Introduction
What if two old dirty coins hiding in your drawer could be worth more than a luxury car or even a house? Sounds unbelievable, but the legendary 1964 SMS Jefferson nickel and 1964 SMS Lincoln penny are among the rarest modern U.S. coins ever discovered. Some have sold for over $100,000, and experts speculate top examples could reach $1.6 million to $1.8 million 
In this article, we break down why these coins are so rare, how to identify them, and why collectors are willing to pay insane prices.
Current Coin Market Overview
1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel: Up to $290,000+- Top Speculative Value: $1,600,000
- 1964 SMS Lincoln Penny: Up to $433,000+
Ultra Rare Speculation: $1,800,000
These coins were never officially released, making them legendary among collectors.
What Does “SMS” Mean?
SMS stands for Special Mint Set.
These coins are:
- Sharper than regular circulation coins
- Not mirror-like like proof coins
- Have satin-like surfaces and crisp details
- Extremely rare and mysterious
The shocking part: 1964 had NO official SMS sets. Yet a few exist today.
Why 1964 Coins Are So Rare
In 1964, the U.S. faced a massive coin shortage. The mint produced billions of coins quickly, causing most coins to be low quality.
But somehow, a tiny batch of special high-quality coins appeared years later with no official explanation.
This mystery makes them extremely valuable. 
How to Identify a 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
Look for these signs:
Razor-sharp steps on Monticello- Satin-like surface (not shiny proof)
- Squared, sharp rims
- Very few contact marks
- Weight around 5 grams
Never clean the coin! Cleaning destroys value.
How to Identify a 1964 SMS Lincoln Penny
Check these features:
Sharp Lincoln hair and beard details- Crisp Lincoln Memorial columns
- Smooth satin surface
- Squared rims
- Minimal bag marks
Even old dirt or toning can increase authenticity value.
Valuable 1964 Coin Errors
Even non-SMS coins can be valuable:
- Double die errors
- Repunched mint marks (RPM)
- Off-center strikes
- Clipped planchets
- Die cracks and cuds
Some errors sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars 
Auction Prices That Shock Collectors
- $30,000+ for certified SMS coins
- $100,000+ for top-grade examples
- $290,000 elite-grade sales
- Speculative values up to $1.6M–$1.8M for unique top-pop coins
Collectors pay these prices because coins represent history, rarity, and competition.
Coin Collector’s Verdict
The 1964 SMS Jefferson nickel and 1964 SMS Lincoln penny remain some of the greatest mysteries in modern U.S. coinage.
Billions were minted, but only a few dozen SMS coins exist. If you ever find a 1964 coin that looks unusually sharp, do not ignore it. Study it, weigh it, and get it professionally graded.
You might be holding a life-changing treasure without even knowing it. 
