1938 (D) Jefferson Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$5,980 MS68 11-30-2004 American Numismatic Rarities
Description
The 1938 (D) Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint as a nickel in the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. With a mintage of 5.4 million, this is a scarce issue — ranked 2nd of 3 mint variants by mintage, with 19% of production. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. First year of the Jefferson Nickel, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. Felix Schlag won the public design competition. Denver's mint evolved from a frontier assay office into one of the nation's primary coin production facilities, opening in 1906. Estimated market value ranges from $1 to $19 depending on grade and condition. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4001.
External References
Error Varieties(14)
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1938-D Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-001
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-002
1938-D Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-003
Other Strike Types in This Series
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