Jefferson Nickel Value
1938-present · 5¢ · 75% copper 25% nickel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $0.05 |
| Good (G-4) | $0.10 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $2.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $6.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $30.00 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1950-D | Lowest regular mintage at 2.63 million, heavily hoarded | $10–$30 |
| 1942-D | First wartime silver alloy issue from Denver | $3–$30 |
| 1939-D | Low mintage early issue with 3.51 million struck | $8–$80 |
| 1938-D | First year Denver issue, just 5.37 million minted | $3–$15 |
| 1943-P | First U.S. coin to bear the P mintmark | $2–$15 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Felix Schlag
- Years
- 1938-present
- Denomination
- 5¢
- Composition
- 75% copper 25% nickel
- Diameter
- 21.2 mm
- Weight
- 5 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Jefferson Nickel: History & Background
The Jefferson Nickel replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938 after Felix Schlag won a public design competition with his portrait of Thomas Jefferson and a depiction of Monticello. During World War II from 1942 to 1945, the composition was changed to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel for the war effort, and these wartime issues bear a large mintmark above Monticello. The obverse was redesigned in 2004 for the Westward Journey series and again in 2006 with a forward-facing Jefferson portrait by Jamie Franki. Collectors prize the silver war nickels and the 1950-D issue, which has the lowest regular-issue mintage in the series at just 2.63 million.
How to Grade a Jefferson Nickel
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →
What Affects Jefferson Nickel Value?
Condition & Grade
The grade spread for Jefferson Nickels is dramatic: a common-date example jumps from $0.05 in Poor to $2.00 in Uncirculated — a 40× increase. Gem-quality MS-65 specimens can reach $6.00 or more. Even a single grade point difference at the upper end can double a coin's price.
Date & Mintmark
The Jefferson Nickel series has 5 notable key dates. The 1950-D is valued at $10–$30, far above common dates. Mintmark location and variety (such as overdates or repunched marks) can multiply a coin's value significantly.
Collector Demand
As a 75% copper 25% nickel coin, the Jefferson Nickel derives its value entirely from collector demand rather than metal content. This makes condition and rarity even more important — heavily worn common dates may trade near face value, while key dates and high-grade examples command strong premiums.
Strike Quality & Eye Appeal
Designed by Felix Schlag, the Jefferson Nickel (21.2mm diameter) can exhibit varying strike quality across different mint facilities and years. Coins with full, sharp design details, original luster, and attractive toning trade at premiums of 20–50% above the same technical grade with average eye appeal.
Collector Notes: Jefferson Nickel
The Jefferson Nickel (1938-present) holds a distinctive place in US numismatics. Designed by Felix Schlag, this 5¢ coin was struck in 75% copper 25% nickel with a diameter of 21.2mm and weight of 5 grams. These physical specifications are essential for authentication — any deviation from these measurements is a red flag for counterfeits.
Collectors approaching the Jefferson Nickel series should start by assembling a date-and-mintmark set in a consistent grade. Fine (F-12) offers a good balance of affordability and visual appeal for most dates, with clear design elements still visible. Budget roughly $0.25 per common date in Fine condition, then set aside a larger budget for the 5 key dates in the series.
For registry set collectors pursuing top grades, the Jefferson Nickel in MS-65 or better represents a more significant investment at $6.00+ per coin. Population reports from PCGS and NGC show that the supply of certified high-grade examples is limited, and competition among registry set collectors has driven premiums for condition-census coins.
Before purchasing any Jefferson Nickel valued above $100, we recommend reviewing our 2026 US Coin Values Quick Reference PDF ($2.99) which includes a complete grade-by-grade price breakdown and key date identification guide for this series.
Jefferson Nickel: Frequently Asked Questions
▶How much is a Jefferson Nickel worth today?
A Jefferson Nickel (1938-present) is worth between $0.05 in Poor condition and $2.00 or more in Uncirculated condition. In the most commonly found Fine grade, expect around $0.25. Gem specimens graded MS-65 can reach $6.00 or higher. Values fluctuate with collector demand.
▶What is the most valuable Jefferson Nickel?
The most valuable Jefferson Nickel is the 1950-D — lowest regular mintage at 2.63 million, heavily hoarded. This date is valued at $10–$30 depending on grade and condition. Always have potentially valuable dates authenticated by PCGS or NGC before selling.
▶How do I grade a Jefferson Nickel?
Grading a Jefferson Nickel starts with examining the highest points of the design, where wear appears first. Look for remaining luster, sharpness of details, and surface marks. The Sheldon scale runs from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect). For this series, the jump from Fine (F-12, worth ~$0.25) to Uncirculated (MS-63, worth ~$2.00) is significant. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs $20–$50 per coin and is recommended for coins that appear to be worth $100 or more. Our PDF guide ($2.99) includes a visual grading chart for this series.
▶Where is the best place to sell Jefferson Nickels?
For common-date Jefferson Nickels in circulated grades, local coin shops and eBay are practical options — expect 70–85% of retail value. For key dates or high-grade examples, Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers will reach the most serious buyers and typically achieve the strongest prices. PCGS or NGC certification is essential before consigning valuable coins to auction. For a detailed selling strategy, see our selling guide.
▶Are there error varieties of the Jefferson Nickel?
Yes. Known Jefferson Nickel errors include doubled die obverses and reverses, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, and die cracks. Some error varieties can be worth multiples of normal strikes. Always examine coins under magnification to check for die doubling, especially on lettering and dates.
▶How can I tell if my Jefferson Nickel is real?
Authentic Jefferson Nickels weigh 5 grams and measure 21.2 mm in diameter. Check the weight with a precision scale (digital scales accurate to 0.01g are available for under $20). The coin should be composed of 75% copper 25% nickel. Counterfeit coins often fail the weight test, show seams on the edge, or have mushy design details. For valuable dates, always obtain PCGS or NGC authentication — the cost is minimal compared to the risk of buying or selling a counterfeit.
▶What affects the value of a Jefferson Nickel the most?
The four biggest value drivers for Jefferson Nickels are: (1) Grade — the difference between Good and Uncirculated is $1.90 for common dates; (2) Date and mintmark — key dates like 1950-D command large premiums; (3) Eye appeal — original surfaces, attractive toning, and strong strikes increase desirability among collectors.
▶How many Jefferson Nickels were made?
The Jefferson Nickel was produced from 1938-present. Mintage varied widely by year and mint — some dates had millions struck while key dates had far fewer. The scarce 1950-D is especially sought after. Check our full value table above for key dates and their relative scarcity.
▶Should I clean my Jefferson Nickel?
Never clean a Jefferson Nickel or any collectible coin. Cleaning removes the original surface and patina, which collectors prize — a cleaned coin can lose 50% or more of its value compared to an original, naturally toned example. Even coins that look "dirty" often have desirable original toning. If you must remove loose debris, hold the coin by its edges and gently rinse with distilled water. Our coin storage guide has more preservation tips.
▶Is the Jefferson Nickel a good investment?
Jefferson Nickels in key dates and high grades have historically appreciated well. Common dates in circulated grades are affordable entry points. For investment purposes, focus on PCGS/NGC-certified examples in grades of Fine or better, and prioritize key dates with low mintages. Our PDF Quick Reference Guide ($2.99) covers all Jefferson Nickel dates and values to help identify the best opportunities.