
1964 SMS Nickel Worth
🔥 Introduction
What if two old dirty coins hiding in your drawer could be worth more than a luxury car or even a house? Sounds unbelievable, but the legendary 1964 SMS Jefferson nickel and 1964 SMS Lincoln penny are among the rarest modern U.S. coins ever discovered. Some have sold for over $100,000, and experts speculate top examples could reach $1.6 million to $1.8 million 🤯
In this article, we break down why these coins are so rare, how to identify them, and why collectors are willing to pay insane prices.
📊 Current Coin Market Overview
- 💰 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel: Up to $290,000+
- 💰 Top Speculative Value: $1,600,000
- 💰 1964 SMS Lincoln Penny: Up to $433,000+
- 💎 Ultra Rare Speculation: $1,800,000
These coins were never officially released, making them legendary among collectors.
🧩 What Does “SMS” Mean?
SMS stands for Special Mint Set.
These coins are:
- Sharper than regular circulation coins
- Not mirror-like like proof coins
- Have satin-like surfaces and crisp details
- Extremely rare and mysterious
👉 The shocking part: 1964 had NO official SMS sets. Yet a few exist today.
🪙 Why 1964 Coins Are So Rare
In 1964, the U.S. faced a massive coin shortage. The mint produced billions of coins quickly, causing most coins to be low quality.
But somehow, a tiny batch of special high-quality coins appeared years later with no official explanation.
This mystery makes them extremely valuable. 🧠
🔍 How to Identify a 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
Look for these signs:
- 📌 Razor-sharp steps on Monticello
- 📌 Satin-like surface (not shiny proof)
- 📌 Squared, sharp rims
- 📌 Very few contact marks
- 📌 Weight around 5 grams
👉 Never clean the coin! Cleaning destroys value.
🪙 How to Identify a 1964 SMS Lincoln Penny
Check these features:
- 🔎 Sharp Lincoln hair and beard details
- 🔎 Crisp Lincoln Memorial columns
- 🔎 Smooth satin surface
- 🔎 Squared rims
- 🔎 Minimal bag marks
Even old dirt or toning can increase authenticity value.
🚨 Valuable 1964 Coin Errors
Even non-SMS coins can be valuable:
- Double die errors
- Repunched mint marks (RPM)
- Off-center strikes
- Clipped planchets
- Die cracks and cuds
Some errors sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars 💵
💎 Auction Prices That Shock Collectors
- 💰 $30,000+ for certified SMS coins
- 💰 $100,000+ for top-grade examples
- 💰 $290,000 elite-grade sales
- 💎 Speculative values up to $1.6M–$1.8M for unique top-pop coins
Collectors pay these prices because coins represent history, rarity, and competition.
🔮 Coin Collector’s Verdict
The 1964 SMS Jefferson nickel and 1964 SMS Lincoln penny remain some of the greatest mysteries in modern U.S. coinage.
Billions were minted, but only a few dozen SMS coins exist. If you ever find a 1964 coin that looks unusually sharp, do not ignore it. Study it, weigh it, and get it professionally graded.
You might be holding a life-changing treasure without even knowing it. 🚀
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