Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money

The United States Mint has produced more than one Jefferson coin over the years, but the Jefferson Nickel is one of the most popular U.S. coins among coin collectors. That’s mostly because there are a good number of key dates and error coins that make them the perfect addition to any coin collection. Take a good look at your coinage the next time you get change back. You never know which of these valuable silver coins you may end up with. Let's dive into the most valuable Jefferson Nickels worth money!

What Are the 9 Most Valuable Thomas Jefferson Coins?

The most valuable Jefferson nickels worth money are typically those that are rare or have certain unique characteristics. These numismatic coins are worth more than face value, either due to historical significance, rarity value, mint mark, or condition.

Here is our list of the nine most valuable Jefferson Nickels:

1942-D “D Over D” Coin

Some Jefferson Nickels have an error in the mint mark that makes them more valuable than other five-cent coins. The 1942-D “D over D” coin is a variety where the “D” representing the Denver Mint was punched over a previously punched “D” mint mark, resulting in the appearance of two “D” mint marks on the coin.

This silver coin is by far the most sought-after Jefferson Nickel variety. They’re quite scarce, with probably less than a few hundred examples known.

A 1942-D “D over D” coin in circulated condition is easily worth several hundred dollars. In uncirculated condition, it becomes very scarce and can be worth several thousand dollars.

1943 P Doubled Eye

Another Jefferson Nickel worth money with an error in the design is the 1943-P Doubled Eye variety. This U.S. coin is characterized by doubling in the eyelid of Thomas Jefferson’s eye on the coin’s obverse. This type of error is believed to be caused by a Class III doubled die error at the U.S. Mint.

This Jefferson coin is one of the more popular wartime nickels. Although the exact mintage number for this variety is unknown, it’s estimated that only a small number of these coins were produced.

Ultimately, the value of a 1943-P Doubled Eye Jefferson Nickel depends on the grade, with higher grades commanding higher prices.

1997 P MS66

Not all of the valuable Jefferson coins have errors. The 1997-P special strike Jefferson Nickel is among the most valuable issues from recent years.

The 1997-P Jefferson Nickel was one of five coins sold in the 1997 Botanic Garden Mint Set. There were only 25,000 of these coin sets sold. These Jefferson coins were struck with a satin finish on special planchets and coin dies to ensure the design was particularly sharp and detailed.

Most 1997-P Jefferson Nickels tend to be in high uncirculated grades of MS65 and higher. Only a small number of these U.S. coins were produced. Their rarity makes them even more valuable.

1939 D

The 1939-D regular strike Jefferson Nickel had the lowest mintage (3,514,000) of any standard-issue coin in the series. The exact reason for the low mintage is unclear, but it’s likely due to a combination of factors.

First, the United States was still recovering from the Great Depression; the demand for nickels may have been lower than usual. Additionally, the U.S. was on the brink of World War II in 1939, and the demand for metal was increasing; the U.S. Mint may have been conserving resources. Lastly, this was the first year of the Jefferson Nickel design, and it may not have been as popular with the public initially.

Whatever the reason for the low mintage, the 1939-D Jefferson Nickel is highly prized by coin collectors and can be quite valuable, especially in higher grades.

1949-D “D Over S”

Another error coin on our list of valuable Jefferson coins is the 1949-D “D over S.” This silver Thomas Jefferson coin is a popular variety that shows an “S” underneath the “D” mint mark on the reverse design.

The exact reason for the error has not been confirmed, but two different scenarios make sense and could be the culprit. All of the dies for each branch of the U.S. Mint are made at the Philadelphia Mint. It could be that one of the mint workers started with the wrong mint mark punch and went over it with the correct one, or there was a surplus of leftover dies that were already punched with an “S.” Most numismatic experts believe it was the latter of the two.

1939 P Double Monticello

Out of all the Jefferson coins, there are three major Double Die varieties, and the 1939-P Double Monticello is one of them. This Jefferson Nickel error is the most dramatic of the three error coins.

The easiest place to spot the doubling is the word FIVE CENTS on the coin’s reverse, which is shifted towards the South East. The word MONTICELLO is also doubled and shifts to the east and slightly south.

There are roughly 1,000 of these silver coins in circulation, but most of them are in very low grades. These Jefferson coins are rare in uncirculated condition.

1955-D “D Over S”

The 1955-D “D over S” is another valuable error coin in the Jefferson Nickel series. This particular Jefferson coin is considered scarce in all grades. Any example you can get your hands on is a keeper.

You can easily see the top serif of the “S” mint mark underneath the top of the “D” mint mark on the coin’s obverse. The 1955-D “D over S” Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag and composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

1943-P 3 Over 2

An overdate error coin occurs when one mint date is stamped over top of another mint date. The 1943-P “3 over 2” is the only overdate in the entire Jefferson Nickel series, which makes it very desirable to coin collectors.

This Thomas Jefferson variety was discovered in 1948, but it wasn’t confirmed until 1977 when someone found an uncirculated example with great detail. Since then, upwards of 1,000 examples have been popping up, and more are still being found today as original rolls are being examined and broken up.

Worn examples of the 1943-P “3 over 2” are more plentiful since many coins were already in circulation before the error was noticed. One of these Jefferson Nickels in circulated condition is worth between $25 and $275, according to the NGC Price Guide.

1954-S “S Over D”

The last Jefferson Nickel mint mark variety on our list is the 1954-S “S over D” struck at the San Francisco Mint branch.

Similar to other mint mark error coins, the “S” mint mark is stamped over a subtle “D” mint mark. A small portion of the “D” can typically be seen below and within the “S” mint mark.

One of these record-breaking Jefferson coins sold at an auction for $3,450 in 2004.

Rare Jefferson Nickels With Money To Add to Your Coin Collection

Whether you’re looking for valuable bullion coins or rare Jefferson coins, Bullion Shark is the coin dealer you can rely on.

We offer a constantly evolving inventory of rare coins, including silver dollars, gold coins, proof sets, and more. If you have questions, contact one of our numismatic experts today!

Sources:

Jefferson Nickel - PCGS CoinFacts | PCGS

Return to Monticello Nickel | U.S. Mint

Jefferson Five Cents (1938-Date) | Coin Explorer | NGC

Jefferson Nickel, 1954-S/D MS | PCGS Auction Prices

FAQ

Who is on the nickel?

The nickel, a five-cent coin issued by the United States Mint, features the profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, on its obverse (front) side. Jefferson has been depicted on the nickel since 1938, when the Jefferson nickel design was first introduced, replacing the Buffalo nickel. The portrait of Jefferson used on the current nickel is based on a design by Jamie Franki and was introduced in 2006. The reverse (back) side of the coin originally featured Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, and this design has been updated over the years but continues to celebrate Jefferson's legacy.

How much is a nickel worth?

Most nickels are worth 5 cents or $0.05 in United States currency. Its value is based on its denomination rather than its metal content or collectible value. However, certain rare or error nickels can be worth more to collectors, depending on their historical significance, rarity, condition, and specific minting characteristics. 

What nickels are worth money?

1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: One of the most famous and valuable nickels, with only five known examples. Its value can exceed several million dollars at auction.
2. 1942-1945 Silver War Nickels: These contain 35% silver and have a large mint mark above the dome of Monticello. They are worth more than face value due to their silver content, with uncirculated examples or those with Full Steps on Monticello being particularly valuable.
3. 1939-D Jefferson Nickel: Known for its Full Steps (FS) detail, making high-grade examples especially sought after.
4. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel: This coin has the lowest mintage of any post-1938 Jefferson nickel, making uncirculated examples particularly valuable.
5. 1937-D 3-Legged Buffalo Nickel: An error coin where the buffalo appears to have only three legs. The error was caused by over-polishing of the die, making this nickel highly collectible.
6. 1916/1916 Doubled Die Buffalo Nickel: A rare doubled die variety that is highly prized by collectors.
7. 2004-D and 2005-D Jefferson Nickels with Speared Bison or Detached Leg: Error coins from the Westward Journey series that have captured the interest of collectors.
8. 1938-D/S Buffalo Nickel: A transitional error where some 1938-D Buffalo nickels were struck using dies that had been overpunched with an "S" mint mark before being overpunched again with a "D".
9. 1943-P Jefferson Nickel Double Eye: An error coin where doubling can be seen on Jefferson's eye.
10. 1949-D/S Jefferson Nickel: Another overmintmark error where a "D" mint mark was stamped over an "S".

What makes a Jefferson Nickel valuable?

A Jefferson Nickel becomes valuable due to several factors including rarity, minting errors, historical significance, and condition. Key dates, low mintage numbers, and unique variations or errors such as double dies, overdates, and repunched mint marks can significantly increase a nickel's value. High-grade examples, especially those in uncirculated condition, are also more sought after by collectors.

Which Jefferson Nickels are the most valuable?

Some of the most valuable Jefferson Nickels include the 1942-1945 silver war nickels, particularly those with a large mint mark above Monticello, the 1939-D, the 1950-D, and error coins like the 1943/2 overdate. The 1938-D and 1938-S, being the first year of issue and having lower mintages, are also highly collectible.

How can I identify a valuable Jefferson Nickel?

To identify a valuable Jefferson Nickel, examine the coin for key dates, mint marks, and any potential errors or unusual features. Look for coins minted during specific years known for their rarity or those made from silver during World War II. Using a magnifying glass can help spot small details like overdates or repunched mint marks that could indicate a more valuable piece.

What is the value of a 1942-1945 Silver War Nickel?

The value of a 1942-1945 Silver War Nickel can vary widely based on its condition and mint mark, with prices ranging from a few dollars for common circulated examples to several hundred dollars for high-grade uncirculated pieces. Special mint marks or particularly well-preserved coins can fetch higher prices among collectors.

Are there any Jefferson Nickel error coins that are particularly valuable?

Yes, there are several Jefferson Nickel error coins that are highly valuable, including the 1943/2 overdate, the 1945-P with a doubled die reverse, and the 1939 doubled Monticello and FIVE CENTS. Errors such as off-center strikes, clipped planchets, and die breaks can also add to a nickel's value.

How do I find out if my Jefferson Nickel is worth money?

To find out if your Jefferson Nickel is worth money, start by identifying its year, mint mark, and checking for any noticeable errors or unusual features. Compare your coin to a current coin value guide or consult with a professional numismatist or coin grading service for an accurate assessment. High-quality images or physical examination by an expert can help determine its market value.

Where can I sell my valuable Jefferson Nickel?

Valuable Jefferson Nickels can be sold at coin shops, online auction sites, coin shows, or through numismatic dealers and collectors. Before selling, consider having your nickel appraised or graded to ensure you get a fair price. Selling through a reputable dealer or at a numismatic auction can also help reach collectors willing to pay a premium for rare or error nickels.