Realcent.org

I heard that, unlike dimes, quarters, and pennies, it was actually possible to complete a Jefferson Nickel collection from circulation, albeit very difficult. It seems the hardest to find is the 1950-D. Has anyone here done it? About how many nickels do you think I would have to search to complete it? I've done 18,000 so far.

I have hand searched over 50 boxes of nickels and so far I have found everything but the 50-D and I would be surprised if I ever did find one. It's certainly not impossible though. It's a good goal that you have and in your quest to find that 50-d you'll surely pick up a good chunk of war nicks and buffs.

it is possible. I dont have a book, but i tend to keep all pre60 and have all dates (so I would presume it would be possible for the rest).

rsk1963 wrote:it is possible. I dont have a book, but i tend to keep all pre60 and have all dates (so I would presume it would be possible for the rest).

How many have you searched?

Yes, I have. And all from circulation too, except for one coin (1950-D). However, I just cashed in a few silver War Nickels that I had found in order to get the 1950-D, so it didn't cost me anything except maybe 20 cents face value. I also went a step further and constantly upgraded my set with better nickels that I found along the way. By putting together a set manually, you also learn about the different varieties and the placement of the mintmarks etc.

So yes, it can be done. Try it! You'll like it!

ballpark approx 2000 face

I've started on this myself and after 7 boxes worth I'm only short 19 nickels. Of course most of those are war nicks and the key dates, but I imagine if you search enough volume wise you'll eventually find them all except maybe the 50 d which I've already resigned myself to buying if/when the set gets complete.

It took me almost 4 years, but yes I have done it. Only found 1 `50D. Found several `38 and `39 D's and S's, even found the `43 doubled eye.

rsk1963 wrote:ballpark approx 2000 face

Wow! You really got lucky there. I've already done almost half that... I hope I'm half way there. Probably not, though.

it always helped that I got a mother load (when I just started fooling with nickels, 14 rolls or something like this) with the latest being from 1955 I think granted there were 2 or 3 rolls that were indian's but such is the life. I actually didnt think it would be possible (50'd), but then a few weeks back I got the 50 d and that completed the set.

I have been roll searching Brinks boxes for about 13 months now trying to fill in a Whitman book started as a child. I have found all of the coins with the exception of a 1939S and a 1950D. The search continues...

BTW - I would estimate I have gone through $3000 in nickels so far.

Just asked my bank today to get me 2 boxes a week instead of one. Hopefully that will get me closer to my goal!

I have found 2 1950d and 2 1939d nicks ( the 2 most ellusive ) in about $1800 searched. The only one I don't have is 1955 or 1955s. I can't remember which. Its a semi key. But, I figure it will come along soon enough. I actually want 2 of them. So, I can have 2 sets from circulation. I have searched about $4100 in nickels to get what I have.

In ten years of looking I still need the 50-d to fill my set.