Jefferson Nickel Values

Most Jefferson nickel values are found in the early years, 1938 and 1939. They are worth 35 cents to $7 or $8 depending on date, mintmark and condition.

Additionally, wartime silver nickels from 1942-1945 because of their silver content, have a minimum value of 40 cents each in Good condition. In Extremely Fine, a more collectable condition, dealers pay $1 for your coin.

A mint state Jefferson nickel is what coin dealers and collectors seek. Most others have minimum value unless in this grade.

However, Jefferson nickel values for a few rare error coins make them worth looking for. The value chart lists the ones worth a premium. Collectors find these exciting and a couple of varieties reach $100 or more.

The following values are for coins dealers are actively seeking.

The above are wholesale values. Computed from dealers price lists with various markup 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.

Coins not listed generally trade for minimal value above face value. Dealers and collectors are interested only in coins graded Mint State 60 or preferably higher.

For additional reference... NumisMedia publishes an extensive fair market value price guide, covering retail Jefferson Nickel Values in detail.

Printable Coin Values Worksheet

Jefferson Nickel Values are Conditional

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.

Except for a few rare error Jefferson nickels, dealers and collectors focus on mint state coins. They are best described as bright, new, never circulated coins. The top image is an example of a mint state, attractive and highly collectible nickel. Additionally, a fully struck nickel is determined by its "Full Steps" notation and as a result commands much higher values.

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 mint mark was restored to the right of Monticello. Focus your attention here as you look for the double and D/S mint marks.

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 ones 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 coins 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 coin… 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.

Jefferson Nickel Values - Today's Conclusion

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.

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.

Need coin values for other series? Go to the home page Coin Values Discovery from Jefferson Nickel values.