Completing a Jefferson Nickel collection from circulation

[scyther]

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.

[NHsorter]

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.

[rsk1963]

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).

[scyther]

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?

[HPMBTT]

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!

[rsk1963]

ballpark approx 2000 face

[tulaneoutlaw]

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.

[Bluegill]

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.

[scyther]

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.

[rsk1963]

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.

[Franco American]

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.

[scyther]

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

[tedandcam]

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.

[dakota1955]

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