How to Find a Rare $6,000 1964 Jefferson Nickel in Your Pocket Change

Imagine walking into a store and handing over your change, only to realize that the nickel you just gave away could be worth thousands of dollars! It sounds like something out of a dream, but this could actually happen with a rare 1964 Jefferson Nickel. Some of these coins, particularly those with a rare minting error known as a repunched mint mark (RPM), have been sold for as much as $19,800 at auctions. Let’s dive into the details of what makes these nickels so valuable, how to spot one, and what you should do if you find one!

Understanding the 1964 Jefferson Nickel

The Jefferson Nickel is a popular coin in the U.S. introduced in 1938. It features President Thomas Jefferson on the front, and on the back, you’ll see his famous home, Monticello. In 1964, the U.S. Mint produced over 2.8 billion Jefferson Nickels to deal with a shortage of coins. These were minted at two locations: the Philadelphia Mint produced 1,024,672,000 nickels, while the Denver Mint made around 1,787,297,160 nickels.

What Is a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM)?

One of the key factors that can make a coin extremely valuable is an error made during its minting process. A repunched mint mark (RPM) happens when a mint mark, like the “D” for Denver, is stamped more than once on a coin. Sometimes, the mint mark is stamped a little off from where it should be, causing it to appear twice in slightly different positions. This makes the coin unique and more desirable to collectors.

The 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel

The 1964-D Jefferson Nickel is particularly special because it has a “D over D” (D/D) repunched mint mark error. This means that on these coins, you can see two “D” mint marks—one directly on top of the other, but slightly offset. If you examine it carefully, you might spot the second “D” mint mark either with the naked eye or by using a magnifying glass.

Value of the 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel

The value of a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel can vary greatly, depending on its condition. For example, a coin graded as MS-65 by a professional grading service like the PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) could be worth as much as $4,500. The value of the coin can increase if it is in mint condition, with a well-defined mint mark and good overall quality.

Factors Influencing Value

Several factors can influence the value of a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel:

1. Condition (Grade): Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. The higher the grade, the more valuable the coin is. Uncirculated coins with little wear are more valuable.
2. Full Steps (FS) Designation: The steps on Monticello (seen on the back of the coin) must be clearly visible. If they are fully defined, the coin is more valuable. A coin with a Full Steps designation can fetch a higher price.
3. Error Prominence: The more visible and clear the repunched mint mark is, the higher its value. The clearer the mistake, the more desirable the coin becomes.

Identifying a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel

To find a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel, start by examining the mint mark on the reverse side of the coin. The mint mark is located just to the right of Monticello. Look for any signs of doubling or overlapping impressions of the “D” mint mark. Using a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe can help you spot the fine details that make the error visible.

Notable Auction Sales of 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickels

Over the years, many rare 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickels have been sold at auctions for impressive prices. Here are some examples:

• MS-66, Full Steps (FS), Sold for $6,325 – September 2009
• MS-66, Full Steps (FS), Sold for $3,840 – February 2022
• MS-67+, No Full Steps, Sold for $1,750 – May 2022

These high auction prices show just how much collectors are willing to pay for a rare, well-preserved coin with a noticeable minting error.

How to Find a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel

While it may seem unlikely, you can find a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel in your everyday pocket change. Here are some tips to help you look for one:

1. Check Your Change Regularly: Always take a closer look at the nickels you receive during daily transactions.
2. Use Magnification: A magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe can help you spot tiny details that you might miss with the naked eye.
3. Visit Coin Shops: Some local coin dealers might have rolls of nickels that haven’t been checked yet.
4. Attend Coin Shows: These events are great for finding and purchasing rare coins, and you might come across one that’s worth thousands.

Preserving and Grading Your Find

If you think you’ve found a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel, handling it carefully is important to keep it in good condition. Here are some tips:

1. Avoid Cleaning the Coin: Cleaning a coin can reduce its value, as it may leave marks or scratches on its surface.
2. Handle the Coin by the Edges: Use gloves or hold the coin by its edges to avoid getting oils or dirt from your fingers on the coin.
3. Get Professional Grading: If you suspect your coin is valuable, have it graded by a professional service like PCGS or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation). They can authenticate your coin and give you an idea of its value.

Conclusion

The possibility of finding a 1964-D/D RPM Jefferson Nickel worth thousands of dollars is exciting! By carefully inspecting the nickels in your change and looking for the telltale signs of a repunched mint mark, you might just discover a hidden treasure. Just remember to handle any potential finds carefully, avoid cleaning them, and consider getting them professionally graded. You might be holding a coin worth far more than its face value!

Guilderland Historical Society

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