1938-S Jefferson Nickel: Do You Need This in Your Collection?

In this article, I will explore the features of the 1938-S Jefferson Nickel, its current market value, and the factors that affect its worth to help you decide whether it is worth adding to your collection.

Do you need this in your collection?

After conducting some research and examining the current market, I believe that this particular nickel is definitely worth considering.

However, this all depends on your budget, your collecting theme, and many other reasons that only you know.

Don’t chase shiny things. If you have a theme, then stick with it.

The 1938-S Jefferson Nickel is a hidden gem in the world of coin collecting.

With a low mintage of only 4,105,000 pieces, it is a rare find for any collector.

Despite its rarity, it is still relatively affordable, even in circulated grades.

The 1938-S Jefferson Nickel is definitely worth considering.

Its low mintage makes it a valuable investment that is sure to be appreciated over time.

Features of the 1938-S Jefferson Nickel

Here are some of the features that make it a must-have in any coin collection.

1. Design
   • Obverse
     • The front side of the 1938-S Jefferson nickel presents a profile of the President facing left, adorned in period attire and a peruke wig.
     • Encircling the border are the phrases “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left, while “LIBERTY” and the date are on the right, separated by a lone star.
   • Reverse
     • The coin features an illustration of Jefferson’s residence, Monticello, accompanied by the inscriptions “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS.”
     • The mint mark “S” can be seen on the right side part of the coin.
2. Mintage
   • The 1938-S Jefferson nickel was minted in San Francisco, with a total mintage of 4,105,000.
3. Composition
   • The 1938-S Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Current Market Value

Grades	Price as of November 2023
Good (G-4)	$0.69
Very Good (VG-8)	$1.52
Fine (F-12)	$2.33
Very Fine (VF-20)	$3.38
Extremely Fine (EF-40)	$4.63
About Uncirculated (AU-50)	$5.26
Uncirculated (MS-60)	$5.84
Brilliant Uncirculated (MS-65)	$18

As of November 2023, the current market value of a 1938-S Jefferson Nickel varies depending on its condition. 

As per USA Coin Book, the value of this coin in average condition can vary from $0.60 up to $4 depending on the grade, while uncirculated ones go for $5 up to $18.

Factors Affecting Value

As with any coin, several factors can affect the value of a 1938-S Jefferson Nickel.

Here are some of the most important ones to consider:

• Condition
  • Collectors generally prefer coins that are in excellent condition with little to no wear.
  • As such, uncirculated 1938-S Jefferson Nickels are typically worth more than circulated ones.
• Mint Mark
  • The 1938-S Jefferson Nickel was minted in San Francisco, and coins with this mint mark are rarer because of its low mintage.
• Rarity
  • While the 1938-S Jefferson Nickel is not necessarily rare, some years and mint marks are more difficult to find than others.
  • As such, coins that are considered rare may be worth more to collectors.
• Historical Significance
  • The 1938-S Jefferson Nickel was minted during a time of great change in the United States, and as such, it may be of interest to collectors who focus on coins from this era.

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