Your Pocket Change Could Be a Goldmine
In 1942, Canada’s nickels became more than just small change. World War II caused a shortage of nickel, so the Royal Canadian Mint made some big changes to their five-cent coins. These special nickels, with unique designs and materials, are now super valuable to collectors. Some are selling for thousands of dollars at auctions. If you’ve got old Canadian coins tucked away, it’s time to check for these 1942 nickels. You might be sitting on a fortune.
Why These Nickels Are Special
During the war, nickel was needed for military supplies, so the Mint switched to a different metal called tombac, a bronze alloy. They also changed the design, making the coins 12-sided to save metal and adding a new torch and “V” symbol for victory. Some nickels, though, were still made with the old nickel metal by mistake, and others had minting errors. These rare variations make 1942 nickels hot items for collectors today, especially if they’re in great condition.
Top 1942 Nickels to Find
Here are the most valuable 1942 nickels to look for:
- 1942 Tombac Nickel: These 12-sided bronze coins are common but can fetch $10 to $50 in good shape. High-grade ones go for $200 or more.
- 1942 Nickel (High Nickel Content): Some were accidentally made with the old nickel alloy. These are super rare and can sell for $1,000 to $5,000.
- 1942 Double Die Obverse: Look for doubled text or images on the front, like blurry “George VI.” These can bring $300 to $1,500.
- 1942 Off-Center Strike: If the design is shifted, leaving a blank edge, it’s worth $100 to $500.
- 1942 Tombac Proof: Special proof coins, made for collectors, are rare and can sell for $2,000 to $10,000.
| Nickel Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1942 Tombac Nickel | $10 – $200+ |
| 1942 Nickel (High Nickel) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Nickel Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1942 Double Die Obverse | $300 – $1,500 |
| 1942 Tombac Proof | $2,000 – $10,000 |
How to Spot These Coins
Checking your nickels is easy with a little care. Grab a magnifying glass and look at the date, metal color, and design. Tombac nickels are bronze and 12-sided, while high-nickel ones are silver-colored. Check for doubled text or off-center designs. Don’t clean your coins, as scratches can lower their value. Take any suspects to a coin dealer or grading service like PCGS or NGC. They’ll confirm if you’ve got a rare one and tell you its worth.
Collectors Are Paying Big
The coin market loves 1942 nickels for their wartime history and rarity. In 2024, a high-nickel 1942 coin sold for $4,800 at an auction in Montreal. A tombac proof went for $9,500 online. Collectors chase these coins because so few were made, especially the error types. As more people hunt for them, prices keep going up, making now a great time to check your collection.
Start Digging Through Your Change
That old jar of coins or your grandpa’s coin book could hold a 1942 nickel worth thousands. These wartime coins are small pieces of history that collectors can’t get enough of. Take a close look at any five-cent coins from 1942, especially the tombac or error ones. With a bit of luck, you might find a nickel that’s worth way more than five cents. Happy hunting