10 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickel : The Jefferson Nickel series, introduced in 1938, has captivated numismatists for decades. While most nickels are worth only their face value, certain rare varieties and key dates command significant premiums in the coin-collecting market. From wartime silver nickels to rare minting errors, some Jefferson Nickels can be worth thousands of dollars.
If you’re a coin collector or just curious about the hidden gems in your change jar, let’s dive into the ten most valuable Jefferson Nickels and what makes them worth collecting.
10 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickel Worth $260 Million
1. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
Estimated Value: $10 – $20,000+
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel holds a special place among collectors due to its low mintage of only 2.6 million coins—the lowest for any nickel in the regular series. Many collectors hoarded these coins early, making uncirculated examples relatively common. However, well-struck and high-grade specimens with Full Steps (FS) designation can fetch premium prices at auctions.
Key Features:
- Low Mintage: The lowest business strike mintage of the series.
- Full Steps Premium: Nickels with clear steps on Monticello can sell for thousands.
- Auction Record: In 2022, an MS-67+ FS 1950-D sold for over $20,000.
2. 1942-P War Nickel (Silver Alloy)
Estimated Value: $10 – $3,500
During World War II, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of nickels, removing nickel and replacing it with a 35% silver alloy. The 1942-P Jefferson Nickel was the first to feature a large mintmark above Monticello, a distinguishing feature of wartime nickels.
Key Features:
- Silver Content: Contains 35% silver, making it valuable even as bullion.
- Large P Mintmark: The first U.S. coin to display a prominent mintmark.
- High Value in Mint State: An MS-68 example sold for over $3,500.
3. 1939-D Jefferson Nickel
Estimated Value: $20 – $32,900
With a mintage of just 3.5 million, the 1939-D nickel is a key date in the Jefferson Nickel series. Finding one in high grades with Full Steps is exceedingly rare, leading to sky-high auction prices.
Key Features:
- Low Mintage: One of the hardest early Jefferson nickels to find in circulation.
- FS Rarity: Few examples exist with fully struck steps.
- Record Sale: A MS-68 FS sold for $32,900 in 2019.
4. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
Estimated Value: $8,000 – $35,000+
The Special Mint Set (SMS) 1964 nickels are one of the greatest modern numismatic mysteries. These coins have an extraordinary finish, unlike regular strikes or proof coins. Experts believe fewer than 20 exist, making them highly sought after.
Key Features:
- Unique Satin Finish: Different from regular business strikes.
- Extremely Rare: Less than 20 known examples.
- High-Grade Value: A 1964 SMS nickel graded SP-68 sold for $35,000.
5. 1938-D Jefferson Nickel
Estimated Value: $10 – $8,500
The first-year issue of the Jefferson Nickel from the Denver Mint had a low mintage of just 5.4 million coins. While common in circulated grades, high-grade FS examples command premium prices.
Key Features:
- First Year of Issue: An important coin for collectors.
- Low Mintage: Scarce in Mint State.
- Record Auction Price: An MS-68 FS example sold for $8,500.
6. 1943/2-P Overdate Nickel
Estimated Value: $500 – $15,000+
A classic wartime minting error, the 1943/2-P overdate nickel shows the remnants of a “2” under the “3.” This was due to a hubbing mistake when creating the dies.
Key Features:
- Rare Overdate Error: A prominent 3 over 2 visible under magnification.
- Silver Content: Part of the 35% silver wartime nickel series.
- High Value: An MS-67 example sold for $15,000.
7. 1971 No-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
Estimated Value: $5,000 – $20,000+
Proof nickels are always expected to have mintmarks, but the 1971 Proof Nickel was mistakenly struck without the S mintmark, making it one of the rarest modern errors.
Key Features:
- Missing Mintmark: A rare variety where the mintmark was left off the die.
- Extremely Scarce: Only a handful known to exist.
- Auction Price: A PR-69 DCAM example sold for $20,000.
8. 1954-S Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps)
Estimated Value: $1,000 – $10,000
While the 1954-S nickel isn’t rare in general, finding one with Full Steps is exceptionally difficult. Weak strikes were common in the 1950s, and sharply struck coins are coveted by collectors.
Key Features:
- Weak Strikes: Well-struck FS examples are rare.
- High FS Premium: Prices soar for fully struck steps.
- Record Sale: A MS-66 FS sold for $10,000.
9. 1949-D/S Overmintmark Nickel
Estimated Value: $500 – $10,000
A rare overmintmark variety, the 1949-D/S nickel resulted from the Denver Mint punching over an existing San Francisco mintmark.
Key Features:
- Overmintmark Error: The “S” is visible beneath the “D.”
- Highly Desirable Variety: Considered one of the best Jefferson Nickel errors.
- Record Auction Price: Over $10,000 for a high-grade MS example.
10. 2005-D Speared Bison Nickel
Estimated Value: $500 – $2,500
One of the most famous modern error nickels, the Speared Bison variety features a die gouge that appears as a spear running through the bison’s back on the reverse.
Key Features:
- Dramatic Die Gouge: A highly noticeable error.
- Popular with Collectors: One of the most well-known modern errors.
- High Auction Prices: MS examples have sold for over $2,500.
Suggested Diagram (Mermaid Syntax)
graph TD;
A[Jefferson Nickel Series] -->|Key Date| B(1939-D)
A -->|Wartime Nickels| C(1942-P, 1943/2-P)
A -->|Rare Errors| D(1949-D/S, 2005-D Speared Bison)
A -->|Modern Rarities| E(1971 No-S Proof, 1964 SMS)
The Jefferson Nickel series offers an incredible variety of key dates, errors, and rare specimens that can be worth substantial sums. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, these coins provide excellent opportunities for investment and historical appreciation.
Happy collecting! Keep an eye on your pocket change—you never know when you might find a hidden gem worth thousands.