Just found this nickel and I'm wondering if it carries any value or if it should just be returned to the bank. It looks like it is off centered and maybe struck though something? But I don't know and that's why I'm asking. Any idea on value.....if any? -JB
I know it is hard to tell from the pictures, but there is luster on this nickel. These do not appear to be scratches, but then again I am just not completely certain.
Okay, so after a bit of looking at the pictures, I have determined this: The poor nickel had been hit so many times, it feels like Pearl Harbor after the bombing had taken place. Second, it is not an off center strike. This is known as "misaligned" Dies and this may have carried a (tiny) premium if it hadn't been so beaten. It is a spender.
So I looked at it again and it really looks like it has mint luster. I don't know but sure doesn't look like normal scratches to me. I mean I've only just started, but I've gone through a few thousand dollars worth of nickels already. The reverse is weakly struck as well.
Okay, educate me on how to tell whether a coin on which the design isn't centered on the planchet is the result of being struck "off center" or by "misaligned dies", so I don't confuse them?
Basically, if one side is seen as off center and the reverse is centered, it is misaligned. If both sides are off center, it would be a true off center strike.
That coin does not have mint luster at all. It is a well circulated MAD that has been damaged and is only worth 5 cents. Even high grade true off center modern Jefferson Nickels are only worth less than $50. Take a look at the links below and see the difference in quality. 1999-P Jefferson Nickel Off Center NGC MS66 FS $38 (1/2012) 1999-P Jefferson Nickel Off Center NGC MS65 FS $15 (10/2011) Stop wasting your time with that thing and throw it back in the pile, it is worthless.
