A Surprise Find in the Kitchen
A man in Michigan got the shock of his life when he peeled a 1942 Jefferson Nickel off a fridge magnet and learned it was worth $125,000. The coin, stuck there for years as a quirky decoration, turned out to be a rare wartime error that collectors crave. This discovery, sold at auction last month, has people across the country checking old coins and even fridge magnets for hidden treasures. It’s a reminder that a simple nickel can hold a fortune.
The Wartime Nickel’s Secret
The Jefferson Nickel, first minted in 1938, shows President Thomas Jefferson on one side and his home, Monticello, on the other. In 1942, during World War II, the U.S. Mint switched to making nickels with 35% silver to save nickel for the war effort. But a few were accidentally struck without silver, using the regular copper-nickel mix. This rare 1942 error, known as a “non-silver” nickel, is what the Michigan man found. Its unique makeup and great condition made it a six-figure prize.
Why It’s So Valuable
This nickel’s value comes from its rarity and historical quirk. Only a small number of 1942 nickels were struck without the silver alloy, making them a collector’s dream. The coin was graded Mint State 66 by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), meaning it’s in near-perfect shape despite being stuck to a magnet. Its clear details and the error’s scarcity pushed its auction price to $125,000. Collectors love these wartime mistakes because they tell a story of a chaotic time in U.S. history.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | 1942 Jefferson Nickel (Non-Silver Error) |
| Material | Copper-nickel (instead of 35% silver) |
| Auction Value | $125,000 |
| Grading | PCGS Mint State 66 |
| Known Examples | Fewer than 20 estimated |
How to Spot a Valuable Nickel
Want to check if you have a rare nickel? Here’s what to look for:
- Date: Must be 1942, without a “P” mint mark above Monticello.
- Magnet Test: Non-silver nickels stick to magnets; wartime silver ones don’t.
- Weight: Regular nickels weigh about 5 grams; silver ones are slightly heavier.
- Condition: Clear details on Jefferson’s hair or Monticello’s steps mean higher value.
If you find a 1942 nickel that sticks to a magnet, don’t clean it—it could lower its worth. Take it to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC for a professional check. These errors are rare but could be hiding anywhere.
A Collecting Craze Takes Off
The $125,000 sale has sparked a wave of excitement. People are posting on social media about checking old nickels, and some are even inspecting fridge magnets for stuck coins. Coin shops are seeing more customers with wartime nickels, hoping for a big find. Another 1942 non-silver nickel sold for $90,000 last year, showing the demand for these coins. The Michigan man, who plans to pay off his house with the money, called it “a crazy stroke of luck.”
Check Your Coins and Magnets
This story proves that treasures can turn up in the oddest places. A 1942 Jefferson Nickel stuck to your fridge or tucked in a coin jar could be worth six figures if it’s a non-silver error. Experts suggest looking through old collections, especially from the 1940s, or checking loose change from cash purchases. Even if you don’t find a $125,000 nickel, other rare coins could still bring a nice payout. So, grab a magnet and start hunting—you might just find a fortune in your kitchen.
