Are you sitting on a “real” fake? 🚨 While most counterfeit coins are worthless junk, the legendary Henning creations are a massive exception. In this video, we dive into the fascinating history of Francis LeRoy Henning, the mid-century forger who accidentally created some of the most collectible “non-mint” coins in American history.
Most people search for rare Wheat Pennies, but the Henning Nickel (often misidentified as a “Henning Penny” by new hunters) is the true prize hiding in your pocket change. We’re revealing the shocking secrets of how these fakes were made and the tiny “mistakes” that make them worth hundreds of dollars today!
[Value] Why Are Fakes Worth So Much?
It sounds crazy, but a genuine Henning counterfeit can be worth significantly more than the real coin it was trying to imitate.
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1944 “No-P” Nickel:Â This is the “Holy Grail” of Henning’s work. Because Henning forgot to include the large “P” mint mark required on wartime silver nickels, his mistake became a permanent fingerprint for collectors.
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Market Price (2026): While a regular circulated nickel is worth 5 cents, a verified Henning specimen can fetch $100 to $300+ depending on the date and condition.
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The “Six Dies” Mystery:Â Henning claimed he made dies for six different dates, but only five have been widely confirmed (1939, 1944, 1946, 1947, and 1953). If you find the “missing” sixth date, you could be looking at a one-of-a-kind payday!
How to Identify a Henning in Your Change:
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The “Hole in the R”: Look at the word PLURIBUS on the back. Many Hennings have a distinct small hole or “loop” in the leg of the letter R.
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Missing Mint Marks: On 1944 dated nickels, there should be a large P, D, or S above the dome of Monticello. If it’s missing, it’s a Henning.
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The Weight Test: Official nickels weigh 5.0 grams. Hennings are often “heavy,” weighing in at 5.4 grams due to their unique metal composition.
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Raised Dots:Â Check for tiny raised “pimples” or dots in the field of the coin, specifically near the words “GOD” or “WE”.
[Call to Action]
👉 CHECK YOUR COIN JARS! Have you ever found a 1944 nickel without a mint mark? Or a coin that felt just a little too heavy? Tell us your find in the comments below!
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