Do you have a valuable Jefferson Nickel coin? Know its real value

Have you ever puzzled that a easy nickel (5 cent coin) in your pocket might be well worth hundreds or thousands and thousands of greenbacks? Jefferson Nickel, that’s normally worth five cents, can once in a while fetch a very high charge due to the rarity hidden at the back of its simplicity.

Although most Jefferson Nickel coins are really worth just 5 cents, coins with positive years, mint marks, minting mistakes and unique situations can fetch prices as much as heaps or thousands and thousands of bucks.

Let’s know about those uncommon variations of Jefferson Nickel coins , which may be hidden to your pocket or in any vintage coin series.

Beginning of Jefferson Nickel

The journey of Jefferson Nickel began in 1938, when the USA Treasury discontinued the Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickel. The new coin become issued to honor America’s third President Thomas Jefferson. The coin changed into designed by means of German-American sculptor Felix Schlag. The obverse of the coin depicts Jefferson standing left, while the opposite depicts his well-known mansion “Monticello” in Virginia.

It began being produced on the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints in past due 1938. The design remained really unchanged until 2004, whilst it became in brief altered at some stage in the Westward Journey collection.

Changes in coin metal during World War II (1942-1945)

Military use of nickel accelerated for the duration of World War II, forcing a trade in the alloy utilized in coins. Starting in October 1942, the U.S. Mint changed the alloy of nickel coins to 56% copper, 35% silver, and nine% manganese.

These coins have a exclusive characteristic—a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above the roof of Monticello. This was the first time the “P” mint mark became used on coins from the Philadelphia Mint.

Some rare wartime Jefferson nickels that have sold for high prices:

• 1943-P 3/2 FS-101 – This coin features a faint “2” mark below the “3”. It sells for over $1,000 in fair condition, while an uncirculated (brand new) coin can fetch $15,000-$30,000.
• 1945-P Double Die Reverse – This coin features a double printing of Monticello and letters. Prices can range from $500 to $2,000. – 1943-P MS-68 Full Steps – This rare coin sold for $28,200 at auction in 2019.

“Full Steps” means that the steps of Monticello are clearly visible. Coins in this condition are worth several times more than normal coins.

1939 Doubled Monticello – A Rare Mistake

In 1939, some Jefferson Nickel coins had a double die. This shows a double motif on the dome, windows and columns of Monticello.

• In normal condition, this coin sells for $75-$200.
• If the coin is uncirculated (brand new), it can reach $500-$1,500.
• In 2020, a coin graded MS-67 was sold at auction for $4,700.

It is important to identify such coins, because a slight printing mistake is often sold as a more valuable coin.

1950-D – The Rarest Coin in the Jefferson Nickel Series

In 1950, the Denver Mint made only 2,630,030 Jefferson Nickel coins, which is the lowest number in the entire series.

When people started collecting these coins in the 1950s, traders also bought them in large quantities, making it even rarer.

Today the value of the 1950-D coin is as follows:

• Fine Condition – $15-$25
• Extremely Fine – $30-$50
• About Uncirculated – $60-$90
• MS-63 Grade – $100-$150
• MS-67 Full Steps – $4,000-$6,000
• Record Price – In 2019 one coin sold for $9,400.

Most Expensive Jefferson Nickel Coin: 1971 No-S Proof

In 1971 the San Francisco Mint accidentally made some Proof nickel coins without the “S” mint mark.

This coin is extremely rare and only two authentic examples have ever been found.

• 2019 auction price – $48,300
• Current estimated value – Over $100,000

This coin is considered one of the rarest U.S. coins of the 20th century.

How ​​to Know if Your Coin Is Valuable

If you have old nickel coins, now is the perfect time to get them checked out. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Look at the coin’s date – Coins minted between 1938 and 1971 may be more valuable.
• Look at the mint mark – Coins with “D”, “S” and “P” mint marks may be rare.
• Check for mistakes – Look for doubled designs, off-center strikes, or other minting errors.
• Pay attention to condition – If the coin is clean and without much wear, it may be worth more.
• Get It Appraised – If the coin appears unusual, have it appraised by a certified coin expert (PCGS, NGC).

Could You Own a Rare Coin?

Rare and precious coins most of the Jefferson Nickels may also still be within the ownership of everyday human beings. If you undergo your antique coins, you can locate that you very own a unique and valuable coin.

The subsequent time you look at the coins to your pocket, observe them carefully—one in every of them may be well worth thousands and thousands of greenbacks!

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