Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels: Rare Finds, Key Dates, and Nickels Worth Money

Year	Variety	Value	Grade	Feature
1938	Uncirculated S	$2,000	MS65	First-year Jefferson nickel
1939	Doubled Monticello DDR	$23,500	MS67	Rare doubled die error
1940	Full Steps	$21,738	MS68	Full steps; crisp Monticello design
1941	Off-Center Strike	$100	AU58	Off-center error
1942	Frith Jefferson Proof	$175,000	MS67	Wartime silver alloy
1943	P (3 Over 2) Overdate	$16,675	MS66	Overdate mint error
1944	Re-Punched Mint Mark	$750	MS65	Unique mintmark anomaly
1945	Uncirculated P	$2,250	MS66	Last wartime silver issue
1946	Doubled Die Full Steps	$900	MS65	Doubled die with full steps
1947	Off-Center Strike	$100	AU55	Misaligned strike
1948	Full Steps	$12,000	MS66	Full steps
1949	Uncirculated	$825	MS65	High-quality strike
1950	Uncirculated D	$550	MS64	Limited mintage
1951	Uncirculated D	$10	MS63	Common date
1952	Proof Re-Engraved Obverse	$1,850	PF67	Re-engraved details
1953	Uncirculated S	$450	MS65	Rare S-mint
1954	Repunched Mint Mark	$3,450	MS65	RPM anomaly
1955	D Over S	$3,738	MS64	Over-mintmark error
1956	Uncirculated	$210	MS65	Lustrous finish
1957	Full Steps	$4,303	MS66	Full steps
1958	Inverted D	$1,000	MS63	Inverted mintmark
1959	Struck on Penny Planchet	$1,000	MS64	Mint error
1960	No Mint Mark Proof, Quadruple Die Reverse	$1,000	PF66	Quadrupled die error
1961	Doubled Die and Tripled Die	$170	MS63	Dual error
1962	Overstruck on 1962 D Cent	$900	MS64	Dual-planchet error
1963	Struck on Dime Planchet	$550	MS64	Planchet error
1964	Struck on 10-Centavo Planchet	$1,200	MS63	Foreign planchet error
1965	Foldover Strike	$4,300	MS64	Striking deformation
1966	Struck on 10C Planchet	$800	MS63	Dime planchet error
1967	Uncirculated	$200	MS64	Standard issue
1968	Uncirculated S	$250	MS64	Scarce S-mint
1969	Uncirculated S	$500	MS65	Rare S-mint
1970	S Double Struck and Broadstruck	$2,000	MS64	Double and broadstrike error
1971	Uncirculated D	$70	MS63	Common issue
1972	Uncirculated D	$400	MS65	Higher-grade rarity
1973	D Double Struck Off-Center	$585	MS63	Double-strike error
1974	Struck on Another Nickel	$17,500	MS65	Double-date error
1975	Pristine	$75	MS63	Standard issue
1976	Curved Clip Error	$100	AU58	Visible clip
1977	Struck on Incorrect Planchet	$150	MS63	Planchet anomaly
1978	Pristine D	$300	MS65	Mint state quality
1979	Struck on Steel Washer	$4,800	MS64	Planchet error
1980	Uncirculated P	$150	MS64	1980s nickels worth money
1981	Uncirculated D	$75	MS63	Common issue
1982	Uncirculated D	$190	MS65	Higher-grade rarity
1983	Pristine P	$150	MS64	Standard issue
1984	Pristine P	$75	MS63	Common issue
1985	Uncirculated D	$70	MS63	Higher-grade rarity
1986	Uncirculated P	$75	MS63	Standard issue
1987	Uncirculated D	$50	MS62	Common date
1988	Uncirculated P	$70	MS63	Higher-grade rarity
1989	Uncirculated P	$70	MS63	Standard issue
1990	Pristine P	$70	MS63	1990 nickels worth money
1991	Pristine P	$60	MS62	Common date
1992	Pristine P	$70	MS63	Lustrous finish
1993	Pristine P	$60	MS62	Standard issue
1994	Mint State D	$70	MS63	High-quality strike
1995	Mint State P	$70	MS63	Mint state rarity
1996	Mint State P	$45	MS61	Common issue
1997	Mint State P	$70	MS63	Lustrous finish
1998	Mint State P	$70	MS63	Standard issue
1999	Uncirculated P	$45	MS61	Common date
2000	Uncirculated P	$55	MS62	2000 nickels worth money
2001	Uncirculated P	$45	MS61	Common issue
2002	Uncirculated P	$45	MS61	Standard issue
2003	Uncirculated P	$50	MS62	Lustrous finish
2004	Uncirculated P	$175	MS65	Rare modern issue
2005	Mint State D Bison	$70	MS63	Unique reverse design
2006	Mint State P	$50	MS62	Standard issue
2007	Mint State P	$50	MS62	Lustrous finish
2008	Uncirculated D	$50	MS62	Common issue
2009	Uncirculated P	$50	MS62	Standard issue
2010	Uncirculated P	$50	MS62	Lustrous finish
2011	Uncirculated D	$50	MS62	Modern issue
2012	Uncirculated D	$50	MS62	High-quality strike
2013	Mint State D	$50	MS62	Standard issue
2014	Mint State P	$50	MS62	Lustrous finish
2015	Uncirculated D	$50	MS62	Standard issue
2016	Uncirculated P	$50	MS62	Modern issue
2017	Mint State D	$50	MS62	High-quality strike
2018	Mint State D	$50	MS62	Lustrous finish
2019	MS D	$50	MS62	Common date
2020	MS P	$20	MS60	Modern issue
2021	MS P	$50	MS62	Lustrous finish
2022	MS D	$20	MS60	Standard issue
2023	Off-Center Strike	$150	MS63	Visible minting error
2024	Proof S Jefferson Nickel	$4.95	PF70	Modern proof finish

Here’s a nickels worth money list with 87 pieces. Prices may fluctuate because of different circumstances, e.g., what year are nickels worth money. Always consult with specialists.

5 Valuable Nickels to Look for

1. 1942 Frith Jefferson Nickel – $175,000

This rare wartime proof nickel was struck during World War II, when nickel was a critical material for the war effort. To conserve resources, the U.S. Mint used a silver-copper alloy for nickels from 1942 to 1945. The 1942 proof Frith nickel is one of the rarest examples of these wartime coins.

Obverse and Reverse: The obverse features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse shows his home, Monticello. The silver content also makes it one of the US nickels worth money.

A rare nickels list, combined with exceptional preservation and proof quality, makes it highly desirable. One sold privately for $175,000 - it is a record for wartime Jefferson nickels.

obverse and reverse of the 1942 Frith Jefferson Nickel, one of 100 most valuable nickels

2. 1939 Doubled Monticello DDR – $23,500

The "Doubled Die Reverse" (DDR) error is a striking anomaly on these early yet valuable nickels worth money. This variety shows a noticeable doubling of the Monticello text and the words "FIVE CENTS."

Obverse and Reverse: The obverse features Jefferson’s profile, while the reverse displays the doubling effect, which is most visible under magnification.

So, are there any nickels worth money? An MS67 graded coin sold for $23,500 at a Heritage Auction due to its rarity and the dramatic doubling.

obverse and reverse of the 1939 Doubled Monticello DDR, one of the valuable nickels to look for

3. 1940 Full Steps Jefferson Nickel – $21,738

What are the most valuable nickels else? Coins with "Full Steps" (FS) are highly wanted by collectors. Full steps refer to the clarity and sharpness of the steps leading up to Monticello on the reverse. Achieving this level of detail required precise minting, which was uncommon at the time.

Obverse and Reverse: Jefferson’s profile is flawless, and the reverse showcases uninterrupted, distinct steps on Monticello.

One of the full step nickels worth money, MS68 graded coin, was sold for $21,738 due to its immaculate strike and perfect full steps.

4. 1943 P Jefferson Nickel (3 Over 2 Overdate) – $16,675

What are other coins out of the top 100 valuable nickels? The overdate error occurred when a die originally used for 1942 was repurposed for 1943. Overdates were rare nickels in circulation and highly collectible, as they represent mistakes in the minting process.

Obverse and Reverse: The overdate is visible on the reverse, where the "3" appears over the "2."

One of the finest examples of nickels worth money 2023 - 2024, graded MS66, sold for $16,675.

By the way, here is another top of coins for you: 50 Expensive Wheat Pennies.

a 1943 P Jefferson Nickel (3 Over 2 Overdate) from the Jefferson nickels worth money list at an auction

5. 1974 Jefferson Nickel Struck on Another Nickel – $17,500

There are also newer nickels worth money. Double-strike errors occur when a coin is struck twice, often on a previously struck coin. This creates a design with elements of two different coins.

Obverse and Reverse: This nickel features details from two separate strikes, making it a visual standout.

It’s one of the top 100 nickels worth money. It was sold for $17,500 due to its rarity and double-strike appearance.

an old nickels worth money example - 1974 Jefferson Nickel Struck on Another Nickel

These old nickels worth money show errors, minting anomalies, historical features that make coin collecting so good. Each of these old and new nickels worth money has a value for collectors. If you’re lucky, one of these coins might be yours!

Sources:

87 Nickels Worth Money by Year: A Complete Overview

Contents:

5 Valuable Nickels to Look for

1. 1942 Frith Jefferson Nickel – $175,000

2. 1939 Doubled Monticello DDR – $23,500

3. 1940 Full Steps Jefferson Nickel – $21,738

4. 1943 P Jefferson Nickel (3 Over 2 Overdate) – $16,675

5. 1974 Jefferson Nickel Struck on Another Nickel – $17,500

Contents:

5 Valuable Nickels to Look for

1. 1942 Frith Jefferson Nickel – $175,000

2. 1939 Doubled Monticello DDR – $23,500

3. 1940 Full Steps Jefferson Nickel – $21,738

4. 1943 P Jefferson Nickel (3 Over 2 Overdate) – $16,675

5. 1974 Jefferson Nickel Struck on Another Nickel – $17,500

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