US Jefferson Nickel 1938 to Date

Almost every Jefferson nickel is worth just that -- one nickel. All Jeffersons in worn condition are worth a nickel. If you find one in uncirculated condition, or nearly so, it will be worth more than a nickel, but not too much more.

If you can find a collector who enjoys Jefferson nickels, and there aren't many, you might sell a super-nice specimen for a few dollars.

Look at the superb Jefferson nickel in the picture. It is the most valuable date and mint mark (1939D) and it is in wonderful shape, assigned the lofty grade of mint state MS63 by Numismatic Guaranty Company, a highly respected coin grading company. The retail value of this coin is less than $50 US dollars. Another good date, 1950D, is worth about $15 when in MS63 condition. All other Jeffersons are worth small amounts, never rising to the $5 level unless in absolutely superb condition.

Also, as you may know, the US Mint issued Jefferson nickels with a silver composition during World War II, from 1942 to 1945. These so-called War Nickels are worth a tad more than regular Jeffs and, at a high silver price, their 0.0563 troy ounces of silver starts to kick in to coin value. A 1944P war nickel can reach $10 value, but only in fully uncirculated (MS63) condition. The one in our picture shows the P mint mark on the reverse (common to War Nickels). Other mint marks are D and S, with values roughly the same. War nickels always have their P, D or S mint marks prominently displayed on the back, over Monticello.

In summary, Jefferson nickels are not worth very much unless they are in superb condition. Even then, almost all dates struggle to get past $5 catalog value. This, coupled with the good availability of all dates, make Jeffs a great place to start collecting. Just don't think your collection will pay for college someday!
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