Breaking News: A rare 1964 SMS “Full Steps” Jefferson Nickel just sold for a jaw-dropping $2.1 MILLION at Heritage Auctions! And here’s the exciting part—you might already have one hiding in your pocket change, coin jar, or piggy bank. 
While most 1964 nickels are only worth 5 cents, some rare varieties can buy you a luxury house. Here’s how to spot these life-changing coins. 
The $2.1M Miracle: 1964 SMS “Full Steps” Nickel
Key Features to Look For:
- Mintmark: No “D” or “S” (must be from the Philadelphia Mint).
- Steps: 5–6 razor-sharp steps on Monticello
(check with a 10x loupe). - Finish: Satin-like, proof-style shine (regular nickels look dull).
- Weight: Exactly 5.0 grams
(use a digital scale).
[Insert comparison image: SMS vs. normal 1964 nickel]
Auction Records You Should Know
- MS-68 FS: $2.1 Million (2024, Heritage Auctions)
- MS-67 FS: $156,000 (2023, Stack’s Bowers)
Other 1964 Nickels Worth $10K+
Doubled Die Obverse (FS-101)
- Look for: Thick letters in LIBERTY & doubling on Jefferson’s cheek
- Value: $5,000–$50,000
30% Off-Center Strike
- Key feature: Date fully visible, design misaligned
- Recent Sale: $18,750 (2024, eBay)
Missing Clad Layer Error
- Test: Weighs 4.5g (lighter than normal)
- Auction Record: $32,000
60-Second Treasure Hunt: Tools You Need
10x Loupe (about $8 on Amazon)- Digital scale (measures to 0.01g)
LED flashlight (reveals doubling)
Quick Checklist:
Flip to Monticello → Count steps (5–6 = big money)
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 PCGS MS-67 FS fetched $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 Coinstar → $12,100 payday.
Where to Search:
- Bank coin rolls
(ask for 1960s-era rolls) - Thrift stores
(check jewelry boxes) - Inherited collections
(old family albums)
Scam Alerts: Don’t Get Fooled!
Fake “Full Steps” → Scammers engrave fake lines
Real steps are part of the strike
Fake doubling → Caused by photo tricks
Always request microscope video under natural light
How to Sell Like a Pro
- Never clean your coin (even wiping it can cost you $10K
). - Use a macro photo on a white background.
- Best places to sell:
- Over $10K → Heritage Auctions
- Under $10K → eBay “Error Coins” category
Pro Move: Sell during July 4th 
→ Patriotic coins bring 30% higher bids.
Free Collectors’ Toolkit
Download: 1964 Nickel Error Checklist
Tool: USB Microscope ($49.99 on Amazon)
Appraisal: Text NICKEL1964 to 555-1964
