Jefferson nickels have been minted since 1938 and contain several key error varieties. The 1939-1964 era is particularly rich in errors, and war nickels (1942-1945) struck in 35% silver add extra collecting interest.
Upload a photo and let ErrorHunt AI scan it instantly.
Scan My CoinThe 3 in the date was punched over a 2, showing remnants of the underlying digit.
How to check: Examine the 3 in 1943 under magnification. You should see traces of a 2 beneath it.
$50 - $300While not an error, nickels showing all 5 or 6 steps on Monticello command premiums. Steps are often weakly struck.
How to check: Examine the steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. Count the visible, complete, unbroken step lines.
$5 - $500+ for key dates with Full StepsDoubling on the date, LIBERTY, MONTICELLO, or E PLURIBUS UNUM lettering.
How to check: Use magnification on date, motto, and reverse lettering. Focus on IN GOD WE TRUST and MONTICELLO.
$10 - $200Design shifted due to improper coin centering during striking.
How to check: Look for the design displaced to one side with blank planchet showing.
$10 - $150Major die breaks at the rim create raised blobs of metal called cuds.
How to check: Run your finger along the rim feeling for any raised bumps or irregular areas.
$10 - $200 for major cudsThe 1943-P 3/2 overdate ($50-$300), various doubled dies ($10-$200), and Full Steps varieties on key dates ($5-$500) top the list.
War nickels (1942-1945) contain 35% silver and have a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the reverse. They are worth $1-$3 for silver content alone.
Use magnification on dates and lettering, check Monticello steps, and look for die cracks. Upload photos to ErrorHunt for instant AI analysis of all 67+ error types.
ErrorHunt AI detects 67+ error types with 99.9% accuracy. Upload a photo now.
Scan My Coin Now