The 1939-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $1.50 in worn condition to over $3,500 for pristine specimens with “Full Steps” details. If you have found one of these vintage five-cent pieces in your pocket change or an old jar, you might be holding a genuine piece of World War II-era history that collectors highly prize.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Market Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) to Fine (F-12) | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-63) | $50.00 – $120.00 |
| Gem Mint State (MS-65+) | $250.00 – $3,500+ |
Why the 1939-S Jefferson Nickel Is a Rare Find Today
The 1939-S Jefferson Nickel is widely considered a “semi-key date” in the Jefferson series. While hundreds of millions of nickels are minted today, the San Francisco Mint produced only 6,630,000 of these coins in 1939. This low mintage immediately makes it more desirable than its Philadelphia or Denver counterparts from the same year.
For everyday Americans, identifying this coin is the first step toward a potential payday. Using the best coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a common nickel and this specific San Francisco treasure. Because 1939 was only the second year the Jefferson design was issued, many of these coins were saved, but few survived in perfect condition.
If you are unsure whether your coin is a 1939-S or a common 1939, check the reverse side near the Monticello building. Identifying these details is much easier when you use CoinHix, a tool designed to help beginners spot the subtle mint marks that determine a coin’s true market rarity.
How to Identify the ‘S’ Mint Mark and Reverse Varieties
To verify that you have a 1939-S nickel, look at the back (reverse) of the coin. In 1939, the mint mark was located to the right of the Monticello building, near the rim. A small “S” indicates it was struck in San Francisco. If there is no letter, it was minted in Philadelphia.
There is another fascinating aspect to the 1939 nickel: the “Reverse of 1938” vs. “Reverse of 1940.” During 1939, the U.S. Mint modified the design of the steps on Monticello. The “Reverse of 38” has wavy, blurry steps, while the “Reverse of 40” features sharp, straight steps.
Finding a 1939-S with the “Reverse of 1940” in high grade is the ultimate goal for many collectors. You can check the latest 1939 Jefferson Nickel price data for Mint State grades to see how much these specific design varieties can shift the final price.
Grading Your 1939-S Nickel: From Pocket Change to Gem State
The value of your 1939-S nickel depends heavily on its “grade,” which is a measure of how much wear and tear it has endured. Most coins found in circulation today will fall into the “Good” or “Fine” categories, meaning Thomas Jefferson’s hair and the pillars of Monticello will look quite smooth.
If your coin still has its original shiny luster, it is “Uncirculated.” In this state, even tiny scratches can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars. Specialist collectors look for “Full Steps” (FS), which means all six steps on the Monticello building are clearly visible and not merged together.
| Grade Designation | Visual Description | Avg. Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Average) | Pillars worn, hair detail flat. | $2 – $8 |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | Trace wear on high points only. | $25 – $45 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | Brilliant luster, no visible wear. | $300+ |
| MS-66 Full Steps | Perfect steps, exceptional strike. | $2,000+ |
Modern Tools for Valuing Your 1939 Jefferson Nickel
Evaluating a coin used to require a trip to a local hobby shop, but today, you can get a head start using your smartphone. CoinHix allows you to scan your nickel and compare it against thousands of high-resolution images. This is particularly helpful for the 1939-S, where the difference between a $15 coin and a $500 coin can be hard to spot with the naked eye.
When using an app, pay close attention to the “Steps” on the reverse. If those steps are crisp and unbroken, you are looking at a premium coin. For more detailed 1939 Jefferson Nickel value information, it is always wise to cross-reference multiple sources to ensure you aren’t underestimating your find.
Keep in mind that while apps are great for identification, professional grading by services like PCGS or NGC is usually required to sell a coin for four figures. CoinHix can help you decide if your coin is worth the fee for professional certification.
Comparing 1939-S to Other Early Jefferson Nickels
How does the 1939-S stack up against other early nickels? Compared to the famous 1938-D or the 1950-D, the 1939-S is one of the more attainable “rare” nickels. However, it consistently holds its value better than the 1940 or 1941 issues because of that lower mintage figure of under 7 million.
Most collectors trying to complete a “Whitman Folder” or a “Dansco Album” find the 1939-S to be one of the last few holes they fill. This constant demand from hobbyists ensures that even worn examples of the 1939-S maintain a value significantly higher than its five-cent face value.
| Year/Mint | Mintage Volume | Rarity Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1939-P (Philadelphia) | 120,615,000 | Common |
| 1939-D (Denver) | 3,514,000 | Key Date |
| 1939-S (San Francisco) | 6,630,000 | Semi-Key Date |
Selling Your 1939-S Nickel for the Best Price
If you decide to sell your 1939-S Jefferson Nickel, avoid taking it to a “We Buy Gold” shop or a general pawn shop. These businesses often pay only a fraction of what a collector would. Instead, consider listing your coin on specialized auction sites or visiting a dedicated numismatic dealer.
Cleanliness is a major factor in value—but not in the way you might think. Never clean your coins! Scrubbing a 1939-S nickel with soap or polish will strip away the original “skin” of the metal and drastically reduce its value. Even a dirty, darkened coin is worth more than a “cleaned” one in the eyes of a serious collector.
Before you sell, use CoinHix to check recent auction results for similar grades. Having a clear idea of the current market price will give you the confidence to negotiate a fair deal for your vintage San Francisco nickel.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1939-S Jefferson Nickel?
A: The “S” mint mark is located on the reverse side (back) of the coin. Look to the right of the Monticello building, between the building and the rim, next to the “C” in “MONTICELLO.”
Q: Is a 1939 nickel made of silver?
A: No, the 1939-S Jefferson Nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. “War Nickels” containing 35% silver were only produced between 1942 and 1945.
Q: What is the “Full Steps” designation?
A: “Full Steps” (FS) is a term used by graders to describe a Jefferson Nickel that has at least five or six clear, uninterrupted horizontal lines on the steps of Monticello. These are rare and significantly increase the 1939-S Jefferson Nickel value.
Q: How much is a heavily worn 1939-S nickel worth?
A: Even if the coin is heavily worn, a genuine 1939-S nickel is usually worth at least $1.00 to $2.00, which is 20 to 40 times its face value.
Q: Should I get my 1939-S nickel professionally graded?
A: You should only consider professional grading if the coin is in “Uncirculated” condition or exhibits “Full Steps.” For circulated coins worth under $20, the grading fees (usually $30-$50) will cost more than the coin is worth.