1942 Jefferson Nickel

Notes: There are Type 1 and Type 2 Proofs for this year. The Type 1 has no P mint mark on the reverse, while the Type 2 does. See examples below for the two types of proofs.

The P mint mark is missing and was not included in type 1 1942 Proofs.

You can see from the example above the presence of a large and clear P mint mark.

Full Steps Monticello

Full steps on the reverse of the nickel leading up to Monticello the famous residence of Thomas Jefferson are one of the most coveted features for a graded specimen.

PCGS calls it FS (full steps), while NGS calls its 4FS, 5FS, or 6FS. They have just been marked differently depending on who graded the coin. See examples below.

Does Your Nickel have Full Steps?

Well first make sure the coin is reverse side up and use a magnifying glass or something similar to magnify the coin. The reverse should have 4, 5, or 6 steps clean and sharp. See image below.

PCGS Using FS

How much is a 1942 Jefferson Nickel worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 45 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $75 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 1942, 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.