In one of the most unexpected coin discoveries in recent memory, a rare Jefferson Nickel was found lodged inside an old snow globe—yes, the kind with glitter and fake snow swirling around a miniature winter scene.
What started as a casual attic cleanup turned into a headline-making moment for a Michigan family when they unknowingly uncovered a small fortune sealed in glass.
A Snowy Surprise
The discovery came from a decades-old snow globe that had been sitting untouched in a family attic for over 30 years. The globe featured a quaint village scene with a “Merry Christmas 1943” label at the base. As the family shook it to test if the water was still inside, they noticed something unusual—a coin rattling beneath the base. Initially assuming it was a prank or old toy money, they pried open the base, only to discover a 1943-P Jefferson Nickel in surprisingly pristine condition.
Why This Nickel Matters
The 1943-P Jefferson Nickel isn’t just any ordinary five-cent piece. It was produced during World War II when the U.S. Mint altered the coin’s composition due to a shortage of nickel metal, which was being redirected to the war effort. Instead of the usual 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy, wartime nickels were made from a unique mix of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These nickels are commonly referred to as “silver war nickels.”
But what truly made this coin valuable was a rare die variation. Experts who later examined the coin confirmed it featured a full step strike on Monticello—a rare minting feature where the steps of Jefferson’s home on the coin’s reverse are fully visible and untouched. Combine that with near-mint condition and its bizarre storage method, and the value quickly shot up.
A Collector’s Dream
Once news spread about the find, coin collectors began buzzing. Not only was it unusual to find a wartime nickel in such condition, but the fact that it was preserved inside a snow globe raised eyebrows and curiosity across the numismatic community. According to an appraiser consulted by the family, the coin could fetch anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 depending on auction interest.
“This kind of thing just doesn’t happen,” said David Klein, a coin dealer based in Chicago. “A 1943-P with full steps is already desirable. But finding one in nearly untouched condition, stored in a sealed environment for decades—inside a snow globe, no less—is unheard of.”
Not the First Bizarre Coin Find
While this story may sound strange, it’s not the first time valuable coins have been discovered in odd places. From coins found inside old furniture to rare cents taped behind picture frames, the world of coin collecting is full of surprise discoveries. Still, the snow globe incident stands out for its whimsical and seasonal twist.
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What’s Next for the Coin?
As of now, the family is reportedly in talks with several auction houses. They’ve also kept the snow globe itself, now cracked at the base but still functional. “It’s become a part of our family story,” said one member. “We never thought shaking a snow globe would lead to something like this.”
Whether or not they decide to sell the coin, it has already made headlines and captured imaginations. The story serves as a reminder that sometimes history—and a bit of treasure—can be hiding in the most unexpected places.
