1939 Jefferson Nickel

About This Coin

The 1939 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series — the second year of the series. In 1939, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 382.2 million. This ranks 29th of 66 years by total mintage, below the series median of 617.5 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. The 1939-D is a semi-key date with a mintage of 3,514,000 — low for the series. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 78 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Across its variants, estimated values range from $1 to $1.9K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $18K in PR68 grade at Bowers & Merena. Designed by Felix Schlag.