Some coin discoveries are interesting…
Others are jaw-dropping. 
This rare nickel error coin recently sold for over $1,250, and the reason behind its value is one of the most fascinating minting mistakes collectors can find.
At first glance, it does not even look like a nickel. Let’s break down exactly why this coin is so valuable, how it was identified, and how you can spot one yourself.
Step 1: The Color Gave It Away
The very first thing collectors noticed was the wrong color.
- Normal nickels → silver-gray
- This coin → reddish brown like a penny
That unusual copper tone immediately raised suspicion that something was seriously wrong—in a good way.
Step 2: The Edges Looked “Cut Off”
Next clue: the edges.
Instead of the normal nickel shape, the edges appeared:
- Slightly incomplete
- Improperly formed
- Not fully expanded
This happens when a coin is struck on the wrong metal blank (planchet).
Step 3: The Weight Confirmed the Error
This is where science proves the case.
| Coin Type | Normal Weight |
|---|---|
| Nickel | ~5.0 grams |
| Copper Penny | ~3.1 grams |
This coin weighed 3.1 grams 
That is the exact weight of a copper penny planchet.
Conclusion:
The U.S. Mint accidentally struck a nickel design onto a penny blank.
This is called:
A wrong planchet error
One of the most valuable and collectible mint errors in modern numismatics.
Step 4: Professional Certification by PCGS
To confirm authenticity, the owner submitted the coin to:
PCGS – Professional Coin Grading Service
PCGS verified:
- The metal composition
- The incorrect planchet
- The weight
- The authenticity of the mint error
Certification is critical for rare errors because it:
- Protects buyers
- Confirms legitimacy
- Increases market value dramatically
Step 5: The Final Sale Price
Once certified, the coin went to market.
Final sale price: $1,250
For a single modern nickel.
An ordinary 5-cent coin → transformed into a four-figure collectible.
Why This Error Is So Valuable
Collectors pay premiums because:
- Wrong planchet errors are extremely rare
- Few survive unnoticed
- Easy to authenticate by weight
- Visually dramatic (wrong color + wrong metal)
- Highly demanded by error-coin specialists
How You Can Check Your Own Coins
Use this quick checklist:
Does your nickel look copper-colored?
Does it feel lighter than normal?
Does it weigh close to 3.1 grams?
Are the edges incomplete or unusual?
If yes → you may have something special.
How to Get a Coin Certified
To submit a coin:
- Visit PCGS.com
- Search: PCGS Submission Guide
- Download the form
- Follow the step-by-step instructions
- Ship securely
Certification can turn a strange coin into a verified treasure.
Final Thoughts
This incredible nickel proves one thing:
Always check your change.
A simple color difference and weight test turned pocket change into $1,250 cash.
Hidden treasures still exist. You just have to look closely. 
Happy hunting, collectors.
