Pennsylvania Family Finds Rare Coin Worth $83,000 in Grandma’s Sewing Kit
What started as a simple attic cleanup turned into a life-changing discovery for a Pennsylvania family. Tucked away in an old metal sewing kit, buried beneath a tangle of buttons and faded threads, was a coin that would send shockwaves through the numismatic world—a pristine 1883 Liberty Head Nickel. But this wasn’t just any nickel. It was one of the infamous “No CENTS” editions, and it eventually sold at auction for a jaw-dropping $83,000.
A Surprise Hidden in Plain Sight
It all happened while the family was sorting through their late grandmother’s belongings. Perched on a dusty closet shelf was a vintage tin sewing kit that hadn’t seen daylight in decades. Inside, nestled among needles and spools, was a yellowed envelope holding a coin that looked ordinary at first glance. But a closer look told a different story.
The coin was carefully preserved in a glassine pouch and appeared almost untouched by time. Once experts had it in hand, they confirmed it wasn’t just authentic—it was exceptional, earning a Mint State 66 (MS66) grading, an unusually high mark for a coin of its age.
What Makes the 1883 “No CENTS” Nickel So Special?
Here’s where history kicks in. The Liberty Head Nickel, introduced in 1883, originally lacked the word “CENTS” on the reverse. That omission? A big mistake.
Because the coin only displayed a large “V” for the Roman numeral 5, con artists quickly began gold-plating them and passing them off as $5 gold coins. The scam spread fast, giving birth to the coin’s notorious nickname: the Racketeer Nickel. Public backlash forced the U.S. Mint to revise the design within the same year, adding “CENTS” to prevent further deception.
So while over five million “No CENTS” nickels were produced, only a handful survive in such high quality today—and collectors can’t get enough of them.
The Auction That Had Everyone Talking
In April 2025, the family’s discovery hit the auction block. Bidding opened at $15,000, but it didn’t stay there for long. Bidders from across the country battled for the coin, and when the dust settled, it had sold for a staggering $83,000—almost triple its expected value.
Here’s a quick profile of the auction star:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coin | 1883 Liberty Head Nickel |
| Variant | “No CENTS” |
| Nickname | Racketeer Nickel |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Location | Philadelphia |
| Grading | Mint State 66 (MS66) |
| Sale Price | $83,000 |
| Discovery Location | Sewing kit in Pennsylvania |
From Mistake to Masterpiece
The beauty of this story lies in the irony—what began as a blunder at the U.S. Mint turned into one of the most coveted coins in American history. The same “No CENTS” that once embarrassed the government now fuels intense bidding wars and drives up collector interest.
Could Treasure Be Hiding in Your Junk Drawer?
This story is a powerful reminder: don’t underestimate what’s hiding in plain sight. From old jars of coins to forgotten keepsakes in the back of a closet, there could be real value waiting to be discovered. The Liberty Head Nickel isn’t the only coin that holds such potential. Others, like the 1885 Liberty Nickel or the elusive 1912-S, are just as legendary in the collecting world.
So next time you’re cleaning out your attic, basement, or even a sewing kit, keep your eyes peeled. Because sometimes, the most unexpected items carry the greatest stories—and maybe even a fortune.
FAQs
Where was the 1883 Liberty Head Nickel found?
Inside a vintage sewing kit during an attic cleanup at a Pennsylvania home.
Why is the ‘No CENTS’ version valuable?
Its design flaw made it vulnerable to scams, giving it historical significance and making pristine examples very rare.
What does Mint State 66 (MS66) mean?
It’s a grading that signifies the coin is in near-perfect condition with sharp details and minimal marks.
Why is it called a ‘Racketeer Nickel’?
Because con men gold-plated them to mimic $5 gold coins, scamming the public in the 1880s.
Can coins like this still be found?
Absolutely. Valuable coins often turn up in old change jars, heirlooms, or forgotten household items. It never hurts to look.
