What started as a routine cleanup of old fishing gear turned into a life-changing moment for one retired fisherman from Michigan. Nestled deep within the compartments of a dusty tackle box, untouched for nearly 20 years, was a small, tarnished coin—unassuming in appearance but extraordinary in value. That coin, a rare 1942 Jefferson nickel, eventually sold at an international auction for over $38,000, stunning the numismatic world and capturing headlines across continents.
An Ordinary Day, an Extraordinary Find
The story begins with the fisherman sorting through decades-old fishing supplies. Among faded bobbers and rusty hooks lay a Jefferson nickel that seemed just slightly “off.” Not gold, not polished—just worn and different. On a whim, he took a photo of the coin and posted it in an online coin collector’s forum. The response was immediate: get it professionally appraised.
That simple step revealed a stunning truth—the coin was not only rare but potentially one of a kind.
The 1942 “War-Time” Jefferson Nickel
The coin in question turned out to be a 1942 war-time Jefferson nickel. In that year, due to critical wartime metal shortages, the U.S. Mint altered the nickel’s composition. Instead of the usual 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy, the mint used a mix of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel for military use. These silver-content nickels are already valuable to collectors, but this particular coin held something even rarer: a double die obverse error.
Double die errors occur when the coin die is improperly engraved, resulting in a noticeable doubling of design elements like the date, lettering, or profile. In the case of this 1942 nickel, the doubling was clear, especially around the date and the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse. Only a handful of these misprints are known to exist, making this find a true rarity.
Exceptional Preservation Against the Odds
One of the most remarkable aspects of the find was its near-pristine condition. Despite spending two decades in a metal tackle box, the coin exhibited minimal signs of wear. Experts believe the environment—cool, dark, and dry—helped preserve the nickel’s original features. When the coin was submitted to a professional grading service, it received a high mint-state grade, elevating its value even further.
Bidding Frenzy at Global Auction
News of the rare nickel spread quickly across coin forums, collectors’ networks, and international media. It was soon listed in a prestigious European numismatic auction, drawing attention from elite private collectors, investors, and even institutions.
The final sale price? $38,200, a staggering sum for a five-cent piece that spent most of its life buried under fishing tackle.
Auction officials described the coin as a “historical artifact with heart,” noting its appeal wasn’t solely about rarity but the story of its discovery. “It’s a perfect example of forgotten history resurfacing in everyday places,” one official commented.
Why This Coin Was So Valuable
A combination of four key factors drove the Jefferson nickel’s high price at auction:
1. Rarity of the Double Die Obverse
Fewer than a dozen examples of the 1942 war nickel with this specific mint error are confirmed in existence. That level of rarity immediately places it in a high-value tier.
2. Historical Context
Coins from wartime eras are highly prized by collectors. The 1942 switch to silver alloy marked a unique moment in U.S. history, tying numismatics to the broader narrative of WWII.
3. High-Grade Condition
Coins in exceptional condition—especially those with visible mint errors—tend to command much higher prices due to their preservation and appeal.
4. Human Interest Story
The fact that the coin was found in a fishing tackle box added emotional depth and charm to its backstory, sparking increased bidding enthusiasm.
A Powerful Reminder: Hidden Value Is Everywhere
This isn’t the first time a valuable coin has emerged from an unexpected place—and it certainly won’t be the last. Similar discoveries have occurred in coin rolls, attics, thrift shops, and now, fishing gear. These stories prove that ordinary people can stumble upon extraordinary history, sometimes without even realizing it.
The Michigan fisherman plans to use his windfall to take his grandchildren on a cross-country road trip, with stops at historical landmarks and museums. “I want them to learn the value of the past—and maybe teach them to look twice before throwing anything away,” he said.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook the Ordinary
The Jefferson nickel found in a tackle box is a reminder that the rarest treasures often hide in the most unremarkable places. Whether it’s an old penny in a drawer or a dusty coin near a fishing line, historical artifacts don’t always come wrapped in velvet cases. Sometimes, they come in rusted compartments, waiting for someone curious enough to take a second look.