Jefferson nickels have been in circulation since 1938, featuring the iconic image of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
These 5-cent coins, minted in Denver, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and West Point, have gained significant value over the years, especially rare editions with unique minting errors or exceptional preservation.
Let’s look into the most valuable Jefferson nickels ever sold and their fascinating history.
Table of Contents
1938-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1938-D Jefferson nickel is one of the most sought-after by collectors, particularly those with Full Steps (FS) grading, indicating a sharply struck reverse.
- Year: 1938
- Mint Mark: Denver (D)
- Grade: MS 68+ FS
- Date of Sale: July 17, 2022
- Price: $33,600
This coin marks the first year of production for the Jefferson nickel, replacing the Buffalo nickel. With its high grade and detailed strike, it stands out as a top-tier collectible.
1942 D/D Horizontal Full Step Nickel
This nickel features a rare double mint mark (D/D), a result of a minting error where the Denver “D” was punched twice.
- Year: 1942
- Mint Mark: Denver (D/D Horizontal)
- Grade: MS 64 FS
- Date of Sale: January 5, 2006
- Price: $32,200
This coin comes from a significant time in history, as 1942 marked the beginning of wartime nickels with a different metal composition to conserve nickel for military use.
1940 Reverse of 1938 Proof Nickel
A transitional error led to this rare variety, where the reverse design from 1938 was mistakenly used in 1940.
- Year: 1940
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 68
- Date of Sale: January 5, 2011
- Price: $28,750
Proof coins are struck with extra precision, making this rare mix-up even more valuable among collectors.
1953-S Jefferson Nickel
The 1953-S nickel is rare due to the difficulty of finding one with Full Steps, as most were weakly struck.
- Year: 1953
- Mint Mark: San Francisco (S)
- Grade: MS 65 FS
- Date of Sale: January 14, 2019
- Price: $24,000
San Francisco-minted Jefferson nickels from this period are generally scarce in high grades, making this coin particularly valuable.
1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel
This coin features a dramatic doubling on the word “Monticello” on the reverse side, making it a favorite among error coin collectors.
- Year: 1939
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 67 FS
- Date of Sale: September 26, 2019
- Price: $23,500
Coins with strong doubling errors are rare, and finding one in excellent condition adds significant value.
1939 Reverse of 1940 Nickel
Another transitional variety, this coin features the obverse from 1939 but the reverse design of 1940.
- Year: 1939
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: MS 68 FS
- Date of Sale: February 27, 2014
- Price: $23,500
Collectors seek these transitional errors as they provide insight into the evolving design process at the U.S. Mint.
1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark Nickel
A notable variety from the final year of 90% copper nickels before the switch to modern compositions.
- Year: 1964
- Mint Mark: Denver over Denver (D/D)
- Grade: MS 66
- Date of Sale: July 17, 2022
- Price: $19,800
The repunched mint mark error occurred when the mint manually added mint marks to dies, sometimes leading to misalignments.
1953 Proof Deep Cameo Nickel
Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof nickels are exceptionally rare, as early proof coins often lacked strong contrast between the raised design and mirrored background.
- Year: 1953
- Mint Mark: None (Philadelphia)
- Grade: PR 68 DCAM
- Date of Sale: April 24, 2013
- Price: $15,275
This coin’s striking contrast and high grade make it one of the most desirable Jefferson nickels for proof collectors.
Jefferson nickels have a rich history, and rare varieties continue to fetch high prices at auctions. Whether due to minting errors, exceptional preservation, or historical significance, these coins remain a favorite among numismatists.
If you have an old Jefferson nickel, it might be worth checking its details—who knows, you could be holding onto a hidden treasure!
FAQs
What is the rarest Jefferson nickel?
The 1938-D Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps is one of the rarest and most valuable.
Why are Full Step nickels more valuable?
Full Step (FS) nickels have a sharp strike on Monticello’s steps, making them rarer.
How can I tell if my Jefferson nickel is valuable?
Check the date, mint mark, condition, and look for errors like doubling or repunched marks.
What is the most expensive Jefferson nickel ever sold?
The 1938-D MS 68+ FS nickel sold for $33,600, making it the priciest known.
Are wartime nickels worth more?
Yes! 1942–1945 nickels with a large mint mark above Monticello contain silver and are valuable.
