1942 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
$9,988 G6 08-10-2016 Heritage Auctions
Description
The 1942 Jefferson Nickel is a nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint as part of the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. Total mintage reached 49.8 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left, while the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. Designed by Felix Schlag. Wartime silver alloy introduced mid-year. Large mintmark above Monticello distinguishes silver from standard issues. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Cataloged as PCGS #4013. 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.
