1938 (S) 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
$1,645 MS68 08-10-2016 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1938 (S) Jefferson Nickel is a nickel produced at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. Total mintage reached 4.1 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 #4002. 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.
