Jefferson Nickels Worth Money: Key Dates, War Nickels, and Full Steps
Most Jefferson nickels are worth five cents, but some dates, the silver war nickels, and Full Steps coins are worth more. Here's what to check.
The Jefferson nickel has been in our pockets since 1938, making it one of the longest-running U.S. coin designs. Most are worth exactly five cents. But a few dates, the wartime silver nickels, and coins with an especially sharp strike are worth more.
The Basics
- Made from 1938 to today
- Designed by Felix Schlag, who won a public design competition. His initials FS were added below Jefferson’s bust in 1966.
- The back shows Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia (with a few special designs in 2004 and 2005)
- Normally 75% copper and 25% nickel
- It replaced the Buffalo nickel, which replaced the Liberty Head “V” nickel
The Wartime Silver Nickels (1942 to 1945)
During World War II, nickel was needed for the war, so the Mint made nickels from an alloy of copper, silver, and manganese, with 35% silver. You can spot them by the large mint mark above Monticello’s dome on the back, including a P for Philadelphia, the first time a P was used on a U.S. coin.
See my full wartime silver nickels guide.
Key Dates to Look For
- 1939-D: The key date of the series, especially in nicer condition.
- 1950-D: Only about 2.6 million made. It was heavily saved in rolls when it came out, so it’s often found in uncirculated condition.
- 1938-D and 1939-S: Lower-mintage early dates.
- 1942-D over horizontal D: A variety where a D was punched sideways and then corrected.
- 1943/2-P: An overdate where a 2 shows under the 3.
What “Full Steps” Means
Look at the steps leading up to Monticello on the back. On most nickels, they’re weak or blurry. On sharply struck coins, you can see five or six complete steps with clear lines between them. Graders call these Full Steps (5FS or 6FS).
For uncirculated Jefferson nickels, Full Steps can make a big difference in value, even on common dates.
Later Changes
- 2004 and 2005: The “Westward Journey” nickels marked the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition, with new designs on the back and, in 2005, a new portrait on the front.
- 2006 to today: Jefferson faces forward on the front, and Monticello returned to the back.
Want a pile to search? I sell unsearched bulk nickels straight from coin-counting machines. Call or text me to buy direct.
More guides: Shield nickels.
The Bottom Line
Most Jefferson nickels are worth face value. The ones to watch for are the 1942 to 1945 silver war nickels, the 1939-D and 1950-D, a few varieties, and uncirculated coins with Full Steps.
Have old nickels? JoCo Coin Shop offers honest, no-obligation appraisals across the Kansas City area. Contact me by phone, text, or email to get started.
