Finding a rare Jefferson nickel in your pocket change is like finding a winning lottery ticket. While most are worth exactly five cents, certain years, mint errors, and “Full Steps” designations can turn a common coin into a treasure worth thousands.
Here is a breakdown of the most expensive Jefferson nickels, their values, and how to spot them.
🚨 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels
1. 1964 Special Mint Set (SMS)
This is the “Holy Grail” of the series. While 1964 nickels are common, a very small number (estimated 20–50) were struck with a special satin finish and razor-sharp detail for a set that was never officially released.
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Value: $8,000 – $32,900+
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What to look for: A strike that looks much sharper than a regular nickel, with a smooth, “matte” finish.
2. 1942-D “D Over Horizontal D”
In a famous mistake at the Denver Mint, a mintmark was punched sideways before being corrected.
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Value: $4,000 – $32,200
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What to look for: Look closely at the “D” mintmark. You will see a faint horizontal bar (the top of the first “D”) underneath the upright one.
3. 1938-D (Full Steps)
The first year of the Jefferson nickel is iconic, but the Denver Mint version in perfect condition is a prize.
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Value: $33,600 (Auction Record)
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What to look for: Look at the reverse side (Monticello). If you can see 5 or 6 clear, unbroken horizontal lines on the steps of the building, you have a “Full Steps” coin.
4. 1943-P “3 Over 2”
Because of the metal shortage during WWII, nickels were made with 35% silver. This specific error happened when a 1943 date was stamped over a 1942 die.
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Value: $500 – $16,450
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What to look for: Check the date. You’ll see the curve of a “2” peeking out from behind the “3.”
5. 1950-D Nickel
This is the “Key Date” of the series because it has the lowest production number of any standard Jefferson nickel (only 2.6 million made).
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Value: $15 – $600+ (depending on condition)
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What to look for: Simply the “1950” date with a “D” mintmark on the back.
💎 [Value] Quick Reference Table
| Coin Type | Condition / Variety | Estimated Value |
| 1964 SMS | MS65 / Prototype | $15,000+ |
| 1938-D | MS67 Full Steps | $30,000+ |
| 1942-D D/D | MS65 Error | $4,500 – $32,000 |
| 1943-P 3/2 | MS66 Error | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| 1939-P | “Double Monticello” | $1,500 – $23,000 |
| 1942-1945 | Silver War Nickels | $2 – $500+ |
🎥 [Call to Action]
Check Your Change! Most of these coins look like regular nickels at first glance. If you find one with a large “P,” “D,” or “S” above the building on the back, or if you see doubling in the letters, you could be holding a small fortune.
Watch the Full Guide: Top 10 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels to Look For
Would you like me to create a checklist of specific error years you should look for in your spare change?
