1942 Jefferson Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1942 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. In 1942, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 154.6 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. Philadelphia and Denver struck the regular coin earlier in the year; in the closing months, Philadelphia and San Francisco struck the new wartime alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese. Its large mintmark above Monticello, including the first P ever used on a U.S. coin, distinguishes the silver coins from standard issues. Regular issues struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Across its variants, estimated values range from $5 to $15K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $16K in PR68+ grade at Legend Rare Coin Auctions. Designed by Felix Schlag.
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Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 across all of this coin's strike types, from published price guides and, in some cases, recorded auction sales. For most coins the range runs from a well-worn example (around G-4) to an uncirculated one, but individual coins can sell for more or less depending on grade, eye appeal and demand. Compare recent sales of similar coins for a closer estimate.
Specifications
Strike Types & Varieties(7)
1942 (D) Jefferson Nickel
1942 (D) Jefferson Nickel - D/D
1942 (P) Jefferson Nickel - Wartime Silver Alloy
1942 (P) Proof Jefferson Nickel - Wartime Silver Alloy
1942 (S) Jefferson Nickel - Wartime Silver Alloy
1942 Jefferson Nickel
1942 Proof Jefferson Nickel
Other Base Coins in This Series
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