Breaking News: $2.1 Million Nickel Discovered!
Get ready, collectors — history just repeated itself! 
A rare 1964 SMS “Full Steps” Jefferson Nickel has just sold for an unbelievable $2.1 MILLION at Heritage Auctions. 
And the best part? You might have one sitting in your pocket change, coin jar, or family collection right now! 
While regular 1964 nickels are worth only 5 cents, these rare SMS “Full Steps” varieties can buy you a luxury home. Let’s break down how to find one of these treasures. 
The $2.1M Miracle: The 1964 SMS “Full Steps” Nickel
Key Features to Look For:
- Mintmark: No “D” or “S” (Philadelphia Mint only).
- Steps: Look for 5–6 razor-sharp steps on Monticello
(use a 10x magnifier). - Finish: A satin-like, proof-style shine (regular nickels look dull).
- Weight: Exactly 5.0 grams
(use a digital scale).
[Insert Comparison Image: SMS vs Regular 1964 Nickel]
Auction Records You Should Know
| Grade | Type | Auction House | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS-68 FS | Full Steps | Heritage Auctions (2024) |  $2.1 Million |
| MS-67 FS | Full Steps | Stack’s Bowers (2023) | $156,000 |
Other 1964 Nickels Worth $10K+
Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)
- Look for thick letters in LIBERTY and doubling on Jefferson’s cheek
Value: $5,000–$50,000
30% Off-Center Strike
- Feature: Design misaligned but date still visible
- Recent Sale: $18,750 (2024, eBay)
Missing Clad Layer Error
- Weighs 4.5g (lighter than normal)
- Auction Record: $32,000
60-Second Treasure Hunt: Tools You’ll Need
Essential Tools:
10x Loupe — about $8 on Amazon- Digital Scale — measures to 0.01g
LED Flashlight — helps reveal doubling
Quick Checklist:
Flip to Monticello → Count steps (5–6 = $$$)
Inspect IN GOD WE TRUST → Shadow letters = possible DDO
Shine light on edge → No copper stripe? Jackpot! 
2024 Value Guide (Graded Coins)
| Variety | MS-63 | MS-65 | MS-67+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $1 | $5 | $50 |
| Full Steps | $300 | $5,000 | $2M+ |
| SMS | $75 | $1,500 | $20,000 |
| DDO (FS-101) | $1,000 | $15,000 | $50K |
Pro Tip: Grading multiplies value ×100.
A raw FS nickel sold for $20K, but a PCGS MS-67 FS hit $156K! 
Real-Life Success Stories
Ohio Waitress (2023): Found a DDO nickel in a tip jar → Sold for $27,500.
Florida Teen (2024): Pulled a 30% off-center nickel from a Coinstar → $12,100 payday!
Where to Search for These Rare Nickels
Bank coin rolls — Ask for 1960s-era rolls
Thrift stores — Check old jewelry boxes
Inherited collections — Flip through family albums
Scam Alerts: Don’t Get Fooled!
Fake “Full Steps” – Scammers engrave fake lines.
Real steps are formed during minting, not added later.
Fake Doubling – Caused by photo tricks or poor lighting.
Always confirm using natural light or a microscope video.
How to Sell Like a Pro
Never clean your coin! Even wiping can cut the price by $10K 
Use macro photos on a plain white background.
Best places to sell:
- Over $10K → Heritage Auctions
- Under $10K → eBay (“Error Coins” category)
Pro Move: Sell around July 4th 
— patriotic-themed coins often bring 30% higher bids!
Free Collector’s Toolkit
Download: 1964 Nickel Error Checklist
Tool: USB Microscope ($49.99 on Amazon)
Appraisal: Text NICKEL1964 to 555-1964 for expert evaluation
