1942 P Jefferson Nickel

Last updated: September, 18 2024
× Enlarged Image

CoinTrackers.com estimates the value of a 1942 P Jefferson Nickel in average condition to be worth $1, while one in mint state could be valued around $70.00.


1942 P Jefferson Nickel
Download the PDF
Add to Favorites


  • Year: 1942
  • Mint Mark: P
  • Coin: Jefferson Nickel
  • Type: Wartime Nickel
  • Price: $1-$70.00+
  • Face Value: 0.05 USD
  • Produced: 57,873,000
  • Edge: Smooth
  • Silver Content: 35%
  • Silver Weight: 0.0563 oz.
  • Melt Value: $1.8






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.

Type 1 PR 1942 NickelThe P mint mark is missing and was not included in type 1 1942 Proofs.


Type 2 PR 1942 Nickel 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.

FS NickelPCGS Using FS

Mintages

Production Chart





How much is a 1942 P Jefferson Nickel worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around $1, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $70 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.


whats your nickel worth


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.


Most Valuable

The most valuable Jefferson Nickel's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.

Image Year Mint Worth
Jefferson Nickel Image 1940 $170
Jefferson Nickel Image 1955 D $120
Jefferson Nickel Image 1963 D $102
Jefferson Nickel Image 1942 D $100
Jefferson Nickel Image 1940 D $90
Jefferson Nickel Image 1944 S $85
Jefferson Nickel Image 1939 S $80
Jefferson Nickel Image 1955 $80
Jefferson Nickel Image 1983 S $80
Jefferson Nickel Image 1938 D $75
Register Free to see more.
Image Name Mint Worth

Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.

Are 1942 P Jefferson Nickels Silver?

Yes! Jefferson Nickel's produced in 1942 are 35% silver to be precise, and contain 0.0563 troy oz or 1.751 grams in total of .999 pure silver. Silver weight is measured in troy ounces. Troy ounces weigh about 2 grams more than the standard ounce. CoinTrackers has built a tool that will let you know if your coin is silver or not. The tool is called Is My Coin Silver?.

Numismatic vs Intrinsic Value:

This coin in poor condition is worth $0.8 less than the intrinsic value from silver content of $1.8, this coin is thus more valuable to a silver bug than to a coin collector. You will most likely find however that it is hard to get a coin for less than spot price. At least that has been our experience. Want more info? Then read Coin Collecting Investment an article that details the benefits of coin collecting as a way to build wealth..

Current silver melt value* for a 1938 D Jefferson Nickel is $1.8 and this price is based off the current silver spot price of $31.90 This value is dynamic so bookmark it and comeback for an up to the minute silver melt value.

***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.

[Top]