Exact detail to spot on the back of a Jefferson nickel which reveals whether it could sell for $41,000 ahead of auction

YOU can make thousands on a rare nickel if you’ve got your hands on it.

A coin expert on TikTok recently shared that certain Jefferson nickels could be worth far more than you might expect – and it sold for thousands at an auction .

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TikTok/blueridgesilverhound

Shaun, or BlueRidgeSilverHound on Tiktok, shared a rare coin find on the platform.

This find contains a seemingly unassuming 1964 Thomas Jefferson nickel—a coin that was minted in the hundreds of millions, according to Shaun.

However, the creator said in his video that there exists a rare exception that sets this nickel apart from the rest: a unique test piece created by the US Mint during its transition from proof coinage to what is now referred to as special mint strikes.

In the mid-1960s, the US Mint was in full swing, experimenting with various striking techniques to improve the quality and appearance of its coins.

This period saw the creation of trial or test pieces, including the 1964 Jefferson nickel.

Unlike its standard counterparts, this particular coin exhibits distinct differences in design and striking quality.

STAND-OUTS

The first thing collectors notice about this test piece is its superior strike.

Shaun said in his video that, unlike the standard 1964 Jefferson nickels, which often show flow lines and other imperfections, the test piece is remarkably well-struck.

Its edges are “very squared off,” presenting a clean, sharp appearance that enhances its appeal.

These striking differences make it stand out among a sea of more common nickels, contributing to its allure and desirability among collectors.

INSIDE THE LESTER MERKIN COLLECTION

Many of these unique test pieces trace their origins back to the renowned Lester Merkin collection, a name synonymous with high-quality and rare coins.

Merkin was known for acquiring some of the most sought-after pieces in numismatic history.

His collection has left a lasting impact on the world of coin collecting.

The rarity of the 1964 Jefferson nickel test piece is further emphasized by the fact that nearly all known examples have been accounted for, making it a true collector’s dream.

Rare coins

You may be holding something valuable in your wallet. Check out these articles on rare coins to see if you may have a treasure hidden deep in your pockets.

• Rare Lincoln penny sells for $201
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• 1971 Eisenhower silver coin sells for $264,000
• Lincoln double die obverse penny sells for $2,000
• Half cent sells for $3,383
• Rare nickel sells for $1,956 on eBay
• 1889 CC Morgan Silver dollar coin sells for $1,850
• Lincoln 1992 penny can be worth up to $25,000
• Standing Liberty quarter sells for $565
• Lincoln coin minted in 2020 sells for $525

MAJOR VALUE

The significance of the 1964 Jefferson nickel test piece is reflected in its market value.

Recently, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) graded one of these coins Special Mint State 68 Full Steps and sold it for an astounding $41,231.25 at an auction in April.

“That’s kind of like a big chase,” Shaun said. “A unique unicorn of all things.”

“Don’t know if there’s another one out there, but we could all dream, right?” he concluded his video.

This 1964 Jefferson nickel isn’t the limit, however.

You can make some huge cash on other unsuspecting coin finds — you just have to keep an eye on some minor details that can make your Abraham Lincoln pennies worth millions, an expert uncovered .

There might also be a huge benefit to keeping an eye on your 2004 quarters as they might be worth $2,000.