Explore the $350,000 1939 Jefferson Nickel and 3 More Coins You Can Find Today Coin collecting, known as numismatics, is such an interesting hobby, because it entails a bit of history, art, and thrill of discovery all in one. Amongst the many different types of coins, a few are really rare and valuable. One such coin is the 1939 Jefferson Nickel, with prices reaching as high as $350,000. Let us take a look at what is so great about this coin and three other coins of high value one may come across today.
1939 Jefferson Nickel: A Glimpse into History
The Jefferson Nickel, introduced in 1938, features the profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.
The 1939 edition is particularly noteworthy due to certain variations that significantly enhance its value.
Key Variations of the 1939 Jefferson Nickel
- Variation Description
- 1939 Double Monticello A rare error where the reverse shows two images of Monticello, increasing its desirability among collectors.
- 1939 Reverse of 1940 An error where the reverse design resembles that of the 1940 nickel, making it a sought-after specimen.
- 1939 “Full Steps” Coins with a well-defined depiction of the steps on Monticello’s portico; higher-grade examples are more valuable.
High-grade versions, especially those with unique errors or features, can command prices up to $350,000 at auctions.
3 More Valuable Coins to Look Out For
While the 1939 Jefferson Nickel is a gem, there are other coins that, due to their rarity or unique characteristics, are highly valued by collectors.
1. 1893-S Morgan Silver Dollar
The 1893-S Morgan Dollar is famous for being incredibly scarce, with only 100,000 minted-this was the lowest mintage of any in the series. A lot of this coin’s rarity has to do with heavy circulation and melting later on. Even coins in circulated condition can be valued high; however, uncirculated specimens might go above $2 million.
Key Features:
Mint Mark: “S” denotes the San Francisco Mint.
Design: Obverse features Lady Liberty; reverse depicts an eagle with arrows and olive branch.
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is enigmatic and captivating. There exist only five known specimens, making it one of the most sought-after coins in the countries linked to money. Its value is a mind-boggling thing, at some auction one specimen sold for more than $3.7 million.
Key Features:
Design: Obverse showcases Liberty in a coronet; reverse displays a Roman numeral “V” for five.
Minting History: Struck illegally after the official switch to the Buffalo Nickel design in 1913.
3. 1943 Copper Penny
During World War II, because of the shortage of copper, mostly steel pennies were minted. However, a few copper pennies were accidentally produced, making them extremely rare. One such penny was sold for $840,000, indicating its great value.
Key Features:
Composition: Should be steel; copper variants are errors.
Appearance: Similar to regular pennies but with a distinct copper hue.
Identification: Magnetic attraction confirms steel composition; non-magnetic indicates copper.
Tips for Identifying Valuable Coins
Finding valuable coins in your change or collection requires keen observation. Here are some tips to help you identify potential treasures:
Check for Minting Errors:
- Look for double images, missing letters, or unusual spacing.
- Examine the Date and Mint Mark: Certain years and mint locations are rarer than others.
- Assess the Coin’s Condition: Coins in better condition (higher grades) are more valuable.
Use a Magnifying Glass:
This helps in spotting minute details that could indicate errors or unique features.
Collecting coins might be a fun and educational experience. To some rare coins, like the 1939 Jefferson Nickel or the 1893-S Morgan Dollar, finding such an object is somewhat rare, though the thrill of the hunt will leave you with a deeper appreciation of history and craftsmanship. Enjoy your hunt!
FAQs
1. Why is the 1939 Jefferson Nickel worth $350,000?
The 1939 Jefferson Nickel is worth $350,000 due to its rare minting error, low mintage, high-grade condition, and historical significance. Coins with a full step design on Monticello or without a mint mark can fetch extremely high prices at auctions.
2. Can a circulated 1939 Jefferson Nickel still be valuable?
Yes, even a circulated 1939 Jefferson Nickel can be worth hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on its condition, mint mark, and presence of minting errors. However, uncirculated coins or those with Full Steps Design have the highest value.
3. Are there any fake or counterfeit 1939 Jefferson Nickels in the market?
Yes, counterfeit 1939 Jefferson Nickels do exist, especially those claiming to have Full Steps Design or no mint mark. Always get your coin authenticated by a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC.
4. What is the highest auction price for a 1939 Jefferson Nickel?
The highest auction price ever paid for a 1939 Jefferson Nickel was approximately $350,750 for a coin graded MS-67+ with Full Steps Design.