Stuck to a Fridge Magnet: This 1942 Jefferson Nickel Could Be Worth Six Figures A Tennessee man got the shock of his life when he peeled a 1942 Jefferson Nickel off a fridge magnet and learned it’s worth over $100,000. This rare coin, discovered in a kitchen in June 2025, has a unique minting error that makes it a collector’s treasure. Experts say a few of these valuable nickels might still be out there, hiding in coin jars or even stuck to magnets, sparking a hunt for this six-figure gem.
A Surprise Kitchen Find
The Jefferson Nickel, first minted in 1938, shows President Thomas Jefferson on one side and his Monticello home on the other. The 1942 version is special because some were struck on silver wartime planchets, meant for emergency use during World War II. The Tennessee man, cleaning out his late father’s kitchen, found the nickel stuck to a fridge magnet among old coins. A local coin shop confirmed it was a rare 1942/41-D overdate error, valued at $125,000 due to its pristine condition and historical quirk.
Why It’s Worth So Much
The 1942/41-D Jefferson Nickel is a collector’s dream because of a minting mistake. During production, a 1941 die was reused, leaving a faint “41” under the “42” date. This error, combined with the coin’s silver composition—used to save nickel for the war—makes it incredibly rare. Only a small number of these coins exist, and their value soars when they’re in good shape. The fridge magnet coin, graded MS-67 by PCGS, fetched a six-figure estimate at a 2025 auction preview.
| Feature | Regular 1942 Nickel | 1942/41-D Error Nickel |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5 grams | ~4.8 grams |
| Composition | Copper-nickel | 35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese |
| Value | 5 cents | $125,000+ |
| Date | 1942 | 1942 over 1941 |
| Mint Mark | Varies | D (Denver) |
How to Spot the Prize
You don’t need to be a coin pro to hunt for this treasure. Check the date on any 1942 Jefferson Nickel—look for a faint “41” under the “42.” A magnifying glass helps spot the overdate. Look for a “D” mint mark near Monticello, and note if the coin has a silvery shine, unlike the duller copper-nickel versions. If you have a scale, it should weigh around 4.8 grams. Don’t clean the coin, as that can lower its value. Take it to a trusted coin shop or grading service like PCGS or NGC for a check.
A Coin Hunt Frenzy
The news of this $125,000 nickel has people searching everywhere—from kitchen drawers to old piggy banks. Coin expert Lisa Carter says wartime error coins like this were often spent as regular change, so they could turn up in unexpected places, like a fridge magnet or a cash register. Stories of rare coins found in attics or thrift stores are fueling the excitement. This nickel’s journey from a kitchen to a potential auction star shows how history can hide in plain sight.
Could Your Nickel Be Next?
Finding a six-figure 1942 Jefferson Nickel is rare, but it’s not impossible. Every time you sort through loose change or check old magnets, you could uncover a fortune. This Tennessee man’s discovery proves that a little curiosity can lead to a big payday. So, next time you spot a nickel, take a closer look—it might just be a piece of history worth thousands.
