Why This Nickel Could Be Worth a Fortune
Most 2019-P Jefferson Nickels are only worth their face value. But if yours has multiple dramatic mint errors—think massive die breaks, spiderweb-like die cracks, and a bold double or triple strike—it could bring $250,000 or more at auction.
In 2023, one such nickel sold privately for $175,000. Experts believe an extreme triple-struck example could shatter the quarter-million-dollar mark.
3 Error Types That Make a $250K Nickel
| Error Type | What to Look For | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Die Breaks & Chips | Raised blobs on Jefferson’s face, collar, or lettering | $5 – $500+ per error |
| Die Cracks (Spiderweb) | Thin, raised lines spreading like cracked glass | $50 – $5,000+ |
| Major Misalignment | Double or triple-struck designs with ghost images | $10,000 – $250,000+ |
The $175K Example
- 7+ major die breaks (forehead, nose, lips)
- 3+ intersecting die cracks (spiderweb effect)
- Partial double strike (ghost Jefferson profile)
This coin sold for $175,000 in 2023 to an anonymous collector. A full triple-struck version with severe die breaks could push $250,000+ in a high-profile auction.
How to Spot a Jackpot Nickel
Step 1 – The Flashlight Test 
- Shine light across Jefferson’s face and collar
- Look for raised blobs (die chips) or thick, jagged lines (die breaks)
Step 2 – The Spiderweb Hunt 
- Use 10x magnification
- Search for intersecting die cracks across the coin’s surface
Step 3 – The Ghost Jefferson Check 
- Tilt and spin under bright light
- Look for faint duplicate outlines of Jefferson’s head or features
Selling Your Mega-Error Nickel
| Error Level | Best Selling Platform | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Chips/Cracks | eBay, Facebook Groups | $5 – $500 |
| Multiple Major Errors | Heritage Auctions (NY/LA) | $1,000 – $50,000 |
| Extreme Multi-Error | Private Collectors (Dubai/Monaco) | $100,000 – $250,000+ |
Pro Tip:
- PCGS/NGC grading can multiply value by 10x
- High-grade dramatic errors sell best in New York & Texas auction markets
Real-Life Find
An Ohio teenager found a 2019-P Nickel with 5 die breaks in a Coinstar reject tray—sold for $8,500.
The ultimate jackpot coin—full triple strike + extreme spiderweb cracks—may still be in circulation.
Bonus: The “Million-Dollar” Coin Theory
A 2019-P Nickel with all of the following could smash the $1M mark at Sotheby’s:
- Wrong planchet (copper instead of nickel)
- Double-struck reverse (Monticello upside-down)
- Missing mintmark (“P” absent)
Collector Tip:
Check every 2019-P nickel you see. Use a bright light, magnifier, and patience—life-changing finds often look ordinary at first glance.
