At first glance, a Jefferson nickel seems like just another coin rattling around in pocket change. But hidden among them are rare treasures that have stunned collectors and fetched jaw-dropping prices. Some resulted from minting mishaps, others from small details most people overlook. Could one of these be hiding in your collection?
1938-D Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
Collectors prize the 1938-D Full Steps Jefferson Nickel for its historical significance. Struck in Denver, this coin’s Full-Step designation indicates a powerful strike with well-defined Monticello steps. In 2022, a Mint State 68 Full Steps example fetched $33,600 at auction.
1949-D Over S Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
A remarkable mint error, the 1949-D Over S Jefferson Nickel has a repunched mintmark where an “S” lies beneath the “D.” This rare variety commands high premiums. In 2014, a top-grade specimen realized $32,900 and cemented its status as one of the most sought-after Jefferson nickels.
1964 Special Mint Set Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
Highly elusive and valued at $32,900 for an SP68 Full Steps specimen in 2016, the 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS) Jefferson Nickel is among the rarest late-date nickels. With a satin-like finish and a well-struck design, only a handful exist.
1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel
A clear overmintmark error distinguishes the 1942-D Over Horizontal D Jefferson Nickel. The visible “D” positioned sideways beneath another “D” makes this variety a collector’s gem. Graded MS66, a high-quality example, was sold for $32,200 in 2006.
1940 Reverse Of 1938 Jefferson Nickel
Unexpectedly, some 1940 Jefferson Nickels were struck with the reverse die of 1938, creating a variety collectors seek. A top-graded PR68 example once sold for $28,750– proof of its rarity. This coin exhibits fine detailing and strong contrast.
1953-S Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
The 1953-S Full Steps Nickel remains a rare find with low survival rates in high grades. San Francisco mint strikes from this year suffered from weak details, so Full-Step specimens were incredibly scarce. In 2019, a Mint State 67+ Full Steps example fetched $24,000.
1964 Full Steps With Satin Finish Jefferson Nickel
An uncirculated sheen and strong step lines set the 1964 Full Steps Satin Finish Nickel apart, with an MS68 Full Steps specimen commanding $32,900. This nickel likely originated from an experimental striking process and is an extreme rarity in Jefferson’s nickel history.
1939 Reverse Of 1940 Jefferson Nickel
The 1939 Reverse of 1940 Nickel features an updated Monticello design intended for 1940, correcting the “wavy” steps from 1938. Collectors seek these anomalies as they represent changes in production. It is a high-grade example sold for $23,500.
1962 Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
Full-step examples of the 1962 Jefferson Nickel remain challenging to locate due to inconsistent striking quality. Most suffer from blurred steps or weak design features, but pristine versions are valuable. One such coin in MS66 Full Steps condition sold for $21,150.
1939 Doubled Monticello Jefferson Nickel
In 2019, a Mint State 67+ specimen of the 1939 Doubled Monticello Nickel achieved a price of $23,500, highlighting its desirability. This variety is a favorite among error collectors because of the dramatic doubling on the Monticello and Five Cents inscriptions.
2000-P Two-Headed Jefferson Nickel
A rare minting anomaly, the 2000-P Two-Headed Jefferson Nickel features an obverse design on both sides. Such errors rarely escape the mint. A verified specimen sold for $20,520 proves that striking mistakes can turn ordinary coins into high-value rarities.
1941 Proof Jefferson Nickel
The 1941 Proof Jefferson Nickel boasts a striking mirror-like surface and crisp details. This early proof issue from the Jefferson series remains a collector’s favorite. At an auction, one graded PR68 fetched $18,800 in 2013.
2007 George Washington Dollar Over Jefferson Nickel
This coin was a dramatic mint error, as it features a George Washington dollar design struck over a Jefferson nickel. Because such mistakes rarely appear, they are highly collectible. A spectacular example was sold for $17,625.
1943/2-P Overdate Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
This fascinating overdate variety has a “3” struck over a “2,” an unusual mistake for wartime nickels. A pristine MS67 Full Steps coin realized $16,675 in 2008, highlighting its rarity. Strong demand among error collectors has kept values high.
1964-D Repunched Mintmark Jefferson Nickel
A top-graded MS67 Full Steps example of this coin fetched $19,800 in 2022. The coin exhibits a repunched “D” mintmark resulting from a die misalignment during production. Only a few well-preserved examples exist, adding to its appeal.
1952-D Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
One graded MS67 Full Steps was sold for $16,450. Its weak strikes plagued 1952-D nickels, and as a result, Full-Step examples are scarce. Coins with clear Monticello steps consistently fetch high prices as collectors seek well-defined details in this challenging issue.
1951 Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
The 1951 Jefferson Nickel saw inconsistent production that led to poorly defined step details. Finding a fully struck example is challenging, but those that exist are highly valuable. An MS67 Full Steps specimen sold for $18,600 in 2018.
1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over Jefferson Nickel
An authenticated example of this 1979 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Over Jefferson Nickel error commanded $15,275, making it a significant numismatic curiosity. This mistake has a Susan B. Anthony dollar design struck over a Jefferson nickel planchet
1943-S Jefferson Nickel on a Steel Cent Planchet
This coin is an extraordinary minting error, making it one of the rarest and most sought-after coins among collectors. The unusual coin was struck using a steel planchet intended for 1943 Lincoln cents, made of steel due to wartime copper shortages. It sold for $14,950.
1950-D Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
Due to low mintage and sharp details, the 1950-D Full Steps Nickel is an elite collector’s piece. While the standard issue remains valuable, Full-Step specimens command premium prices. A pristine MS67 Full Steps example fetched $17,250.
