A Jefferson Nickel that was once nothing more than a lucky pocket charm has now turned into a jackpot moment for one unsuspecting woman. The five-cent piece, tucked away in a purse for years, recently sold at a coin auction for a staggering $40,000 — shocking both casual collectors and seasoned numismatists.
The story begins with 71-year-old Marie Wallace from Des Moines, Iowa, who says she always carried a worn-out Jefferson Nickel in her coin purse. “I don’t even remember where I got it. It just looked different, and something about it made me keep it with me all these years,” Wallace said. “I thought of it as my good luck charm — I never expected it to be worth anything.”
A Coin With Hidden Value
Wallace’s so-called lucky coin turned out to be a 1942-P Jefferson Nickel, a wartime issue struck in 35% silver — but what made it truly rare was a combination of factors: it featured a full step strike on Monticello, strong doubling on the obverse, and an extremely rare die crack running from Jefferson’s forehead to his collar. These elements, though subtle, dramatically increased its desirability.
According to experts from the Midwestern Numismatic Society, the coin was graded MS67 by a third-party grading service, making it one of the highest-known specimens of its kind. “This isn’t just another silver wartime nickel,” said Andrew Lyman, a coin appraiser familiar with the case. “Its near-perfect condition, rare variety, and historical significance made it a standout piece.”
A Surprising Discovery
The discovery wasn’t even planned. Wallace had brought a box of old coins to a local collectibles fair just to see if any were “worth keeping.” She had no idea the nickel would grab the attention of multiple experts. “They kept asking me if I knew what I had,” Wallace recalled. “I thought they were joking until someone showed me similar coins that had sold for tens of thousands.”
Within weeks, the coin was listed at a national coin auction, where a bidding war broke out between three collectors. The final hammer price? $40,000.
A Growing Interest in Jefferson Nickels
While Lincoln Pennies and Morgan Dollars often dominate coin headlines, Jefferson Nickels — especially those minted during World War II — are seeing a surge in interest. The coins from 1942 to 1945, known as “war nickels,” were made with a silver alloy due to wartime metal shortages.
Collectors are now actively seeking versions with minting errors, high grades, or unique historical markings. As demand grows, even common coins are being reevaluated for hidden worth.
Turning Pocket Change into a Windfall
Marie Wallace’s story is not just a one-in-a-million tale — it’s a reminder that valuable coins might still be hiding in plain sight. Many collectors and hobbyists believe there’s untapped potential in everyday pocket change, especially older coins from the 1940s and 1950s.
“I’ve had this thing for over 30 years,” Wallace said. “I used to rub it before job interviews, doctor visits — anything nerve-wracking. I never thought it would pay off like this.”
She now plans to use part of the proceeds to help fund her grandson’s college tuition. “It was a good luck charm, and I guess the luck’s still working,” she laughed.
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Final Thoughts
As rare coin values continue to rise, stories like this are becoming more common — and more captivating. For anyone with a dusty coin jar or forgotten drawer full of change, this is a wake-up call: what looks like a simple nickel might just be the next big headline.
