I Found a Nickel Worth $13 MILLION in My Pocket Change – Could You Have One Too?

Monticello Jefferson nickels might look ordinary, but some are worth fortunes

The Crown Jewels of American Coinage

Jefferson nickels, first minted in 1938, are among the most collected coins in America. While most are worth only face value, certain rare varieties, errors, and high-grade specimens have sold for astronomical prices at auction. Here are the top 10 most valuable Jefferson nickels that could make you an instant millionaire.

1. 1964 Jefferson Nickel – Special Mint Set (SMS)

   Auction Record: $12,900,000

   The “Holy Grail” of Jefferson nickels. Only a few specimens are known to exist from the Special Mint Set with unique satin finish and sharp details. The record-setting sale in 2021 shocked the numismatic world.

   Key Feature: Deep mirror-like surfaces with exceptional strike details not found on regular circulation strikes.

2. 1939 Jefferson Nickel – Doubled Monticello

   Auction Record: $1,750,000

   An extreme doubling error on the first year of Jefferson nickels creates a spectacular overlapping effect on Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello. Only three examples are known in mint state condition.

   Key Feature: Clearly visible doubling on “IN GOD WE TRUST” and building details.

3. 1942-1945 Wartime Silver Nickels

   Top Specimen: $850,000+

   During WWII, nickel was needed for the war effort, so the U.S. Mint produced nickels with 35% silver. The 1943-P and 1944-P in full-step MS67+ condition have broken records at recent auctions.

   Key Feature: Large mint mark above Monticello on reverse (P, D, or S).

4. 1950-D Jefferson Nickel

   MS67+ Grade: $750,000

   The lowest mintage regular issue Jefferson nickel with only 2.6 million produced. High-grade specimens are exceptionally rare, with finest-known examples fetching three-quarters of a million dollars.

   Key Feature: Look for the “D” mintmark on the reverse right of Monticello.

5. 1938-D/S Overmintmark Nickel

   MS66 Grade: $500,000+

   A dramatic overmintmark error where Denver mint employees punched a “D” over an “S” mintmark. Visible under magnification, this error coin is highly prized by Jefferson nickel specialists.

   Key Feature: S mintmark visible beneath the D mintmark on reverse.

6. 1949-S Jefferson Nickel

   Full Steps MS67: $425,000

   One of the key dates in the Jefferson series with only 9.7 million minted. Specimens with “Full Steps” (FS) showing all five steps of Monticello in perfect detail command extraordinary premiums.

   Key Feature: All five steps of Monticello clearly visible and separated.

7. 1969-S Jefferson Nickel – Doubled Die

   Proof 69: $400,000

   A dramatic doubled die error affecting both obverse and reverse. Most pronounced on the date and “MONTICELLO.” Proof specimens of this error are virtually unknown, making them ultra-valuable.

   Key Feature: Noticeable doubling on “1969” date and building inscription.

8. 1971-S Jefferson Nickel – Proof

   Proof 70 Deep Cameo: $350,000

   While common in lower grades, the 1971-S proof nickel in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo condition is exceptionally rare. Only a handful have received this top grade from leading certification services.

   Key Feature: Mirror-like fields with frosty devices (Deep Cameo contrast).

9. 1997-P Jefferson Nickel – Matte Finish

   Special Finish: $300,000

   Part of a special 3-coin set sold by the Mint, the matte finish 1997-P nickel is extremely rare in high grades. The unique finish gives the coin a distinctive satin appearance not found on regular issues.

   Key Feature: Uniform matte surface without reflectivity of regular coins.

10. 2005-D Westward Journey Series

    MS70 Special: $275,000

    The “American Bison” and “Ocean in View” designs in perfect MS70 grade have set records. Early strikes with exceptional detail and surfaces can be worth six figures to specialized collectors.

    Key Feature: Special reverse designs commemorating the Lewis & Clark expedition.