What started as a simple home repair turned into an unexpected moment of fortune for a homeowner in Ohio. While replacing an old doorknob on a basement door, 42-year-old Jack Reynolds stumbled upon something that would soon make headlines—a vintage nickel tucked inside the doorframe.
What seemed like an ordinary five-cent coin at first turned out to be a rare collectible, now valued at over $6,000, dramatically outweighing the cost of the door it was hidden behind.
A Routine Repair, A Rare Discovery
Jack was replacing the hardware on a creaky wooden door that had seen better days. When he removed the old doorknob and metal plate, a coin dropped to the floor. “It looked old, kind of dull,” he said. “I was just about to toss it in the change jar, but something told me to take a closer look.”
That closer look revealed it was a 1913 Liberty Head nickel—one of the most legendary and rare coins in U.S. history. Though not all 1913 Liberty nickels are worth millions, some of them—especially those in mint condition—have fetched record-breaking prices at auction. Jack’s find wasn’t one of the top-tier examples, but even in worn condition, its value easily surpassed the cost of the entire door and then some.
Why This Nickel Is Special
The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is something of a mystery in American numismatics. Officially, the U.S. Mint stopped producing the Liberty Head design in 1912. Yet, five 1913-dated versions surfaced years later, all without formal authorization. These five became the stuff of legend, with one fetching over $3 million at auction.
While Jack’s coin turned out to be a circulated 1942-P Jefferson wartime nickel made of 35% silver, it wasn’t a disappointment. Due to a rare double die error visible on the “Monticello” inscription and the mint mark placed above Monticello’s dome, the coin is part of a well-known error group highly sought after by collectors.
From Doorknob to Dollar Signs
After noticing the unusual markings and date, Jack decided to consult a local coin dealer. The expert confirmed that this was no ordinary nickel. It belonged to a batch of World War II-era nickels minted using a silver alloy due to wartime metal shortages. The dealer quickly recognized the coin’s potential due to its double die error and strong strike quality.
“The war nickels are valuable to collectors, especially with visible errors. This one is in better condition than most we see in circulation,” said the dealer. The final appraisal came in at just over $6,200.
A Reminder That Treasure Can Be Anywhere
Stories like Jack’s remind us that hidden gems might be closer than we think. From coin jars and old drawers to doorknobs and attic boxes, history has a funny way of resurfacing when least expected.
In the U.S., rare coin finds like this continue to capture national attention. Whether it’s wheat pennies found in couch cushions or Jefferson nickels discovered in flea markets, the stories consistently show that valuable coins are still very much in circulation—or tucked away in forgotten places.
Also Read:- Jefferson Nickel Was in Cracked Thermostat for 40 Years – Hidden Treasure in Plain Sight
Final Thoughts
Jack has no plans to sell the coin just yet. “It’s a cool story, and I want to hang onto it for now,” he said. He’s already framed the nickel next to the old doorknob it fell from, calling it his “lucky hardware.”
It’s a tale that’s resonating with collectors and everyday Americans alike: sometimes, the smallest things carry the biggest value. And sometimes, replacing a doorknob is more rewarding than anyone could have imagined.
