Most Jefferson nickel values are found in the early years, 1938 and 1939. They are worth 25 cents to $15 or $30 depending on date, mintmark and condition.
Additionally, wartime silver nickels from 1942-1945 because of their silver content, have a minimum value of $0.85 each in Good condition.
An "Uncirculated" Jefferson nickel is what coin dealers and collectors seek. Most others have minimum value unless in this grade.
Jefferson Nickels are gaining in popularity, however...
Collectors and dealers seek uncirculated coins to add to their holdings. A stunning "Uncirculated" coin such as the one pictured is the type of coin eagerly sought. Jefferson nickel values reveal this. The second half of the chart lists coins only in this condition.
The following values are for coins dealers are actively seeking.
Jefferson Nickel Values | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condition of Coin | ||||
| Date | Good - G | Fine - F | Extremely Fine XF |
Uncirculated |
| 1938 | " | " | " | $4.33 |
| 1938 D | $0.42 | $0.70 | $1.05 | $3.58 |
| 1938 S | $0.55 | $0.95 | $1.57 | $3.00 |
| 1939 | " | " | " | $2.45 |
| 1939 D | $1.00 | $2.38 | $7.67 | $31.67 |
| 1939 S | $0.25 | $0.25 | $2.13 | $16.00 |
| 1940 | " | " | " | $2.33 |
| 1940 D | " | " | " | $2.00 |
| 1940 S | " | " | " | $3.00 |
| 1941 | " | " | " | $2.67 |
| 1941 D | " | " | " | $3.65 |
| 1941 S | " | " | " | $2.45 |
| 1942 | " | " | " | $3.50 |
| 1942 D | " | " | " | $23.00 |
| Wartine Silver Jefferson Nickels 1942-1945 | ||||
| 1942 P | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $5.17 |
| 1942 S | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $5.67 |
| 1943 P | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $3.08 |
| 1943 D | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $2.98 |
| 1943 S | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $4.58 |
| 1944 P | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $6.17 |
| 1944 D | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $7.00 |
| 1944 S | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $4.83 |
| 1945 P | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $4.67 |
| 1945 D | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $3.25 |
| 1945 S | $0.85 | $0.85 | $0.85 | $3.25 |
| Nickel Alloy Resumed | ||||
| The Following Dates are Collected Mostly in Uncirculated Condition | ||||
| 1946 | " | " | " | $1.50 |
| 1946 D | " | " | " | $1.75 |
| 1946 S | " | " | " | $1.58 |
| 1947 | " | " | " | $1.37 |
| 1947 D | " | " | " | $1.08 |
| 1947 S | " | " | " | $0.75 |
| 1948 | " | " | " | $0.92 |
| 1948 D | " | " | " | $2.00 |
| 1948 S | " | " | " | $1.58 |
| 1949 | " | " | " | $3.33 |
| 1949 D | " | " | " | $1.03 |
| 1949 S | " | " | " | $1.42 |
| 1950 | " | " | " | $1.50 |
| 1950 D | $2.75 | $3.93 | $4.67 | $6.67 |
| 1951 | " | " | " | $2.00 |
| 1951 D | " | " | " | $2.25 |
| 1951 S | " | " | " | $2.17 |
| 1952 | " | " | " | $1.58 |
| 1952 D | " | " | " | $2.33 |
| 1952 S | " | " | " | $0.65 |
| 1953 | " | " | " | $0.75 |
| 1953 D | " | " | " | $0.50 |
| 1953 S | " | " | " | $1.00 |
| 1954 | " | " | " | $0.75 |
| 1954 D | " | " | " | $0.67 |
| 1954 S | " | " | " | $0.83 |
| 1955 | " | " | " | $0.80 |
| 1955 D | " | " | " | $0.78 |
| 1956 | " | " | " | $0.50 |
| 1956 D | " | " | " | $0.67 |
| 1957 | " | " | " | $0.58 |
| 1957 D | " | " | " | $0.58 |
| 1958 | " | " | " | $0.67 |
| 1958 D | " | " | " | $0.58 |
| 1959 | " | " | " | $0.50 |
| 1959 D | " | " | " | $0.67 |
| 1960 | " | " | " | $0.47 |
| 1960 D | " | " | " | $0.43 |
| 1961 | " | " | " | $0.47 |
| 1961 D | " | " | " | $0.38 |
| 1962 | " | " | " | $0.47 |
| 1962 D | " | " | " | $0.38 |
| 1963 | " | " | " | $0.42 |
| 1963 D | " | " | " | $0.42 |
| 1964 | " | " | " | $0.42 |
| 1964 D | " | " | " | $0.42 |
| Jefferson Nickel Values Updated 2013 | ||||
The above are wholesale coin values. Computed from dealer's price lists with various mark-up factors figured in. They reflect closely the value you would expect to receive when selling. Variations in value do occur subject to subtle grading points, collector demands and dealer needs. For more background information, see how value listings in the Coin Value Guide are determined.
Jefferson nickel values not listed in certain grades are coins that generally trade for minimal value above face value. Dealers and collectors are interested only in coins in uncirculated or preferably choice uncirculated condition.
Print the handy Coin Values Worksheet to list your coins and record their values. Should you decide to sell... use the worksheet as an invoice and packing slip when sending coins through the mail to dealers. It indicates you have done your coin values homework.
After identifying your coin by date and mintmark, determining its "Grade" has the next greatest influence on value. The better state of preservation the more desirable to a dealer, the more it is worth.
To accurately determine your Jefferson nickel values, compare your coins to the images below and assign each coin a grade.
Look closely at Monticello on the reverse. Four central pillars showing, separates a nickel in "Fine" condition from one where Monticello is worn smooth and in "Good" condition, . If all the details on the obverse and reverse are crisp and sharp, with slight wear, your coin is in "Extremely Fine" condition.
Dealers and collectors focus on choice uncirculated coins. They are best described as bright, new, never circulated coins. The top image is an example of an uncirculated, attractive and highly collectible nickel.
Is your coin Uncirculated?
An uncirculated coin shows no evidence of wear on its surface. When first minted the entire surface of a coin displays a bright gleaming luster. Very delicate, it is the first to wear from circulation. The surface begins to show a dulling of the shine. Rotate your coin under a light, changing its angle, an uncirculated coin shows no breaks in this luster.
It is also helpful to know grading a coin is not an exact science. It is your opinion, dealers and collectors have their own opinions... and they can all differ slightly.
Everyone considers PCGS and NGC as leaders in coin grading services. They both authenticate and grade your coin. The small fee you pay provides assurance you understand and receive the full value of your coin.
Check a few rare coin dealers listings, look for those offering Jefferson Nickels for sale, their listings and prices usually include a notation of the NGC or PCGS assigned grade. Additionally... these coin dealers are potential buyers of your coins.
From 1938 to part of 1942, mint marks, "S" for San Francisco and "D" for the Denver mint are located to the right of Monticello.
In 1946, after the silver nickels, the mintmark was restored to the right of Monticello.
Silver war time Jefferson nickels 1942-1945 are easily recognized by the large mint mark "P" "D" or "S" above the dome on Monticello.
To quickly understand your Jefferson nickel values and the coins sought by collectors, visit a few rare coin dealers' web sites. Find coins similar to yours and compare retail to wholesale values.
Perhaps consider your old nickels as the beginnings of a collection. If not, one successful approach is to sell all your coins and use the proceeds to purchase one nice rare coinÂ… the one you where hoping to find in the box. Pass the thrill of a rare and valuable coin on to your children.
Take a minute and visit Joel Rettew's web site FastCoin.com. They are serious buyers of US coins. Additionally... they have many fascination rare coins for sale.
Although the Jefferson nickel series is extremely long running, dating back to 1938, their values are in their infancy. The series remained basically unchanged throughout the first 65 years. However, the recent new designs are beginning to attract attention to nickels.
With this renewed interest comes a rise in the number of collectors and a rise in value is sure to follow. Return whenever curious and update your Jefferson nickel values.
More Old Nickel Values
Return to the index page of Shield, Liberty, Buffalo, and Three Cent Nickels. Match your coins to the grading images and value charts, discover your rare coins.
Do you have other denominations?
Coin Values Discovery... finds Jefferson Nickel Values and... All old US coin values. It is an excellent index with images and text links to all coin series, from Cents to Gold. Value charts, grading images and descriptions uncover how much your box of old coins is worth.
Coin Images Courtesy
DavidLawrence.com
Selling Coins
Getting the Best Price
| On occasion rare nickels do turn up... old better date buffalo nickels, valuable silver war nickels, even a few Jefferson nickels and others. Search your box of old coins and discover the possibilities of... Finding Rare Nickels |