10 Jefferson Nickels Worth Over $10,000 – Check Your Collection Now!

Introduction

Jefferson Nickels have been in circulation since 1938, and while most are only worth their face value, some rare varieties and errors can be worth over $10,000. If you have an old nickel in your collection, it might be a hidden treasure!

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 Jefferson Nickels that have sold for impressive sums, discuss what makes them valuable, and provide tips on how to identify and sell them.

10 Jefferson Nickels Worth Over $10,000 – Check Your Collection Now!

1. 1942-D Over Horizontal D Nickel – $32,900

Why It’s Valuable: A minting error resulted in a repunched, horizontally misaligned “D” mintmark.
Auction Record: $32,900 for a high-grade specimen.
How to Identify: Look for a faint, underlying “D” mintmark under the primary one.

2. 1943-P “Full Steps” Nickel – $14,687

Why It’s Valuable: The “Full Steps” variety refers to sharp, undisturbed details on Monticello’s steps.
Auction Record: $14,687 at auction for an MS-67 example.
How to Identify: At least five complete steps on Monticello.

3. 1949-D D Over S Nickel – $32,200

Why It’s Valuable: A rare over-mintmark variety where an “S” mintmark was punched first, then corrected with a “D.”
Auction Record: $32,200 in Mint State condition.
How to Identify: Use magnification to spot the faint remnants of an “S” beneath the “D.”

4. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel – $17,250

Why It’s Valuable: The lowest mintage of all Jefferson Nickels, with just 2.6 million produced.
Auction Record: $17,250 for a perfect MS-67+.
How to Identify: Look for an uncirculated example with Full Steps detail.

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5. 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel – $32,900

Why It’s Valuable: A mysterious Special Mint Set (SMS) nickel with sharp strike and satin finish.
Auction Record: $32,900 for an MS-68 grade.
How to Identify: Different from regular 1964 nickels, it has an unusual finish with no mintmark.

6. 1969-S Doubled Die Obverse Nickel – $15,275

Why It’s Valuable: Strong doubling on the date and “LIBERTY” makes this a rare variety.
Auction Record: $15,275 for an MS-65 example.
How to Identify: Check for clear doubling, especially on the date.

7. 1971 No-S Proof Jefferson Nickel – $13,500

Why It’s Valuable: A Proof nickel missing the required “S” mintmark from the San Francisco Mint.
Auction Record: $13,500 for a PR-67 example.
How to Identify: Found only in Proof Sets, lacking the “S” mintmark.

8. 1979-S Type 2 Proof Nickel – $10,925

Why It’s Valuable: Features a clearer, sharper “S” mintmark compared to the earlier 1979 version.
Auction Record: $10,925 for a PR-70 specimen.
How to Identify: Look for a well-defined “S” without the blobby appearance of Type 1.

9. 1981-S Type 2 Proof Nickel – $12,000

Why It’s Valuable: Like the 1979-S, this Type 2 has a more refined mintmark.
Auction Record: $12,000 in perfect condition.
How to Identify: Requires close inspection of the “S” mintmark under magnification.

10. 1997-P “Full Steps” Nickel – $12,000

Why It’s Valuable: A modern rarity with exceptional strike quality.
Auction Record: $12,000 for a top-grade MS-67+.
How to Identify: Look for crisp, full steps on Monticello.

How to Identify Valuable Jefferson Nickels

To determine if you have a rare Jefferson Nickel, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check the Date and Mintmark

Some key dates have mintmark errors or low mintage numbers.

Step 2: Look for Full Steps (FS) Details

Coins with Full Steps on Monticello demand higher prices.

Step 3: Inspect for Doubling or Over-Mintmarks

Use magnification to check for doubled dies or over-mintmarks.

Step 4: Get Professional Grading

Submit rare finds to PCGS or NGC for authentication and grading.

Where to Sell Rare Jefferson Nickels

If you own one of these valuable Jefferson Nickels, here are the best places to sell them:

1. Major Coin Auctions

Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers are top choices for high-value sales.

2. Online Marketplaces

eBay, GreatCollections, and PCGS CoinFacts Marketplace offer great exposure.

3. Numismatic Dealers

Certified dealers can offer fair prices and quick sales.

4. Coin Shows & Conventions

Attend ANA Coin Shows or local coin expos for potential buyers.

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Conclusion

Jefferson Nickels can be more than just pocket change—some rare examples exceed $10,000 in value! Checking your collection for these 10 valuable nickels could lead to a big payday.

If you find a rare specimen, consider professional grading and explore reputable selling platforms to maximize its worth.

FAQs

1. How do I know if my Jefferson Nickel is valuable?

Check for key dates, mintmarks, errors, and Full Steps details. Having it graded by PCGS or NGC can confirm its value.

2. What is the most expensive Jefferson Nickel ever sold?

The 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel holds the record at $32,900 for an MS-68 specimen.

3. Where can I sell my rare nickel?

You can sell through major auctions, online marketplaces, coin dealers, and numismatic shows.

4. Are all old Jefferson Nickels valuable?

No, only specific dates, mint errors, and high-grade specimens fetch significant prices.

5. How can I protect my rare Jefferson Nickel?

Store it in a certified coin holder and avoid cleaning it, as this can reduce its value.