Jefferson Nickel Value & Price Guide

1941 jefferson nickel no mint mark | eBay

1969 S Jefferson Nickel PF68 Ultra Cameo NGC Certified | eBay

1945 Jefferson nickel• 35% Silver • | eBay

1956 D Jefferson Nickel. Uncirculated - Very Nice Coin ...

The Jefferson Nickel has been the five-cent workhorse of American coinage since its introduction in 1938, featuring Felix Schlag's classic depiction of Thomas Jefferson. Collectors prize this series for its accessibility, offering a mix of common circulation finds and rare high-grade varieties.

Price Range: $0 - $1 based on recent sales

History of Jefferson Nickel

Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel, the Jefferson Nickel was the result of a public design competition won by German-born artist Felix Schlag. His design featured a profile of the third U.S. President on the obverse and Jefferson's Virginia estate, Monticello, on the reverse. The series underwent its most significant compositional change during World War II, when nickel was diverted for military use and replaced with a silver-manganese-copper alloy from late 1942 through 1945. In 2004 and 2005, the 'Westward Journey' series temporarily replaced the standard reverse to commemorate the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 2006, a new forward-facing portrait of Jefferson was introduced, which remains the standard design for the series today.

Value Factors for Jefferson Nickel

The typical price range for Jefferson Nickel is $0 - $1 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

Silver content in wartime issues (1942-1945) provides a baseline bullion value regardless of condition.
The presence of 'Full Steps' on the reverse is the primary driver for high-end collector pricing.
Key dates and low-mintage years, such as the 1939-D, 1939-S, and 1950-D, carry the highest premiums.
Surface preservation and the absence of 'milk spots' or heavy bag marks on the large flat fields of the coin.

Tips for Buying Jefferson Nickel

Look for 'Full Steps' on Monticello's reverse, as coins with five or six crisp steps command significant premiums.
Prioritize the 1942-1945 'War Nickels' which contain 35% silver and are easily identified by the large mint mark above the dome.
Examine 1939 and 1940 issues closely for 'Doubled Die' varieties that can significantly increase the coin's market value.
Focus on high-luster uncirculated specimens for modern dates, as many were poorly struck and are difficult to find in pristine condition.