Most Jefferson nickels are worth no more than their five-cent face value. But for collectors and numismatists, some rare variations are worth thousands—even tens of thousands—of dollars due to mint errors, Full Steps details, and limited production runs. First minted in 1938, the Jefferson nickel has quietly become one of the most collectible coins in American currency history.
This article highlights 25 valuable Jefferson nickels that have sold for significant amounts at auctions and private sales. If you’ve got a coin jar full of old nickels, it might be worth checking what’s inside—you could be sitting on a small fortune.
1. 1938-D Full Steps – $33,600
The first year of the Jefferson nickel saw the Denver Mint produce high-quality strikes. A 1938-D nickel with Full Steps (complete details on Monticello’s steps) once sold for $33,600.
🟢 More about coin grading from PCGS
2. 1949-D D Over S Full Steps – $32,900
This rare error coin features a “D” mint mark stamped over an “S.” It’s one of the most valuable post-WWII nickels. One example sold for $32,900 at auction.
3. 1964 Special Mint Set Full Steps – $32,900
Fewer than 50 of these were ever made, possibly as part of a trial for Special Mint Sets. Full Steps examples are rare and one fetched nearly $33,000.
🟢 About Special Mint Sets – NGC
4. 1942-D D Over Horizontal D – $32,200
This rare minting anomaly has one “D” mint mark over a horizontally struck one. It’s a favorite among error collectors and sold for $32,200.
5. 1940 Reverse of 1938 – $28,750
This proof coin uses the reverse design of the 1938 issue. It’s a subtle design variation that makes a big difference in value—$28,750 to be exact.
6. 1953-S Full Steps – $24,000
Coins from the San Francisco Mint in 1953 with Full Steps are extremely rare. One perfect specimen sold for $24,000.
7. 1939 Doubled Monticello – $20,562
A doubled die error affects the word “Monticello” and the building’s details. These coins can reach over $20,000.
🟢 About doubled dies – CoinWeek
8. 1962 Full Steps – $21,150
1962 nickels were generally poorly struck. A high-grade example with Full Steps is rare and can sell for over $21,000.
9. 1941 Proof – $18,800
A high-quality proof from 1941, in exceptional condition, sold for nearly $19,000.
10. 1950-D Full Steps – $17,250
Although the 1950-D had a large mintage, Full Steps versions are hard to find. One brought in $17,250.
11. 1943/2-P Overdate – $16,675
An overdate where “3” is struck over a “2” makes this wartime nickel especially valuable. One example sold for $16,675.
More High-Value Nickels Include:
- 1952-D Full Steps – $16,450
- 1951 Full Steps – $16,450
- 1953 Deep Cameo – $15,275
- 1953-D Full Steps – $15,275
- 1940 Proof – $15,275
- 1947-S Full Steps – $14,950
- 1943-S on Steel Cent Planchet – $14,950
- 1942-P Cameo Proof – $14,100
- 1939 Reverse of 1940 – $23,500
- 1964-D Repunched Mintmark – $19,800
- 2000-P Two-Headed Error Nickel – $20,520
- 1979 SBA Dollar Overstruck on Nickel – $15,275
- 1942 Frith Jefferson Nickel (ultra-rare) – $175,000
- 1940 Full Steps – $21,738
What Are “Full Steps” Nickels?
“Full Steps” refer to the visible and complete lines on the steps of Monticello on the reverse of a Jefferson nickel. Coins with this detail are often struck better and command much higher prices. Professional grading services such as NGC and PCGS officially certify Full Steps coins.
How To Know If Your Nickel Is Valuable
If you think you own a rare Jefferson nickel:
- Look for Full Steps on the Monticello.
- Check for mint errors like overdates or repunched mintmarks.
- Examine the condition—uncirculated and proof coins are worth more.
- Use magnification to inspect fine details.
You can submit your coin to grading services such as NGC or PCGS for authentication and valuation. For beginner collectors, the American Numismatic Association offers guides and resources.
Final Thoughts
Jefferson nickels are an underrated treasure trove in the coin-collecting world. With values ranging from a few hundred to over $100,000, it’s worth checking your change drawer and coin albums. A five-cent piece could very well turn out to be a life-changing discovery.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
