Collecting Jefferson Nickels

Collecting Jefferson nickels is a popular and rewarding hobby for coin enthusiasts. These five-cent pieces have been minted by the United States since 1938, featuring President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started or deepen your collection:

Overview of Jefferson Nickels

Key Features

• Obverse (front): Portrait of Thomas Jefferson
• Reverse (back): Monticello (Jefferson’s home)
• Composition:
  • 1938–1942: 75% copper, 25% nickel
  • 1942–1945 (War Nickels): 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese
  • Post-1946: Returned to copper-nickel

Designers:

• Original design (1938–2003): Felix Schlag
• Westward Journey Series (2004–2005): Multiple reverse designs
• Modern design (2006–present): Forward-facing Jefferson by Jamie Franki

Key Dates & Varieties to Collect

Important Key Dates

• 1939-D – Low mintage
• 1939-S – Scarce in high grades
• 1942-P, D (Silver War Nickels begin mid-year)
• 1943-P 3 over 2 – Overdate variety
• 1950-D – Key date with low mintage
• 1971-S Proof – Only available in proof sets

War Nickels (1942–1945)

• • Contain 35% silver
  • Large mintmark above Monticello (P, D, S)

Errors & Varieties

• • Doubled dies (e.g., 1943-P)
  • Full Steps designation (sharp detail on Monticello steps)
  • Off-center strikes, clipped planchets

Collecting Tips

How to Start

• Choose a collecting style:
  • By year and mintmark
  • By type (e.g., War Nickels)
  • High-grade examples
  • Full Steps designation
• Use coin folders or albums to organize by year/mint.
• Inspect coins carefully for wear, luster, and strike quality.
• Learn grading basics (e.g., MS = Mint State, AU = Almost Uncirculated).

Where to Find Jefferson Nickels

• • Pocket change
  • Coin shops and shows
  • Online marketplaces (eBay, Heritage Auctions)
  • Estate sales and flea markets
  • Roll hunting from banks

Value & Investment

• • Most Jefferson nickels are common and inexpensive, especially post-1960.
    Key dates, errors, and high-grade coins can be worth hundreds or more.
    Silver War Nickels have intrinsic metal value.
    Coins with Full Steps designation command premiums.

Resources for Collectors

• Books:

  • The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins
  • Jefferson Nickels: A Complete Guide by Bernard Nagengast

• Online Communities:

  • CoinTalk
  • Reddit’s r/coins
  • PCGS and NGC forums

• Grading Services:

  • PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
  • NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)