Question for fellow Nickel Hunters.

[Jamesabroad]

I hunt more nickels than anything. Sometimes I look at the rolls of 1940's and 1950's nickels that I've stashed away and wonder why I'm keeping them. So, how many of you guys actually keep all pre 1960 nickels and if you do, what is your rationale? Just want to see if I'm crazy or if there is maybe some logic to keeping them. I guess you could say that, if nothing else, I'm stashing away money that I would otherwise be spending.

 

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[Argentium]

For some reason I tend to keep 1940's nickels - I don't know why - maybe because they are all near or over 70 years old .

 

[retire05]

I keep war nickels, but nothing in the 50s. Of course, I do keep the older nickels though...Brad

 

[ArkieBassMan]

I'm wasn't a nickel CRHer per se, but I did buy a box occasionally. Along with that, I have searched my own pocket change all the way back to the 1970's. Even back then, anything pre-1960 was a keeper. I finally came to the same conclusion as the OP. I mean, just how many rolls of 1959D's did I need? I went through and dumped a bunch of average condition, common date 40's and 50's. I hope they make their way to someone that wants them.

 

[port ewen ace]

the obvious high value nics. like the 38 PDS, 39PDS, 49S,50D plus the MM errors on 54 & 55 are definite keepers, but all the 40's and 50's have some value IF: the triangle base is visible with all pillars full and complete, the jaw and hair have full details, the steps are near full, and there is good mint luster. so basically look for Extremely Fine up to low Mint State. I sold 2 immaculate MS '56's for $10 each. it is all about the quality!!!!. war nics with full pillars and steps are worth more than melt, a few great ones I sold for $4 to $5 each. happy hunting and don't forget to wash your hands!!!

 

[galenrog]

I sort Jeffs into several piles. Each has its own collector niche. 1938-1949, less War Nicks. I can usually get about $300 per box, but will take $250. 1950-1959. Typically between $175-$225 per box. Errors, proofs, each with smaller subcategories. Finally War Nicks. Just stack these.

 

[Chizzy]

My local coin shop will purchase any nickels from 1958 back to 1938 for a small premium.........they resell them to a third party for 7 cents apiece............

 

[baddbluff]

My local coin shop will purchase any nickels from 1958 back to 1938 for a small premium.........they resell them to a third party for 7 cents apiece............

That 3rd party must be Littleton Coin Company... Who then resells them to ignorant people for 50 cents each. And it's a win-win for all! (except the new collector who is PISSED that he/she just got ripped off).

 

[DaytonaRacer]

I hold onto all pre-'61 Jeffs I find. The best go into my book. The rest get rolled/stacked just so I'm assured I don't end up getting the same Jeffs back again in another box.

 

[Jamesabroad]

Interesting to read everyones collecting strategies.

Galenrog, I'll have to try this method out of reselling boxes of pre 1960's.

port ewen ace, this sounds like sound advice. Thanks!

 

[galenrog]

Niche markets are small. They are also local. I place ads, when necessary, on all Craigslist locations within 200 miles of my home. The local coin clubs are already tired of me, leaving little else. Should the local coin market tighten much more, I may consider putting together sets, rather than sorting by decade.

 

[silvercounselor]

I personally only collect war nics, buffs, V nics, 38s, 39s and anything that was minted under 15m. I now keep significantly less nickels because I find so many pre 1960s.

 

[Yinzi50]

I also only keep coins under 15 million plus 1938P. I like the top smaller loop of "8". I examine dates with possible errors more carefully.

 

[MIhunter]

Excluding war nicks, 1938DS, 1939DS, 1950D,
1938-49 nickels in AG-F are worth only face value.
There are ways to sell them for more to someone who doesn't know better.

I hold on to Jefferson nickels with less 15 million mintage, plus 1938, 1939
there rest I would keep if cond is VF 20 or better

 

[nighteagle]

With the exception of war nickels, I just keep what I need to fill my Dansco album

 

[MIhunter]

A 1938DS, 1939DS, 1950D, or any 1938-49 in AU cond or better, they are all worth more than a low grade war nickel

 

[boristhespider88]

I keep war nickels, 1950D, and anything pre-1940. I don't find many 38 and 39 Jeffersons. Anything else I only keep as an upgrade to my nickel album.