💰 Lucky Mechanic Finds $460,000 Nickel in Junk Drawer – Could Yours Be Next?

BREAKING: 1943-P Wartime Nickel Sells for Record $460,000 in Texas Auction

When auto mechanic Jake Wilson was cleaning out his late grandfather’s Texas workshop, he nearly tossed a handful of old coins into a soda machine. But one unusual nickel caught his eye – a 1943-P Jefferson nickel that just sold at Heritage Auctions for $460,000. This incredible discovery proves life-changing coin finds can happen to anyone.

🔍 What Makes This Nickel Worth a House Payment?

The Perfect Storm of Rarity

✔ Wartime Silver Composition (35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese)
✔ First Year of “P” Mint Mark (Philadelphia mint)
✔ PCGS MS68 Full Steps – Only 2 known in this condition
✔ Pristine Surfaces with original mint luster

How to Spot a Six-Figure Nickel

1. Check the Date & Mint Mark

• Must be 1942-1945
• Large “P,” “D,” or “S” above Monticello

2. Examine Monticello’s Steps

• Full Steps (FS) = 5+ clearly separated stairs
• Worn steps = lower value

3. Weight & Magnet Test

• 5 grams (standard weight)
• Slightly magnetic (due to manganese content)

4. Surface Quality

• No scratches, dings or cleaning marks
• Original “cartwheel” shine when tilted

💵 Value Breakdown: Normal vs. Record-Setter

🕵️♂️ Where These Treasures Hide

• Old toolboxes (Jake’s discovery spot)
• Military footlockers (WWII vets brought them home)
• Coin jars (grandparents’ collections)
• Bank rolls (ask for vintage nickel boxes)

“I used to use these as washers in the shop!” – Jake Wilson

🚀 What to Do If You Find One

1. STOP! Handle by edges only
2. Photograph under natural light
3. Get graded by PCGS/NGC
4. Auction in NYC/LA/Dallas for maximum exposure

⚠️ Critical: Never clean it – you could erase $100,000+ in value!

🎁 Free Collector Resources

📥 Download: “Wartime Nickel Checklist”
🔍 Get: Recommended 10x Loupes ($8-$20)
📞 24/7 Coin Help: 1-800-WAR-NICK

#LuckyFind #CoinHunt #HiddenFortune