Look at the coin under good light. Is it shiny and reflective? Or dull and scratched? The shinier, the better. No cleaning it yourself! That’s the number one way to destroy its value.
Check for mint marks—tiny letters like D, S, O, or CC. If it’s a 1911 Liberty Head nickel with a “D”? You’re in luck. That’s a key date. Without a mint mark? It’s just a nickel.
Finally, ask yourself: “Does anyone care about this date?” Some years are just filler. Others are legendary. A quick Google search with “mintage figures” will tell you.
The Real Value? It’s the Story
Look, even if your WW1 coin is only worth a few bucks, it’s still a piece of history. That coin was in someone’s pocket during the Great War. It bought bread in 1918. It survived a century.
That’s worth something, right? Right? My grandpa’s 1917 nickel? Worth maybe $3. But the story of him getting it from his dad? Priceless. Or at least worth a coffee and a good laugh.
So go ahead, dig through that old box. Check the date. Check the mint mark. And if you find a 1916-D? Call me. We’ll split the profit. Just kidding. Mostly.
