1939 Nickel Value – Some of the Jefferson series’ rare and collectible coins feature specific qualities that make them stand out. Numismatists look for coins that are unique and scarce, which are worth many times their face value if they are struck less than 10 million in total. From 1938 through the 1960s, Jefferson Nickels are among the most valuable ( foreign coins worth money ).
The Jefferson Nickel Series, which has been in circulation since 1938, includes all of the Jefferson nickels from the 1939 nickel series.
Shield, Liberty Head, Buffalo, and the Jefferson Nickel series are all considered among the longest-running of the four nickel series.
How Much Is A 1939 Nickel Worth
The condition, grade, and whether the building’s steps (Full Steps) are fully struck on the coin (1939 Jefferson Nickel value) all play a role. If your pocket change consists of grades from almost uncirculated (AU) to uncirculated raw examples, anticipate receiving a value ranging from 10 cents to $1.
The condition of each coin determines the worth of a 1939 nickel. So keep in mind that just because something else says 1939 Jefferson Nickel Value graded and certified MS63 FS is worth up to $22 does not mean yours is worth the same amount.
To achieve the best grades, however, the coin must be examined by PCGS or NGC.
-1939 Nickel Value No Mint Mark
In 1939, a total of 120,615,000 Jefferson nickels were released without the mint mark. Many works have been preserved until today, although the majority are in good condition. Coins in uncirculated condition are worth at least $2, while worn-out coins are only worth $0.7 to $1.
One example in MS 68 grade sold for $23,500 at auction, despite the fact that you should conserve just $20 for the majority of 1939 Full Steps Jefferson nickels.
-1939 Nickel D
The 1939 D Jefferson nickel has the lowest mintage of the series, with only 3,514,000 minted pieces. These coins are usually considered semi-key Dates by most collectors, who find them difficult to locate.
A third of the entire mintage is thought to be still in existence, with the majority being in circulated condition and selling for $8 to $15. Specimens in mint condition, on the other hand, may cost between $50 and $100.
Jefferson nickels from 1939, with an average price of $200 each, are the most valuable. One almost perfect 1939 D MS 68 Full Steps Jefferson nickel sold for $26,400 at auction.
-1939 S Nickel
The 1939 S Jefferson nickels produced by the San Francisco mint were the fifth-lowest mintage in the series, with 6,630,000 struck. A small letter S on the obverse, left of Monticello, may help you identify this coin quickly.
Interestingly, despite the fact that this coin is not particularly rare, finding one in mint condition is challenging. They’ve been around for years, and they’re now showing significant signs of wear. The price of a low-quality item ranges from $2 to $5.
Uncirculated pieces cost around $15, whereas Full Step pieces can cost $100 or more. A 1939 MS 66 Full Steps Jefferson nickel sold for $8,050 at an auction in 2006.
-1939 Proof Jefferson Nickel
In 1939, a total of 12,535 top-quality Jefferson nickel proofs were minted by the Philadelphia Mint. You may still see the most delicate details on their surface after they were intentionally struck multiple times on specially prepared polished planchets.
An auction record for a premier 1939 PR 68 Jefferson nickel is $18,400, despite the fact that you should pay $90 for a regular proof.
Are 1939 Silver Nickels Made Of Silver?
Old nickels fashioned from silver are said to be rare. Yet, maybe you’re aware that several vintage dollars include silver and are curious if your 1939 Jefferson nickel does as well. Sadly, no 1939 Jefferson nickels in silver were ever produced!
Silver war nickels, struck between 1942 and 1945, are the only silver five-cent coins produced by the United States Mint throughout the twentieth century. To conserve nickel for World War II artillery, these genuine silver nickels were produced.
On the reverse of certain 1942, 1943, and 1945 nickels, a large “P,” “D,” or “S” mint mark may be seen over Monticello’s dome.
This is a simple way to differentiate a silver war nickel from a regular nickel.
Are 1939 Nickels Rare?
While there are a few 1939 nickels that are uncommon, the vast majority aren’t. So, how do you tell the difference between them? The Denver Mint produced the most valuable, lowest-mintage 1939 Jefferson nickels for circulation.
Behind only the 1950-D, the 1939-D nickel is the second-smallest mintage business-strike Jefferson nickel produced (with barely more than 3.5 million struck).
On a 1939 nickel, where is the mint mark? It isn’t like the other more recent nickels, which have it on the obverse (typically “heads side”).
It’s near the rim, on the reverse (or “tails side”) of Thomas Jefferson’s magnificent Monticello mansion. It was produced at the Philadelphia Mint if there isn’t a mint mark.
The inscriptions “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” are on the reverse of another rare 1939 nickel exhibit double. A doubled die is the name for this form of error coin, which is very uncommon.
In addition, there is a limited supply of 1939-proof nickel coins, which are aimed solely at coin collectors.
These proof coins don’t look like they’ll go into circulation, with their fine features and mirror-like finish.
Learn More About Jefferson Nickel Value Depth:
1943 1950 1957 1964
If you are a beginner numismatist, you will need guidance. The majority of Jefferson nickels in circulation are not uncommon or highly valuable, but they are worth more than face value! And if you must, a magnifying glass to inspect the coin’s finer details.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939-D Reverse of 1940 MS in Auction Record by Stack’s Bowers PR68FS sold for $26,400 in 2019.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939 Doubled Monticello MS in Auction Record by Legend Rare Coin Auctions MS67FS sold for $23,500 in 2019.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939 Reverse of 1940 MS in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions MS68 sold for $23,500 in 2014.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939 Reverse of 1938 PR in Auction Record by BOWERS & MERENA PR68 sold for $18,400 in 2010.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939 Reverse of 1940 PR in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions PR68 sold for $15,600 in 2022.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939-S Reverse of 1938 MS in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions MS66 sold for $8,050 in 2006.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939-S Reverse of 1940 MS in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions MS67FS sold for $7,800 in 2020.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939-D Reverse of 1938 MS in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions MS66 sold for $7,475 in 2006.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939 Reverse of 1938 MS in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions MS67+ sold for $5,287 in 2014.
- The high price for Jefferson Nickel, 1939 PR in Auction Record by Heritage Auctions PR67 sold for $1,323 in 2003.
Jefferson nickels, despite having face values that are barely higher than their intrinsic value, are still valuable. You can keep your valuable nickels or sell them at auctions if you have no interest in collecting them. If you’re a newcomer to coin collecting, that’s an option for you.
Because of the long-term usage, most 1939 Jefferson nickels are in poor condition and sell for a low price on the coin market today. Rare, top-quality items, on the other hand, may be quite costly. In addition, this year saw the creation of one of the most well-known blunders, and such coins might be worth a lot of money.
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