A Complete eBay Buyer's Guide to Copper Jefferson Nickel Error Coins
Jefferson nickels were composed of 75% copper, except for "Wartime Nickels" pressed between the middle of 1942 and 1945 that contained 56% copper. Many Jefferson nickels are valuable in their own right if you are a US currency collector, even without errors, but some Jefferson nickels are even more valuable for containing mint-made errors. Learn how to identify and select reasonably priced Jefferson nickel error coins on eBay, whether for sentimental or collectible value.
Types of Jefferson nickel errorsNew and preowned Jefferson nickels are subject to the same errors that can affect all US coins. There are three main types of US coin errors you can find in Jefferson nickels: planchet preparation errors, hub and die errors, and strike errors. Planchet preparation errors involve the blank metal discs onto which mints strike coins, affecting their ultimate shape and size. Hub and die errors occur when the dies are produced and inserted into presses, as well as from die deterioration over time and usage. Strike errors happen when the planchet gets struck and is the result of a manufacturing process flaw. The following list shows some of the most common errors of each of these types:
- Planchet preparation errors - Blank planchet, clipped planchet, cladding flaw, lamination flaw, and improper planchet thickness
- Hub and die errors - Fundamental die-setting, doubled die, die chips, breaks, and cracks, die or MAD clash, over mintmarks and overdates, trails, mule, misaligned dies, and punching
- Strike errors - Strike-through, broad strike, die cap, brockage, uni-face coin, off-center strike, edge strike, multiple strike, wrong planchet strike, double denomination, mated set or pair, rim, and edge
One way to collect copper coin errors is to select coins that all contain the same type or category of error. You can also collect Jefferson copper-nickel error coins the same way you would collect circulated currency, namely by year or mint of striking. Jefferson copper nickels were minted at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints. Once you find the copper Jefferson nickel errors you want to own, look for whether a particular Jefferson copper error nickel for sale on eBay is certified by the US Mint, PCGS, NGC, or other recognized rare coin certification agency and, if so, what grade it has received. Coin grading scales vary depending on the agency assigning the grade.
Particularly notable Jefferson nickel error coinsWhile all nickel errors are notable for their uniqueness and rarity, some are particularly sought after by collectors and hobbyists like you. These include full-step Jefferson nickels on which the reverse side contains "full steps" and 1942 nickels that have the reverse of the 1941 nickel on their reverse side.
Content provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.