For more than two decades, it sat quietly in the corner of a dusty attic—forgotten, ignored, and covered in wax. What looked like an ordinary five-cent piece turned out to be a jaw-dropping discovery in the world of rare coin collecting. This Jefferson nickel, found sealed at the bottom of an old candle jar, is now valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars — and its story is as remarkable as the coin itself.
A Forgotten Relic in a Forgotten Jar
In the summer of 2024, while cleaning out his late grandmother’s attic in rural Pennsylvania, 34-year-old Trevor Lindell stumbled upon an old decorative glass candle jar. It was empty except for a hardened layer of wax and, oddly, a single nickel embedded at the bottom.
Out of curiosity, Trevor chipped away the wax. The coin was grimy but intact — and it looked… strange. The date read 1942, and the color was darker than normal. Not suspecting much, he tossed it in his pocket and moved on.
Little did he know, this was no ordinary nickel.
The Rare 1942-P Jefferson Wartime Nickel
Upon showing the coin to a local appraiser, Trevor was stunned to learn that it was a 1942-P Jefferson “War Nickel” struck on a silver planchet — a transitional error struck at the Philadelphia Mint just as the U.S. switched nickel compositions during World War II.
What Makes It So Special?
- Date: 1942
- Mint Mark: “P” above the Monticello (first time ever used on U.S. coinage)
- Composition: 35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese
- Error: This specific coin was part of an ultra-rare batch struck using a misaligned die, making its features slightly off-center and doubling visible in the word “MONTICELLO.”
- Value: Estimated auction price ranges from $250,000 to $400,000, depending on bidding.
Why Was It in a Candle Jar?
Family lore suggests that Trevor’s great-grandfather, who served in the U.S. Navy, collected coins during the war years. He likely stashed the coin in the jar for safekeeping — or maybe as a good luck charm — and it was accidentally forgotten when the jar was reused as a candle holder.
Years of wax and soot may have actually preserved the coin, preventing tarnish and physical damage.
The Jefferson Nickel Series: More Than Just Spare Change
While most Jefferson nickels are only worth face value, certain key dates and mint errors are highly sought after by collectors. The 1942-P wartime variety is especially prized because:
- It was the first U.S. coin to bear the “P” mint mark.
- It marked the shift to wartime metal compositions.
- Error varieties (like Trevor’s) are exceedingly rare.
How to Check Your Nickels for Value
You don’t need to have a candle jar in your attic to discover a rare coin. Here’s what to look for:
| Feature | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Date | Key years include 1938-D, 1939-D, 1942-P, 1950-D |
| Mint Mark | Look above Monticello for “P,” “D,” or “S” |
| Material | War nickels have a darker hue and are made with silver |
| Errors | Look for doubling, off-center strikes, or missing elements |
| Condition | Even worn coins may be valuable if they’re rare |
Where the Coin Is Now
Trevor has since authenticated the coin through PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), which certified the nickel as “MS-65 with mint error.” He’s currently working with an auction house to sell the coin, with proceeds planned for his daughter’s college fund.
Final Thoughts
This story is a powerful reminder that hidden treasures often come in the most unexpected forms. A five-cent coin that sat untouched for 25 years is now a six-figure asset — all because someone decided to look a little closer.