The Jefferson Nickel, minted for the primary time in 1938, is one of the most famous coins in American records. With Thomas Jefferson’s portrait, third President of the USA, the five-cent coin has gone through many design changes and scarce varieties at some point of the years. Most Jefferson Nickels are not unusual, however some dates, mint marks, and errors are priceless. Whether you’re an vintage collector or new to the hobby, right here are 11 precious Jefferson Nickels you may not realize approximately.
Why Are Jefferson Nickels Valuable?
- Rarity: Low mintage figures or special varieties.
- Mistakes: Minting errors that render them unique.
- Historical Significance: Coins associated with significant events or eras.
- Condition: High-grade or uncirculated coins are very much sought after.
11 Valuable Jefferson Nickels
| Year | Mint Mark | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 | D (Denver) | Doubled Monticello Reverse | 500−1,000+ |
| 1942-1945 | P (Philadelphia) | Wartime Silver Alloy | 1−10 (Circulated), 20−50 (Uncirculated) |
| 1943 | P (Philadelphia) | Doubled Eye Variety | 50−200+ |
| 1949 | D (Denver) | Low Mintage | 10−50+ |
| 1950 | D (Denver) | Low Mintage | 10−50+ |
| 1954 | S (San Francisco) | Proof Coin | 20−100+ |
| 1955 | D (Denver) | Low Mintage | 10−50+ |
| 1971 | S (San Francisco) | Proof Coin | 5−20+ |
| 1989 | P (Philadelphia) | Reverse of 1990 (Error) | 500−1,000+ |
| 2005 | P (Philadelphia) | Westward Journey Series (Ocean in View) | 5−20+ |
| 2019 | W (West Point) | West Point Mint Mark (Low Mintage) | 10−50+ |
1939-D Doubled Monticello Reverse
- Why Valuable: A doubling error on the Monticello building that is hard to find.
- How to Identify: Check for doubling on Monticello steps and pillars.
- Human Connection: An interesting error from the first few years of the Jefferson Nickel series.
1942-1945 Wartime Silver Alloy
- Why Valuable: Struck from a silver alloy in order to save nickel for World War II.
- How to Identify: Check for a large mint mark placed above Monticello.
- Human Connection: A piece of history from a period when the country came together for the war effort.
1943-P Doubled Eye Variety
- Why Valuable: A rare doubling mistake on Jefferson’s eye.
- How to Identify: Check for doubling on Jefferson’s eye on the obverse.
- Human Connection: A subtle but interesting mistake that gives the coin character.
1949-D Low Mintage
- Why Valuable: Low mintage figures make this coin scarce.
- How to Identify: Find the “D” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A reminder of post-war coin production difficulties.
1950-D Low Mintage
- Why Valuable: Yet another low-mintage coin from the Denver Mint.
- How to Identify: Check for the “D” mint mark on the back.
- Human Connection: A rare coin that’s greatly coveted by collectors.
1954-S Proof Coin
- Why Valuable: Special-proof coins are minted for collectors and are not common.
- How to Identify: Check for a mirror-like finish and crisp details.
- Human Connection: A stunning representation of mid-20th-century minting artistry.
1955-D Low Mintage
- Why Valuable: Low mintage figures make the coin scarce.
- How to Identify: Check the reverse for the “D” mint mark.
- Human Connection: A difficult coin to locate, making it a satisfying addition to any collection.
1971-S Proof Coin
- Why Valuable: Proof coins are extremely popular with collectors.
- How to Identify: Check for a mirror-like finish and fine details.
- Human Connection: A contemporary proof coin that reflects the skill of the U.S. Mint.
1989-P Reverse of 1990 (Error)
- Why Valuable: A unusual mistake in which the reverse of 1990 was used inadvertently.
- How to Identify: Find the 1989 date on the 1990 reverse design.
- Human Connection: A distinct minting error that makes collecting coins more interesting.
2005-P Westward Journey Series (Ocean in View)
- Why Valuable: Part of a limited series marking the Lewis and Clark journey.
- How to Identify: Has the “Ocean in View” design on the back.
- Human Connection: A special coin honoring American exploration.
2019-W West Point Mint Mark
- Why Valuable: Limited mintage and first use of the “W” mint mark on a nickel.
- How to Identify: The “W” mint mark is located on the back.
- Human Connection: A contemporary phenomenon that represents an historic first for the U.S. Mint.
Tips for Collectors
- See Your Change: Rareready nickels may still pass through your fingers in circulation.
- Spend on a Magnifying Glass: Trifling marks such as mint marks and minting errors may be difficult to discern.
- Education Regarding Errors: Learn about widespread mint errors and valuable varieties to discover.
- Sustain Your Coins: Keep them in acid-free capsules to retain their integrity.
- Consult the Experts: If you believe you’ve discovered a rare nickel, get it checked out by an expert.
Why Jefferson Nickels Matter
Jefferson Nickels are more than a five-cent piece—they’re pieces of history. From the Monticello design to the wartime silver alloy, every nickel is a story waiting to be told. Collecting them lets you connect with the past while creating a valuable and meaningful collection.
Conclusion
Whatever attracts you to the scarcity of the 1939-D Doubled Monticello or the numismatic history of the 2019-W West Point Nickel, Jefferson Nickels have something that invites you in to explore over and over. The 11 money-valued nickels detailed below are not just valuable in monetary terms, but also treasure chests of culture and history. Begin your search today, and you could hit pay dirt and discover a find that’s a fortune!
FAQ’s
Why are 2009 nickels rare?
Demand was low in 2009 for new circulating coinage, and the U.S. Mint suspended production of both denominations temporarily during April of that year.
Why is the 1942 nickel worth so much money?
The 1942 issue was the first of what were called “War nickels” and are made of 35 percent silver. To a coin collector, a Jefferson Nickel is only worth acquiring if it is in perfect condition.