Henning Nickel - Approximate Worth?

ElKevvo · January 6, 2007 1:44AM

Hi,

Just wondering about what one of these would be worth...anyone have an idea of the approximate amount?

Thanks!

K

TwoSides2aCoin · January 6, 2007 1:50AM

From what I know, they are counterfeit...

So when it comes to WORTH, I'd say they are approximately NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE

ElKevvo · January 6, 2007 1:56AM

Yeah it is a counterfeit. According to Wikipedia 'An unofficial variety of the wartime coin dated 1944 was made in 1954 when counterfeit nickels were produced by Francis LeRoy Henning of Erial, New Jersey. He had previously been arrested for counterfeiting $5 bills. The 1944 nickels were quickly spotted since Henning neglected to add the large mintmark. He also made counterfeit nickels dated 1939, 1946, 1947 and 1953. It is estimated that more than 100,000 of Henning's nickels reached circulation. These can still be found in pocket change, and there is a thriving collectors' market for them, although owning a counterfeit is technically illegal. Henning dumped another 200,000 nickels in Copper Creek, New Jersey, of which only 14,000 were recovered. Another 200,000 are thought to have been dumped in the Schuylkill River. When caught, Henning was sentenced to 3 years in jail, and had to pay a $5,000 fine.'

I have one of the '44's and am just curious as to the approximate value...

K

cladking · January 6, 2007 2:05AM

These are common but interest in them has skyrocketed the last few years.
You could pick them up for $2 to $5 a few years back but now they start at
abut $10.

Don't bother looking for higher grades. Even the best appear to be VG.

sinin1 · January 6, 2007 4:55AM

the show up on eBay every couple months and go for around $30

LALASD4 · January 6, 2007 4:57AM

Around $40.00.

cladking · January 6, 2007 5:14AM

Jeesh.

I stand corrected.

There are still many hundreds of these around though.

Coinosaurus · January 6, 2007 5:23AM

It is a really good story and a well written article could increase interest even further.

cladking · January 6, 2007 5:50AM

<< <i>It is a really good story and a well written article could increase interest even further. >>

There is a book on the subject but it's hard to find. There are a couple good
threads here and one across the street (try Henning, counterfeit etc).

The guy made around 100,000 of these and was redeeming them a roll or two
at a time in banks after the war. A small coin club noticed them and in making
inquiries of the mint, the secret service was alerted and Henning caught.

Many of the coins ended up at the bottom of a river where he dumped them
when the feds were closing in on him.

Henning Nickel - Approximate Worth?

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