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Coin rolls are vintage. They're handy and can fit many pieces. Probably.
How many nickels in a roll? This article will tell you about the quantity, the value, and the ways to identify rare pieces in rolls.
This coin identifier app can help you identify these and many other coins.
Coin Rolls History and Use
Coin rolls are a staple part of the U.S. monetary system.

They are a convenient way to organize, manage, and transport coins.
19th Century. The banks started looking for efficient ways to count, store, and transport large quantities of coins.
The banks decided to store money in hand-wrapped packages.
20th century. The first mechanical wrapping machines appeared. These allowed banks and mints to wrap pieces faster and more accurately.
The Federal Reserve and other banks began using these machines to distribute wrapped bits.
The Mints decided on a clear number of coins in rolls. It concerns quarters, nickels, dollars, etc.
The rolls use different materials: paper, preformed tubes and plastic tubes. Some are better and fancier than the other, but the number of coins in them is the same.
Nickel Number in the Roll
Here is the usual amount.
A standard roll contains 40 pieces.
Each piece costs 5 cents.
Therefore, the total face value of a roll of nickels is $2.00.
So if someone asks this question: how many nickels in a $2 roll? You say, 40.
Of course, we talk about face value. Many factors determine the roll of nickels value. The main factor is the coin itself. A high-quality bit means a high value.
Currently, the Jefferson coin is the one that is used as currency in circulation. A roll of nickels is how much, if it has these pieces? Let’s look at the coin first.
Jefferson Coin Overview
This nickel is old and has historic value. After all, it was used throughout the Second World War.

The observe features the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the U.S. from 1801 to 1809. Two inscriptions arch his portrait. “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left, and “LIBERTY, 1938” on the right.
The reverse shows his mansion, called Monticello. You can find the inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, “MONTICELLO”, “FIVE CENTS”, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”.
This piece is one of the most valuable you can find in a wrapped package. Especially with high grading.
The main characteristics of the Jefferson piece | |
Country | United States |
Years of Minting | 1938-2003 |
Type: | Standard circulation coin |
Edge | Smooth |
Shape | Round |
Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Weight | 5 grams |
The Mints | United States Mint of Denver, United States Mint of Philadelphia, United States Mint of San Francisco. |
Such an important piece can positively influence the price. It will go for much higher than face value.
Jefferson wrappers also contain 40 bits.
The Jefferson’s value
How much is a roll of nickels worth with Jefferson Nickels?
Type | Price Range |
Common-Date (1938–1959) | $4.99 (20 bits) |
Vintage (e.g., 1942-D) | $34.99 (40 bits) |
Scarce Date (e.g., 1939-D) | $229.99 (40 bits) |
Uncirculated/Proof (various) | $57.00–$625.00 |
Now you know how much in a roll of nickels you can find. Both value-wise and number-wise.
It makes me wonder, how many nickels come in a roll that you have? 40 pieces could get you a nice fortune. Especially with the rare-minted version.
Buying The Coins
Where could you buy Jefferson and many other wrapped coins?
If you’re looking for modern pieces, go to the bank.
If you’re looking for older pieces, talk to retailers on coin websites.
There’s one good app that might help you.
Coin ID Scanner
Coin ID Scanner is your guide in the coin-collecting world.
The app uses AI-driven recognition and a vast database to help you identify and learn about over 150,00 coins.
The AI assistant can answer many of your questions about numismatics, selling and collecting.
It's a perfect app to evaluate your collection.
FAQ and Answers
Some questions still left unasked? Let’s go through them.
How Much Does a Roll of Nickels Weigh?
Depends on the exact nickel. If we use the Jefferson in a 40-coin pack, then 200 grams or 0,44 pounds.
How Many Nickels Are In a Roll of Nickels Outside The US
Most countries have similar numbers, like Australia, Canada.
The situation with how many nickels in a roll of 2 dollars is also the same. 40 bits.
Roll of Nickels Is How Much?
It all depends on the bit itself. Jefferson ones cost about $35. Buffalo bits cost about $19.
Perhaps you meant to ask how many coins in a roll of nickels you can find? Typically 40.