1938 Jefferson Nickel
Strike Type
Coin Details
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — estimates reflect typical grades (G-4 through MS-67). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
Auction Record
$3,562 MS67+ 01-29-2023 eBay
Description
The 1938 Jefferson Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. Total mintage reached 19.5 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left, while the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. Designed by Felix Schlag. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4000. Felix Schlag won the 1938 public design competition for the Jefferson Nickel, defeating nearly 400 entries. Wartime silver nickels (1942-P, 1942-S, 1943-1945 P/D/S) are collected for their silver content. Key dates include the 1939-D, 1950-D, and Full Steps (FS) designation specimens.
External References
Error Varieties(43)
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-001
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-002
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-003
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-004
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-005
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-006
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-007
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-008
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-009
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-010
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-011
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-012
1938 Doubled Die Obverse DDO-013
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-001
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-002
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-003
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-004
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-005
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-006
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-007
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-008
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-009
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-010
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-011
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-012
1938 Doubled Die Obverse WDDO-013
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-001
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-002
1938 Doubled Die Reverse DDR-003
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-004
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-005
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-006
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-007
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-008
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-009
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-010
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-011
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-012
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-013
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-014
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-015
1938 Doubled Die Reverse WDDR-016
