It has been shown that people who were crucified had their hands and feet nailed to the cross rather than being tied. This of course means nails, rather large nails, were required. In most paintings or depictions of Jesus being crucified He has one nail in each hand and his feet are set one atop the other with a third nail driven through both feet. This is certainly possible, but most consider it unlikely. Some believe this trio of nails is a symbolic remembrance of the Holy Trinity.
In
reality the crucified person would likely have a nail through each hand or
wrist, and each foot would be separately nailed to each side of the cross. In
this scenario there would be four nails used in a crucifixion. The evidence
seems to indicate the only times the nails were left with the body was if they
could not be removed. The only reason they would need to be removed is if they
were planning to reuse the nails. If this is the case, it is highly unlikely
anyone would have the true nails from the crucifixion of Jesus.
While
unlikely the actual nails were saved, there is a very interesting theory
concerning two nails that some people claim were used in the crucifixion of
Jesus. These people claim two nails were found in the ossuary of the High
Priest Caiaphas. They had the nails tested and they claim there was remnants of
both wood and blood on the nails. They go on to say this proves they were used
in a crucifixion. While it raises the possibilities, it certainly does not
provide proof.