Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, a Founding Father, and the author of the Declaration of Independence, is a figure synonymous with American history. His image has been featured on the five-cent nickel coin since 1938, a testament to his enduring legacy. While most Jefferson nickels in circulation are worth only their face value, certain rare and unique nickel coins can fetch surprising sums. Are you unknowingly holding onto a nickel that’s worth more than just five cents? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of valuable nickel coins and uncover which Jefferson nickels are truly worth money.
Unveiling the Treasure in Your Pocket: Most Valuable Nickel Coins
Many assume that nickels are among the lowest denomination coins and thus hold minimal value. However, the world of coin collecting reveals a different story. Certain Jefferson nickels, particularly those with minting errors, unique historical context, or exceptional condition, can be surprisingly valuable. Below is a table highlighting some of the most sought-after Jefferson nickels and their estimated values.
| Year | Errors/Varieties | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1938 | Uncirculated S Jefferson Nickel | $2,000 |
| 1939 | Jefferson Nickel Doubled Monticello DDR | $23,500 |
| 1940 | Full Steps Jefferson Nickel | $21,738 |
| 1941 | Off-Center Jefferson Nickel | $100 |
| 1942 | Frith Jefferson Nickel | $175,000 |
| 1943 | P Jefferson Nickel (3 Over 2) Overdate | $16,675 |
| 1944 | Re-Punched Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel | $750 |
| 1945 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $2,250 |
| 1946 | Doubled Die Full Steps Jefferson Nickel | $900 |
| 1947 | Off-Center Jefferson Nickel | $100 |
| 1948 | Full Steps Jefferson Nickel | $12,000 |
| 1949 | Uncirculated Jefferson Nickel | $825 |
| 1950 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $550 |
| 1951 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $10 |
| 1952 | Proof Jefferson Nickel Re-Engraved Obverse | $1,850 |
| 1953 | Uncirculated S Jefferson Nickel | $450 |
| 1954 | Repunched Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel | $3,450 |
| 1955 | D Over S Jefferson Nickel | $3,738 |
| 1956 | Uncirculated Jefferson Nickel | $210 |
| 1957 | Full-Steps Jefferson Nickel | $4,303 |
| 1958 | Inverted D Jefferson Nickel | $1,000 |
| 1959 | Jefferson Nickel Struck On A Penny Planchet | $1,000 |
| 1960 | No Mint Mark Proof Jefferson Nickel, Quadruple Die Reverse | $1,000 |
| 1961 | Doubled Die And Tripled Die Jefferson Nickel | $170 |
| 1962 | D Jefferson Nickel Over-Struck On A 1962 D Cent | $900 |
| 1963 | D Jefferson Nickel Struck On A Dime Planchet | $550 |
| 1964 | Struck On A 10-Centavo Jefferson Nickel | $1,200 |
| 1965 | No Mint Mark Jefferson Nickel, Foldover Strike | $4,300 |
| 1966 | Jefferson Nickel Struck On 10C Planchet | $800.00 |
| 1967 | Uncirculated Jefferson Nickel | $200 |
| 1968 | Uncirculated S Jefferson Nickel | $250 |
| 1969 | Uncirculated S Jefferson Nickel | $500 |
| 1970 | S Jefferson Nickel, Double Struck And Broadstruck | $2,000 |
| 1971 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1972 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $400 |
| 1973 | D Nickel, Double Struck, Second Strike 75 Per Cent Off-Center | $585.00 |
| 1974 | Jefferson Nickel Struck On A 1973 Jefferson Nickel | $17,500 |
| 1975 | Uncirculated Jefferson Nickel | $75 |
| 1976 | Curved Clip Jefferson Nickel | $100 |
| 1977 | Struck On An Incorrect Planchet Jefferson Nickel | $150 |
| 1978 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $300 |
| 1979 | Jefferson Nickel Struck On A Steel Washer | $4,800 |
| 1980 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $150 |
| 1981 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $75 |
| 1982 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $190 |
| 1983 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $150 |
| 1984 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $75 |
| 1985 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1986 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $75 |
| 1987 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 1988 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1989 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1990 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1991 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $60 |
| 1992 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1993 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $60 |
| 1994 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1995 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1996 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $45 |
| 1997 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1998 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 1999 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $45 |
| 2000 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $55 |
| 2001 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $45 |
| 2002 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $45 |
| 2003 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2004 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $175 |
| 2005 | Uncirculated D Bison Jefferson Nickel | $70 |
| 2006 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2007 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2008 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2009 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2010 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2011 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2012 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2013 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2014 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2015 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2016 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2017 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2018 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2019 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2020 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $20 |
| 2021 | Uncirculated P Jefferson Nickel | $50 |
| 2022 | Uncirculated D Jefferson Nickel | $20 |
| 2023 | Off-Center Jefferson Nickel | $150 |
| 2024 | Proof S Jefferson Nickel | $4.95 |
Diving Deeper: The 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels
While the table above provides a glimpse into the world of valuable nickel coins, understanding the specifics behind these prices can be truly enlightening. Let’s examine 17 of the most valuable Jefferson nickels in detail, exploring what makes them so desirable to collectors and potentially worth a significant amount of money.
1. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
Thomas Jefferson’s multifaceted persona extended beyond politics. He was a renowned philosopher and writer, most famously known for drafting the United States Declaration of Independence. As part of the Committee of Five, his eloquence and vision shaped this foundational document of American liberty.
- Year: 1938
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 68+ FS
- Sale Date: July 17th, 2022
- Price Realized: $33,600
Beyond his literary contributions, Jefferson was also an accomplished architect, lawyer, and diplomat. His early career saw him serve as the First Secretary of State under George Washington and the Second Vice President to John Adams, paving the way for his presidency as the third leader of the United States.
1938-D Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
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2. 1942 D/D Horizontal Full Step Jefferson Nickel Regular Strike
Jefferson’s path to the presidency was marked by political maneuvering and evolving relationships. He initially became Vice President in 1796, a consequence of the electoral system at the time where the presidential runner-up assumed the vice-presidency. However, after one term, he challenged his former superior, John Adams, and won the presidential election, demonstrating his growing political influence.
- Year: 1941
- Mint Mark: Denver or Horizontal Denver
- Grade: MS 64 FS
- Sale Date: January 5th, 2006
- Price Realized: $32,200
His two terms as president were notable for his decision to follow George Washington’s precedent and not seek a third term. Despite a significant political falling out with John Adams during their earlier years, they reconciled and maintained a close friendship in their later lives, even passing away on the same day, just hours apart – a symbolic ending for two giants of American history.
Alt text: Detailed image of a 1942 D/D Horizontal Full Step Jefferson Nickel, highlighting the doubled die error in the mint mark and the ‘Full Steps’ designation, signifying its rarity and numismatic value.
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3. 1940 Reverse of 1938 Jefferson Nickel Proof
Jefferson’s political career was diverse and impactful, encompassing roles such as Governor of Virginia (1779-1781) and US Minister to France (1785-1789). His success in both elected and appointed positions underscores his broad appeal and the trust placed in him by both the public and his peers in government.
- Year: 1940 Obverse with 1938 Reverse
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 68
- Sale Date: January 5th, 2011
- Price Realized: $28,750
As a leader, Jefferson championed individual and states’ rights, particularly emphasizing freedoms of religion, speech, and thought. He also fiercely defended American trade interests against piracy and restrictive policies imposed by Great Britain, the former colonial power. His death on July 4th, 1826, coincided with the 50th anniversary of American Independence, adding another layer of symbolism to his legacy.
Alt text: Image of a 1940 Proof Jefferson Nickel with the 1938 Reverse die, a rare combination sought after by collectors, emphasizing its proof finish and historical significance.
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4. 1953-S Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
While Jefferson’s contributions are undeniable, it’s important to acknowledge the complexities of his legacy. Like many of his contemporaries among the Founding Fathers, he was a slave owner. Furthermore, the policy of Indian Tribal Removal, which forcibly displaced Native Americans from their ancestral lands to reservations, originated during his presidency.
- Year: 1953
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 65 FS
- Sale Date: January 14th, 2019
- Price Realized: $24,000
Despite these morally challenging aspects of his history, Jefferson eventually supported the Act Prohibiting the Importation of Slaves in 1807. However, historical accounts also suggest he fathered children with Sally Hemings, one of his slaves. Despite these controversies, public perception generally remains favorable, consistently ranking him among the top ten US presidents in historical polls.
1953-S Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
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5. 1939 Doubled Monticello Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
Jefferson served as president from 1801 to 1809, and his image was introduced onto the nickel coin in 1938. The Jefferson nickel replaced the Buffalo Nickel, which had reached its mandatory 25-year design cycle and faced production challenges at the mint. While the public appreciated the Buffalo Nickel’s design, the Jefferson nickel quickly gained even greater popularity.
- Year: 1939
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Sale Date: September 26th, 2019
- Price Realized: $23,500
The Jefferson nickel has featured three different obverse (heads) designs throughout its history. In contrast, the reverse (tails) design remained consistent, except for commemorative changes in 2004 and 2005 to commemorate the Lewis & Clark expedition. These commemorative designs were used for four unique reverse images, each for a six-month period, making them collectible variations within the Jefferson nickel series.
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6. 1939 Reverse of 1940 Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
For the majority of its production, the Jefferson nickel’s composition was 75% copper and 25% nickel. This metallic combination gave it a silver-like sheen, reminiscent of the original silver content found in half dimes, sometimes historically referred to as “half dismes.” However, wartime demands during 1942-1945 led to a temporary change in the metal composition.
- Year: 1939 Obverse with 1940 Reverse
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 68 FS
- Sale Date: February 27th, 2014
- Price Realized: $23,500
During World War II, nickel became a strategically important metal for military applications, particularly in weaponry and equipment. To conserve nickel, the US Mint altered the Jefferson nickel’s composition to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese for the “Wartime Nickels.” Despite the change in metal content, the size and weight of the nickel remained the same.
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7. 1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Jefferson Nickel
Jefferson nickels have consistently maintained a weight of 5 grams and a diameter of 21.21mm (0.84 inches). They feature a plain, unreeded edge without any inscriptions. The primary design for the nickel was created by Felix Oscar Schlag, who won a design competition in 1938. Although Schlag’s reverse design was slightly modified for production, his overall vision for the coin prevailed.
- Year: 1964
- Mint Mark: Denver over Denver
- Grade: MS 66
- Sale Date: July 17th, 2022
- Price Realized: $19,800
As mentioned earlier, the Buffalo Nickel, while aesthetically appealing, presented minting challenges. In 1938, Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross announced a contest to create a new nickel design. The contest guidelines specified that the obverse must feature Thomas Jefferson and the reverse should depict his iconic mansion, Monticello.
1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Jefferson Nickel
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8. 1953 Jefferson Nickel Proof Deep Cameo
The design competition for the Jefferson nickel offered a prize of $1,000, a significant sum at the time. Interestingly, many artists waited until the last minute to submit their designs. By the April 15th deadline, the mint received 390 design submissions. A panel of judges reviewed these entries over four days before selecting Felix Schlag as the winning artist.
- Year: 1953
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 68 DCAM
- Sale Date: April 24th, 2013
- Price Realized: $15,275
Felix Schlag’s background was noteworthy. He was a German immigrant who had resided in the United States for just under a decade when he won the competition. This victory significantly boosted his reputation as an artist. However, his relative unfamiliarity with US coinage conventions may have contributed to some initial design choices that needed adjustments.
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9. 1962 Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
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One notable aspect of Schlag’s design was his omission of his initials from the coin, unlike previous coin designers who often clashed with the mint over the prominence of their signatures. Schlag’s “FS” initials were not added to the Jefferson nickel until 1966, when the mint rectified this oversight. He also adopted a more artistic and less conventional approach to depicting Monticello.
- Year: 1962
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67+ FS
- Sale Date: August 8th, 2013
- Price Realized: $21,150
In his original design sketch, Monticello was depicted at an angle and included a tree, deviating from a strictly architectural representation. Furthermore, he positioned the inscription “United States of America” at the bottom of the coin instead of the top, which is the more common placement on US coinage. While he was asked to revise both of these elements, the inscription placement change was ultimately overlooked and remained in the final design.
1962 Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
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10. 1947-S Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
For the obverse portrait of Jefferson, Schlag took a less interpretive approach, basing it on the classic bust of Jefferson created by Jean-Antoine Houdon. In Schlag’s design, Jefferson is depicted facing left. Later Jefferson nickel obverse designs, such as those by Joe Fitzgerald and Jamie Franki, presented different perspectives, including a partial head facing right and an angled, forward-facing portrait, respectively.
- Year: 1947
- Mint Mark: San Francisco
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Sale Date: May 1st, 2007
- Price Realized: $14,950
Despite some initial design quirks, Felix Schlag was an accomplished artist with numerous European awards prior to immigrating to the United States. Tragically, he used his $1,000 prize money from the Jefferson nickel design competition to cover his wife Anna’s funeral expenses. They had three children together.
1947-S Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
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11. 1952-D Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
As previously mentioned, the reverse design of the Jefferson nickel remained Schlag’s original depiction of Monticello, except for the temporary commemorative reverses in 2004 and 2005. These special reverses featured four distinct designs: the Indian Peace Medal, the keelboat, the American bison, and the Pacific Ocean coastline (“Landfall”). The 2005 reverse designs were created by Jamie Franki and Donna Weaver, marking a departure from Schlag’s long-standing design.
- Year: 1952
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Sale Date: July 12th, 2015
- Price Realized: $16,450
Let’s consider the attributions of the Jefferson nickel designs. Except for the 2004-2005 commemorative issues, the reverse design is attributed to Felix Schlag (FS). The most recent obverse design includes the initials JNF for Jamie Franki and DW for engraver Donna Weaver. This design was based on a portrait of Jefferson painted by Rembrandt Peale in 1800, adding another layer of historical connection to the coin.
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12. 1941 Jefferson Nickel Proof
1941 Jefferson Nickel Proof
Continuing the discussion of artist initials, the 2005 Jefferson nickel obverse bears the initials JF (Jamie Franki) and DW (Donna Weaver). The reverse of the 2005 “Ocean in View!” design, sometimes called the “Western Waters” nickel, includes the inscription “Ocean in View! O! The Joy!” and is also signed by both JF and DW.
- Year: 1941
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 68
- Sale Date: June 5th, 2013
- Price Realized: $18,800
In contrast, the obverse of the 2004 Jefferson nickel retains Felix Schlag’s portrait with his signature FS. The reverse designs for 2004 are attributed as follows: the Indian Peace Medal was sculpted by Norman E. Nemeth (NEN), the bison design incorporates both JNF and NEN, and the keelboat design is by Alfred Maletsky (AM).
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13. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
Coin condition, or grade, is a crucial factor influencing its value. For certain coin series, specific design elements are key grading criteria. On Jefferson nickels, the clarity and completeness of the steps leading up to Monticello are a significant grading factor. These steps are located at the entrance of Jefferson’s mansion in Charlottesville, Virginia.
- Year: 1950
- Mint Mark: Denver
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Sale Date: September 13th, 2006
- Price Realized: $17,250
A perfectly struck Jefferson nickel will exhibit six clearly defined steps at the Monticello entrance. High-grade Jefferson nickels are often designated as 5FS or 6FS, with “FS” standing for “Full Steps.” Modern minting techniques, particularly digital minting, have resulted in a higher proportion of FS coins in more recent years due to improved striking accuracy.
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14. 1942-P Wartime Jefferson Nickel Proof Cameo
The mint mark location on Jefferson nickels has changed several times throughout its history. However, the mint mark is most prominent and noticeable on the Wartime Nickels, which contained silver. These Wartime Nickels were intended to be removed from circulation after the war, so they were struck with a large mint mark positioned above Monticello on the reverse.
- Year: 1942
- Mint Mark: Philadelphia (Wartime)
- Grade: PR 67 CAM
- Sale Date: April 23rd, 2014
- Price Realized: $14,100
These Wartime Nickels were also unique for being the first US coins to feature a “P” mint mark for Philadelphia. Prior to 1980, Philadelphia-minted coins typically did not carry a mint mark. Interestingly, 2020 was the only year when some Jefferson nickels were struck with a “W” mint mark for the West Point Mint. In that year, Jefferson nickels were produced at all four US Mint locations: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.
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15. 1949 D/S Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
1949 D/S Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
Mint marks serve both practical and collector-driven purposes. Practically, they indicate the coin’s mint of origin (Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco, or West Point). From a collector’s perspective, certain mint marks are more sought after than others, influencing coin values and market prices. Mint marks can therefore be important factors in determining if nickel coins are worth money.
- Year: 1949
- Mint Mark: Denver over San Francisco
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Sale Date: June 4th, 2014
- Price Realized: $32,900
The location of the mint mark on Jefferson nickels has changed throughout its production run to accommodate design modifications. Initially, it was positioned on the reverse, to the right side, until 1964. From 1965 to 1967, no mint marks were used on any US coins. In 1966, Schlag’s initials “FS” were added to the design. In 1968, the mint mark reappeared on the obverse, to the left of the date, and in 2006, it was moved below the date, its current location.
Check 1949 D/S Jefferson Nickel History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List
16. 1943/2 Overdate Jefferson Nickel Full Step Regular Strike
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The collector market’s demand for coins from specific years can unfortunately attract counterfeiters. Francis LeRoy Henning was a notorious nickel counterfeiter who produced fake nickels of key dates, including 1939, 1946, 1953, 1957, and a 1944 Wartime Nickel without the “P” mint mark. He also counterfeited $5 bills, demonstrating a broader pattern of financial fraud.
- Year: 1943 over 1942
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Sale Date: June 26th, 2008
- Price Realized: $16,675
Error coins are another significant factor influencing collector interest and coin values. The Jefferson nickel series has several notable error varieties. The 1943/2 Overdate is a prominent example, where a “2” from a 1942 die is visible underneath the “3” of the 1943 date. Additionally, several “D/S” nickels exist, where the “D” mint mark was struck over an “S” mint mark, creating another sought-after error type.
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17. 1964 Jefferson Nickel Special Mint Set Full Step
While Jefferson nickels have been produced every year since 1938, the US Mint did not consistently produce proof versions. This fluctuation in proof production was sometimes due to limited collector demand, and at other times due to budgetary constraints and coin shortages. In some years, instead of proof sets, the mint produced Special Mint Sets (SMS).
- Year: 1964
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: SP 68 FS
- Sale Date: January 6th, 2016
- Price Realized: $32,900
SMS coins, like the 1964 Jefferson Nickel SMS, possess a finish similar to proof coins but are produced through a faster and less expensive minting process. Other coin finishes include satin finish coins, typically graded as SP for “Special Strike,” and matte proofs, which have a grainy surface texture. These different finishes and strike types contribute to the variety and collectability of nickel coins.
Check 1964 Jefferson Nickel History, Variety Price Chart & Errors List
Are you ready to check your pockets and coin jars? You might just find a nickel coin worth money! Happy hunting!
