 1964 nickels depends on the type of coin you have. The U. S. minted two types of 1964 nickels, one with a composition of mostly copper and the other with a composition of mostly silver.
The silver composition nickel is much rarer and more valuable than the copper composition nickel.
To find out which type of 1964 nickel you have, you’ll need to look closely at the design on the coin’s front (obverse). Silver composition nickels have the words “In God We Trust” between the states of hair above the portrait of Thomas Jefferson.
Copper composition nickels, meanwhile, have the words “In God We Trust” over the date at the bottom of the coin.
You can also hold a magnet up to the coin to determine what type of nickel you have. Silver composition nickels are not magnetic, while copper composition nickels are.
The overall rarity of the silver nickel also depends on its condition. Silver nickels in excellent condition, with no visible damage or wear, are much rarer and more sought-after than those that are in lower grades of condition.
If you have a 1964 silver nickel, it is worth having it professionally graded by an expert in numismatics to determine its numerical grade and corresponding value.
Is a 1964 nickel junk silver?
No, a 1964 nickel is not considered junk silver. Junk silver refers to pre-1965 coins that contain 90% silver content. This would include pennies, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins created prior to 1965.
After 1965, coins were made out of free of silver. 1964 nickel coins were made out of an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which means they do not contain any silver and are therefore not considered junk silver.
How much is a 1964 US five cents worth?
A 1964 US five cents, also known as a nickel, is currently worth around 5 cents in its base intrinsic value. However, the coin may prove to be more valuable to collectors as it was the last year of coins minted before the modern “clad” coins were introduced.
The 1964 nickel is more scarce than most other years, and it is possible to find an example in uncirculated condition, which is worth more due to its higher grade. While it is difficult to determine the exact worth of any coin with certainty, a 1964 US five cents in a circulated condition is worth around 10-25 cents, while an uncirculated example can fetch a higher price anywhere between $3.
00 to $50. 00.
Should I keep 1964 nickels?
Yes, you should definitely keep 1964 nickels. They are an important part of U. S. coinage history, and they have some degree of value as collectible coins. 1964 is the last year of issue for the Jefferson nickel series, and they were the last of the “silver” or “war” nickels, made with a composition of 35% silver, 56% copper and 9% manganese.
These nickels are well respected among coin collectors and generally considered to be of high quality. They generally don’t cost too much compared to other collectible coins, making them a great addition to any collection.
Additionally, they are easy to find, as they were made in very high numbers and circulated widely. So, if you have any of these coins, you should keep them, as they have some degree of collectible value, and they can add some historical interest to your collection.
What nickels should I look for?
When it comes to collecting coins, there are a number of nickels that you should consider looking for. Probably the most desirable are the Liberty Head Nickels from 1883 to 1913. Often referred to as V Nickels, these coins can range in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars depending on condition.
Another classic nickel you may want to look for is the Buffalo Nickel. This nickel was produced from 1913 to 1938 and typically sells for $5 and up, again depending on condition.
Other modern nickels that you may come across in your search include the Jefferson Nickel. The early versions of the Jefferson Nickel are made of silver and are often referred to as War Nickels. Produced during World War II, these coins have a small amount of silver content and often sell for more than face value.
After the War Nickel series, mints began producing the Jefferson Nickel made of copper-nickel. These coins are produced to this day and can also be of special interest to collectors.
Finally, you may want to look for proofs, error coins, and collectible sets. Proofs are coins specially made for collecting and often have a mirror-like shine. Error coins are coins that have been mis-struck in some way and can be of great interest to collectors.
Collectible sets are usually sealed by the mint in a plastic case and contain several special coins or a series of coins.
No matter which nickels you choose to look for, make sure you do some research so you know what to look for and how much they are typically worth. With patience, time, and effort, you can have an enjoyable and rewarding experience collecting various kinds of nickels.