Most Jefferson nickels are worth five cents — but the wartime silver issues, two low-mintage keys, and a short list of classic varieties are worth pulling from every roll. The series has run since 1938, so the sorting rules matter more than any single date. Start with the wartime silver years (1942–1945), then the keys: 1950-D and 1939-D.
The Wartime Silver Nickels
| Spec | War Nickel (1942–1945) |
|---|---|
| Composition | 35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese |
| Weight | 5.00 g |
| Pure silver (ASW) | 0.0563 troy oz |
| Identifier | Large mintmark (P, D, or S) above Monticello’s dome on the reverse — the first P mintmark on a U.S. nickel |
Nickel metal was critical to the war effort, so the Mint swapped it for a silver alloy from late 1942 through 1945. Every war nickel trades on its silver content first — melt math in our silver coin melt value guide — and our dedicated silver war nickels guide covers identification in depth. A standard roll is 40 nickels — see how many coins are in a roll.
Keys and Varieties Worth Finding
- 1950-D — the key regular issue, about 2.63 million minted. Circulated examples list around $8–$15; uncirculated higher. The most modern “key” most collectors will ever pull from a roll.
- 1939-D — second-year Denver issue, semi-key in all grades.
- 1939 Doubled Die Reverse — doubling on “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS”; a recognized, premium variety.
- 1943/2-P overdate — a 2 visible beneath the 3 on wartime Philadelphia nickels.
- 1949-D/S and 1955-D/S overmintmarks — repunched mintmark varieties with steady demand.
- Full Steps (FS): mint-state nickels showing five or six complete steps on Monticello earn the FS designation — on some common dates an FS gem is worth more than a circulated key.
What About Modern Jefferson Nickels?
From 1946 on, apart from 1950-D, regular issues in circulation are face value — including the 2004–2005 Westward Journey designs and the 2026 dual-dated anniversary nickel described in our 2026 semiquincentennial coins guide. Proofs and silver-proof-set issues (2019 on, 99.9% silver in recent sets) are collector items sold in sets, not found in change.
Shop U.S. Silver Coins
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FAQ
Which Jefferson nickels are silver?
Only the wartime issues from late 1942 through 1945, identified by the large mintmark over Monticello’s dome. They are 35% silver with 0.0563 troy ounces of pure silver each. (Modern silver proofs exist but were sold in sets.)
What is the most valuable Jefferson nickel?
Among regular issues, the 1950-D is the key date; among varieties, the 1939 doubled die reverse and top-grade Full Steps condition rarities (notably 1953-S and 1960-D) lead the market.
How much is a 1943 nickel worth?
A 1943 war nickel starts at its silver melt value (0.0563 oz × spot) and rises with condition; the 1943/2-P overdate variety brings a clear premium. If the mintmark is absent above the dome, it is a standard nickel worth face.
Are 1964 Jefferson nickels worth anything?
No — 1964 was a record production year across three mints. Circulated examples are face value; only certified gem Full Steps examples carry collector premiums.
Educational content only — not financial advice. Values are approximate and move with the silver market and condition.