1939 Nickel

Notes: Look for the doubled Monticello for the P 1939 Jefferson nickel. They sell for anywhere between $80 and 800 dollars each.

1939 Nickels exist with the reverse wavy stairs used from 1938, these coins are referred to a Rev 38. Additionally 1939 Jeffersons exist with the reverse from 1940 which sounds a bit confusing. These are referred to by collectors as Rev 40 or reverse of 1940. Rev 40 has crisp stairs on the Monticello.

Rev 38 vs Rev 40

What are Rev 38 and Rev 40 nickels? Click image below to enlarge.

Quick Summary

Mintages

Price Chart

Rates listed here refer to professionally graded and slabbed coins. If new to collecting the prices below might not make sense.

REV 38- prices below are for the 1939 Nickel with the reverse from the previous year (1938). See attached image below to find out which coin you are holding.

• Grade MS60 = $9-$13
• Grade MS61 = $9-$15
• Grade MS62 = $11-$19
• Grade MS63 = $21-$35
• Grade MS64 = $26-$44
• Grade MS65 = $32-$54
• Grade MS66 = $51-$85
• Grade PR65 = $90-$150
• Grade PR66 = $143-$238

REV 40- prices below are for the 1939 Nickel (FS) with the reverse from the previous year (1940). See attached image above to find out which coin you are holding. If FS not present the coin will be worth less of course.

• Grade EF40 = $18-$30
• Grade MS62 = $24-$40
• Grade MS63 = $30-$50
• Grade MS64 = $38-$63
• Grade MS65 = $56-$94
• Grade MS66 = $71-$119

Average prices for both REV 38 and REV 40 with No FS (no full steps), these are rough estimates based on past sales.

• Grade VF20 = $2-$3
• Grade AU50 = $2-$4
• Grade AU55 = $5-$8
• Grade AU58 = $6-$10
• Grade MS60 = $15-$19
• Grade MS61 = $15-$25
• Grade MS62 = $17-$28
• Grade MS63 = $21-$35
• Grade MS64 = $26-$43
• Grade MS65 = $30-$50
• Grade MS66 = $38-$63

Is the list above a little overwhelming? If so, take 5 minutes to learn all about Coin Grading.

It's also important to note...Prices are subject to the same supply and demand laws as everything else. Coins sold at the same auction house 10x, would fetch drastically different bids each session. To raise your chances of receiving top dollar read How to Get the Most for your Coins.

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How much is a 1939 Nickel worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around $1.75, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $50 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1939, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].

What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any jefferson nickel in your collection.

Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 5 g, a diameter of 21.21 mm, and a thickness of 1.95 mm. It's edge is smooth, and the coins are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Designer: Felix Schlag

Front (Obverse): The front of this coin has the bust of Thomas Jefferson featured front and center. The words IN GOD WE TRUST are on the left most portion, with the word LIBERTY on the right just above the date. If a mint mark is present it will be just below the date.

Back (Reverse): The reverse features the Monticello located in Albemarle County, VA. The Monticello was the long time home of Jefferson. The words E PLUIRIBUS UNUM, meaning out of many one are draped across the top, while the words FIVE CENTS, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are featured on the bottom.