The 2013-D Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from its $0.05 face value in worn condition to over $100 for high-grade specimens. While most found in pocket change are common, certain “Full Steps” versions and high-quality Mint State coins catch the eye of serious collectors looking to complete sets.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Average Condition) | $0.05 |
| About Uncirculated (AU58) | $0.15 – $0.25 |
| Mint State (MS65) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Mint State (MS67 Full Steps) | $25.00 – $125.00+ |
Understanding the 2013-D Jefferson Nickel History
The 2013-D Jefferson Nickel is a modern workhorse of the American economy. Produced by the Denver Mint, this coin features the “Forward Facing” portrait of Thomas Jefferson that was first introduced in 2006. If you have a pile of change and find a nickel with a small “D” next to the date, you are holding a piece of history from the Mile High City.
To quickly identify your find, you can use the best coin identifier app which allows you to take a photo and get instant data. In 2013, the Denver Mint produced over 570 million of these nickels. Because the production numbers were so incredibly high, nearly all 2013-D nickels you find in your wallet today will only be worth five cents. However, the story changes when we talk about “Mint State” coins.
Collectors are always on the lookout for coins that never entered circulation. These coins retain their original luster and haven’t been scratched by other coins in a cash register. Using a tool like CoinHix can help you distinguish between a common nickel and one that might have premium value due to its pristine surface. While 571,200,000 coins were struck at Denver, only a tiny fraction are preserved in Gem condition.
Specific Factors That Drive 2013-D Nickel Value
When determining the value of your 2013-D nickel, “grading” is the most important factor. Precise grading is done on a scale from 1 to 70. Most nickels you get at the grocery store are considered “Circulated.” These will never be worth more than face value unless they have a glaring mint error. The real value is found in coins graded MS65 or higher.
Another critical factor is the “Full Steps” (FS) designation. On the reverse side of the coin, you will see Monticello, Jefferson’s home. If the five or six steps leading up to the building are perfectly clear and not blurred together, the coin is much more valuable. Detailed 2013 Jefferson Nickel price charts show that these “Full Steps” versions fetch significant premiums at auction.
The table below highlights how the price shifts based on the quality of the strike and the preservation of the coin. Even a small difference in the “D” mint mark’s clarity can influence a buyer’s interest.
| Grade (PCGS/NGC) | Non-Full Steps Value | Full Steps (FS) Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS64 | $1.00 | $8.00 |
| MS65 | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| MS66 | $10.00 | $45.00 |
| MS67 | $35.00 | $150.00+ |
Detecting 2013-D Nickel Errors and Varieties
While there aren’t many famous “major” errors for the 2013-D Nickel, collectors still search for “minor” errors that occur during the striking process. These can include “Die Cracks,” which look like raised jagged lines on the surface, or “Clipped Planchets,” where a piece of the coin’s circular edge is missing.
Checking for these errors requires a magnifying glass or a high-quality scanner. Common people often mistake damage—like a coin being hit by a lawnmower or run over—for a mint error. A true mint error happens inside the machine. If you find something strange, comparing it to the current 2013-D nickel value data can help you see if others have found similar misplaced marks.
One subtle variety to look for is the “RPM” or Repunched Mint Mark. While less common in modern coins due to automated processes, any doubling around the “D” can increase the value from a few cents to several dollars. If you aren’t sure, the CoinHix app can help you compare your coin to known error samples to ensure you aren’t missing out on a hidden gem.
How to Care for Your 2013-D Nickels
If you find a 2013-D nickel that looks exceptionally shiny and scratch-free, you must handle it correctly. The oils from your skin can actually damage the surface of the coin over time, leading to “fingerprint” marks that reduce the coin’s grade. Always hold coins by the edges, never by the flat faces where the portrait is.
Professional collectors usually place their high-value nickels in PVC-free flips or plastic “slabs.” If you think your coin might be an MS67 Full Steps specimen, it may be worth sending it to a professional grading service like PCGS or NGC. However, keep in mind that grading costs around $20-$40 per coin, so only send coins that you are certain have high value.
For most people, simply keeping a nice-looking 2013-D in a cardboard coin holder is enough to preserve its current state. Modern nickels are made of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), which is fairly durable, but they can still “tone” or change color if exposed to high humidity or chemicals.
Comparing the Denver Mint to Philadelphia
In 2013, both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints were operating at high capacity. The Philadelphia version (marked with a “P” or no mark in older years, but with a “P” for 2013) is roughly as common as the Denver version. Usually, the “D” mint mark indicates the coin was minted in Denver, Colorado.
Historically, Denver coins sometimes have slightly better or sharper strikes than Philadelphia coins, though this varies from year to year. When looking at long-term price trends for 2013 Jefferson nickels, you’ll see both mints follow a similar value curve.
| Mint Mark | Mintage Quantity | Rarity Level |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-P (Philadelphia) | 536,400,000 | Common |
| 2013-D (Denver) | 571,200,000 | Common |
| 2013-S (Proof – San Francisco) | 1,429,938 | Uncommon |
Should You Save Your 2013-D Nickels?
The question for many everyday Americans is whether it’s worth hoarding 2013-D nickels. In general, because they were minted by the hundreds of millions, there is no need to save every 2013-D nickel you find. They are not made of silver (nickels haven’t been silver since the WWII “War Nickels” era) and they don’t have a high melt value.
However, saving “Original Bank Wrapped” rolls can be a decent investment for the future. If you can find a roll of 2013-D nickels that has never been opened, it might sell for $5 to $10 to a collector who wants to hunt for high-grade “Full Steps” coins. If you’re a casual hunter, use CoinHix to scan your coins and only keep the ones that look like they just came off the press.
In conclusion, while the 2013-D Jefferson Nickel is a very common coin, it serves as a great entry point for new collectors. Checking your change for “Full Steps” and “Mint State” conditions can turn a five-cent piece into a $20 or $50 treasure.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 2013-D Nickel?
A: The mint mark “D” is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, just below the date “2013” on the right side.
Q: Is there any silver in a 2013-D Jefferson Nickel?
A: No, 2013 nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Only nickels from 1942–1945 contain silver.
Q: What is a “Full Steps” nickel?
A: “Full Steps” refers to the five or six steps on the reverse of the coin (Monticello). If they are fully visible without any interruptions or blending, the coin is much more valuable to collectors.
Q: How many 2013-D nickels were made?
A: A total of 571,200,000 nickels were struck at the Denver Mint in 2013, making it a very high-mintage, common coin.