Imagine finding a coin that looks like a penny but has the design of a nickel. 🤯 That’s exactly what happened with this rare 1980 Jefferson nickel error, where the coin was struck on the wrong planchet. One example recently sold for $325 ungraded, and high-grade versions can reach $700+.
Here’s how to spot this fascinating error and what it’s worth today.
🔎 How to Identify a 1980 Nickel on a Penny Planchet
✅ Visual Clues
- Copper Color – Looks like a penny instead of the usual nickel-silver tone.
- Smaller Diameter – Parts of the date and lettering are cut off around the edges.
- Reverse Design Issues – Back details appear shifted closer to the rim.
⚖️ Weight Test
- Normal nickel: 5.00g
- Error coin: 3.11g (same as a copper penny planchet)
🧪 What Happened at the Mint?
This is a wrong planchet error.
- Year: 1980
- Coin Type: Jefferson Nickel
- Planchet Used: Copper 1¢ blank
- Result: A copper-colored, undersized nickel with incomplete design details.
Basically, a penny blank slipped into the nickel press, and the machine struck a nickel design onto it.
💰 Market Value of the 1980 Nickel Error
Collectors love these oddball coins, and their value depends heavily on condition and certification.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Ungraded | $250 – $350 |
| Certified MS60+ | $400 – $600 |
| High-Grade MS65+ | $700+ |
👉 One sold for $325 ungraded, but experts believe it could have fetched $500+ with PCGS or NGC certification.
📦 How to Certify & Protect Your Find
If you think you’ve found one:
- 🚫 Don’t clean the coin (cleaning lowers value).
- ⚖️ Weigh it using a digital scale (must be ~3.11g).
- 📜 Submit for grading at PCGS or NGC.
- 🪙 Store safely in a mylar flip until shipped for grading.
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