11 Valuable Thomas Jefferson Nickels You Should Know About, When you think of valuable coins, you might picture rare gold pieces or vintage silver dollars, but don’t overlook the humble Thomas Jefferson Nickel. These 5-cent coins, minted from 1938 to today, have seen several design changes, and some of them are worth far more than their face value. If you’re a collector or just someone who’s curious about the coins in your pocket, here’s a list of 11 valuable Thomas Jefferson Nickels that you should definitely keep an eye on. 10 Ultra-Rare Coins Worth Up to $250 Million That Could Instantly Make You a Millionaire
1. 1939 Jefferson Nickel (Double Die Obverse)
The 1939 Jefferson Nickel is notable for a rare error known as the Double Die Obverse. This error occurs when the die that strikes the coin is misaligned, resulting in a doubled image. A 1939 nickel with this error can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on its condition.
2. 1942-S “Silver” Jefferson Nickel
In 1942, due to World War II, the U.S. government switched to using silver for the nickel’s composition. The 1942-S is particularly valuable because it was minted in San Francisco and is rarer than other silver nickels from that year. If you find one in good condition, it could be worth more than $100.
3. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel is another one you’ll want to look for. It was minted in Denver and has a low mintage, making it scarce and highly sought after by collectors. A well-preserved 1950-D nickel could easily be worth $50 or more, depending on its condition.
4. 1964 Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps)
In the world of coin collecting, a “Full Steps” designation refers to a coin where the details of the steps on Monticello are clearly visible. A 1964 Jefferson Nickel with full steps is a rarity and can be valued at up to $50 or more, depending on its quality.
5. 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel
The 1971-S Proof Jefferson Nickel was minted specifically for collectors and is not found in regular circulation. Proof coins are made with higher precision and have a mirror-like finish, making them especially attractive to collectors. A 1971-S Proof in excellent condition can fetch up to $100 or more.
6. 1949 Jefferson Nickel (High Grade)
The 1949 Jefferson Nickel is relatively common, but if you can find one in high-grade condition—especially with no scratches or wear—it can be worth a lot. Coins graded MS-65 or higher have been sold for over $50 at auctions.
7. 1955 Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps)
Similar to the 1964 Full Steps nickel, the 1955 Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps is a coin you don’t want to overlook. With a higher level of detail and sharpness in the design, a 1955 nickel with this feature can be worth hundreds of dollars, particularly in top-tier condition.
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8. 1938 Jefferson Nickel (First Year of Issue)
The first year of the Jefferson Nickel series, 1938, is a highly desirable coin for collectors. While most 1938 nickels aren’t rare, certain varieties and higher-grade examples can be valued at over $100. Coins with minor defects or wear will generally be less valuable, but they still hold historical significance.
9. 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel (Overdate)
In 1943, some Jefferson Nickels were mistakenly struck with a 1942 die. This created a rare “overdate” variety that’s highly valuable. The 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel can be worth thousands of dollars, especially if it’s in mint condition.
10. 1968-S Jefferson Nickel (Doubled Die Reverse)
The 1968-S Jefferson Nickel features a rare doubled die reverse error. On these coins, the reverse design (specifically the word “Monticello”) is doubled. This type of error can make a 1968-S nickel worth much more than its standard 5-cent value, often selling for around $50 or more in higher grades.
11. 2004 Jefferson Nickel (Keelboat Variety)
The 2004 Jefferson Nickel features a design change to honor the Louisiana Purchase, with a “Keelboat” image. While most of these nickels are worth their face value, certain varieties or errors can increase their value. Look out for those with clear die errors or special minting marks that could make them worth more to collectors.
Conclusion: Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or a beginner just getting started, understanding which Thomas Jefferson Nickels are valuable can be an exciting pursuit. From rare error coins to higher-grade pieces, these nickels are more than just pocket change—they are a window into history. Keep an eye out for these rare finds, and you might just discover that your nickel collection is worth more than you think!