When people think of valuable coins, they often picture gold or rare silver dollars. However, in the world of coin collecting, even a common Jefferson Nickel — the five-cent coin you might find in your pocket — can be worth more than a luxury car. Some Jefferson Nickels have sold for tens of thousands of dollars, even rivaling the price of high-end vehicles like a BMW or Mercedes.
Here are seven Jefferson Nickels that sold for surprising amounts and the reasons they are so valuable:
- 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel – Sold for $32,900
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) nickel is one of the most famous of its kind. It differs from regular coins because it was specially struck and has a satin-like finish. Only a few are known to exist, and one sold for $32,900 in 2016. That’s enough to buy a brand-new Tesla Model 3. - 1953-S Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps) – Sold for $24,000
While the 1953-S nickel is common in most grades, finding one with clear “Full Steps” on Monticello is rare. Full Steps are a detail that collectors look for, and one of these nickels sold for $24,000, showing how much a coin’s condition can affect its value. - 1949-D/S Overmintmark Nickel – Sold for $32,200
This coin has a rare minting error — the “D” mintmark was stamped over an “S” mintmark. Coins with this mistake are highly sought after, and one of the best versions of this coin was sold for $32,200, which is in the price range of a high-end Audi or Lexus. - 1942-D Over Horizontal D – Sold for $27,000
This error is very specific: a “D” mintmark was stamped sideways before being corrected. This rare mistake makes the coin highly collectible, and one of the highest-quality versions sold for $27,000, more than the price of a new Ford Mustang. - 1939 Reverse of 1940 (Full Steps) – Sold for $23,500
Collectors pay close attention to the design on the reverse side of coins. The 1939 Reverse of 1940 Jefferson Nickel, especially with full steps, is tough to find in great condition. A high-grade version of this coin sold for $23,500, nearly the cost of a BMW 3 Series. - 1954-S Jefferson Nickel (Full Steps) – Sold for $35,250
This nickel, like others, became rare due to its condition and full steps. One of the best-known examples of this coin sold for $35,250, which is enough to buy a luxury SUV. - 1940 Jefferson Nickel (Proof, PR68) – Sold for $18,800
Proof coins, which are specially struck for collectors, are often highly valued. A 1940 Proof Jefferson Nickel with a PR68 grade sold for $18,800, showing the investment potential of older proof coins in high-quality condition.
Why Are These Nickels Worth So Much?
Several factors contribute to the high value of these coins:
- Mint Errors: Mistakes like wrong mintmarks or overstrikes are highly collectible.
- Strike Quality: Coins with Full Steps or excellent strike quality are rarer and more valuable.
- Low Mintage: Some of these coins were produced in limited quantities, making them more valuable.
- High Grade: Coins in top condition, with fewer marks and better appearance, are worth more.
Even though nickels are usually just worth five cents, rare ones can be worth much more, sometimes even as much as a luxury car. So, if you have a collection of coins, it might be worth checking for any hidden treasures — the Jefferson Nickel proves that big value can come in small packages.