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 →