If you are fond of old coins or sometimes see old coins lying in your pocket, then this article is going to be special for you. Imagine that an old nickel coin lying with you can be worth not thousands, but millions of dollars! Yes, we are talking about the rare Jefferson Nickel of 1939, whose price can reach up to $350,000. Let us know in detail about the history, value and other valuable coins of this coin.
1939 Jefferson Nickel: A Rare Treasure
The 1939 Jefferson Nickel is one of the most famous and rarest coins of America. This coin was issued for the first time in 1939 and was made in honor of the third President of America, Thomas Jefferson. But what is the reason for its rarity and high price? The answer is – special edition and minting error.
Why is this coin so costly?
A number of things go into making this coin such an expensive one.
- Double Die Obverse: Certain 1939 Jefferson Nickel coins exhibit a double die error characterized by a double printing in the letters and design, adding rarity to the coin.
- Very Low Mintage Number: The quantity minted for this special edition has always been extremely low. The fewer the coins, the higher their price.
- Very Good Condition: If this coin is Mint State, the value could go up into the millions. The clearer the color, edge, and design of the coin, the better its grading.
- Collector Demand: Collectors always want rare coins, and the 1939 Jefferson Nickel with double die error demands particular attention.
1939 Jefferson Nickel Prices (by Grade)
| Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR65 | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| PR66 | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| PR67 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| PR68 | $35,000 – $50,000 |
Other Rare Nickel Coins You Should Check Out
If you are a coin lover, feast your eyes on not just the 1939 Jefferson Nickel, but on some of these other rare nickels as well2.1913 nickel (Liberty Head) $4 million)
Some five coins exist, and among them, the 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the most coveted in the eyes of the collectors. It can command an auction price that may reach $4 million.
War Nickel, 1942-1945 (Special Version Out of Silver)
During the Second World War, nickel was a vital component in producing anything for the war effort, and during 1942-1945, the U.S. government made some spectacular coins using a nickel-silver alloy. Today, these War Nickels are much sought after among coin collectors now and are named as having an interesting historical status.
1950-D Jefferson Nickel
The amount of 1950 coins minted at the Denver Mint was extremely few. If this coin exists in high grading, it could go into thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
Rarity of Nickel Coins – Checking It with Methods!
- Do the following when in doubt about that nickel and whether it can be rare:
- Check the Mint Mark: Check the reverse of the coin for the mint mark (D, S, or none).
- Look for a Double Die Error: Look for letters or designs on the coin that are stamped twice.
- Grading: Have a certified coin grading service (PCGS or NGC) evaluate the coin for authenticity and condition.
- View Auction Listings: Research auction or dealer listings to ascertain the coin’s current market value.
Conclusion
The 1939 Jefferson nickel is a coin that has some history behind it; it’s a pretty scarce treasure that commands a price of as much as $350,000. If you’ve got an old nickel coin, get it certified by experts who know what they’re doing. Ensure that the coin is in good condition and doesn’t have any features that classify it as rare. Also, keep an eye out for other rare nickel coins; it could be that your coin is worth millions!
FAQs
Q.1 Why is the 1939 Jefferson Nickel so rare?
A. This coin is rare because some of its special editions were found to have minting errors such as a double die obverse, which increases its value. Also, its limited number and the scarcity of high-quality editions make it even more valuable.
Q.2 What is the current market price of a 1939 Jefferson Nickel?
A. It can be worth anywhere from $500 to $350,000, depending on the coin’s grading and condition. Coins with higher grades, especially those of Mint State (MS-65) quality, are the most valuable.
Q.3 How can I verify the authenticity of my 1939 Jefferson nickel?
A. Use certified grading services such as PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to ensure the coin’s authenticity.
Q.4 Are all 1939 Jefferson nickels worth a lot of money?
A. No, only coins with rare minting errors or high gradings can fetch high prices. Common 1939 Jefferson nickels can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
Q.5 What has been the highest auction price for a 1939 Jefferson nickel?
A. 1939 Jefferson Nickel (Mint State 65+) has sold for up to $350,000 in some auctions so far, especially when the coin contains errors such as doubled dies.