Price Guide for 1939 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1939 Nickel variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.

1939 Nickel Doubled Monticello (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $25.00 - $345.00
    Uncirculated: $31.00 - $4,600.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $19.99 - $450.00
    Uncirculated: $5.97 - $3,725.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $8.00 - $390.00
    Uncirculated: $415.00 - $6,000.00

1939-D Nickel Reverse of 1938 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $75.00 - $160.00
    Uncirculated: $25.00 - $2,233.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $9.50 - $49.00
    Uncirculated: $5.00 - $3,310.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 - $42.00
    Uncirculated: $45.00 - $675.00

1939 Nickel Doubled Monticello, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $60.00
    Uncirculated: $525.00 - $23,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $60.00 - $279.95
    Uncirculated: $34.95 - $2,899.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $425.00 - $11,500.00

1939-S Nickel Reverse of 1938 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $420.00 - $1,006.00
    Uncirculated: $15.00 - $1,528.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $5.00 - $75.00
    Uncirculated: $4.99 - $750.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 - $20.00
    Uncirculated: $24.00 - $850.00

1939-S Nickel Reverse of 1938, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $60.00 - $8,050.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $63.00 - $550.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $40.00 - $5,750.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1940 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $9.00 - $19.00
    Uncirculated: $12.00 - $1,725.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $2.03 - $29.99
    Uncirculated: $3.00 - $699.60
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00 - $5.00
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $3,000.00

1939-D Nickel Reverse of 1940 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $19.00
    Uncirculated: $23.00 - $1,093.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $14.38 - $74.99
    Uncirculated: $33.50 - $644.94
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $4.00 - $32.00
    Uncirculated: $35.00 - $2,750.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1940, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $11.00 - $23,500.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $17.00 - $275.00
    Uncirculated: $21.00 - $1,499.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $10.00 - $6,000.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1938 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $9.00 - $235.00
    Uncirculated: $10.00 - $1,208.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $7.04 - $100.00
    Uncirculated: $6.25 - $465.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00
    Uncirculated: $5.00 - $550.00

1939-D Nickel Reverse of 1938, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $74.00 - $7,475.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $140.00 - $1,199.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $150.00 - $25,000.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1940 (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $2,600.00
    Uncirculated: $18.00 - $15,600.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $79.00 - $4,450.90
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $40.00 - $14,000.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1938, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $32.00 - $5,287.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $27.00 - $939.75
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $27.00 - $5,000.00

1939-D Nickel Reverse of 1940, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,000.00
    Uncirculated: $73.70 - $26,400.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $181.62 - $2,650.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $55.00 - $27,500.00

1939-S Nickel Reverse of 1940 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $14.00 - $1,150.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $9.00 - $75.00
    Uncirculated: $22.46 - $575.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $2.00 - $11.00
    Uncirculated: $14.00 - $1,350.00

1939-S Nickel Reverse of 1940, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $1,800.00 - $2,200.00
    Uncirculated: $24.00 - $7,800.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $24.52 - $749.95
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $20.00 - $8,500.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1938 (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $104.00
    Uncirculated: $12.00 - $18,400.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $17.00 - $1,170.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $37.00 - $17,500.00

1939 Nickel DDR FS-801 (022) (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $85.00 - $372.00
    Uncirculated: $258.50 - $2,350.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $33.19 - $375.00
    Uncirculated: $238.50 - $620.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $6.00 - $350.00
    Uncirculated: $375.00 - $2,900.00

1939 Nickel DDR FS-801 (022), FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $552.00 - $4,700.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $14.50 - $176.50
    Uncirculated: $225.00 - $1,090.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $525.00 - $5,500.00

1939 Nickel QDR FS-802 (022.5) Rev. of 1940 (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $51.00 - $88.00
    Uncirculated: $144.00 - $441.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $99.99 - $295.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $2.00 - $37.00
    Uncirculated: $40.00 - $300.00

1939 Nickel QDR FS-802 (022.5) Rev. of 1940, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $258.50 - $3,055.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $49.95
    Uncirculated: $37.00 - $1,187.49
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $80.00 - $1,500.00

1939 Nickel Rev of '40, DDO FS-101 (Regular Strike)

  • eBay
    Circulated: $7.50 - $500.00
    Uncirculated: $6.99 - $796.88
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $20.00 - $100.00
    Uncirculated: $110.00 - $500.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1940, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $10,350.00
    Uncirculated: $1,997.50 - $8,812.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $200.00 - $5,750.00

1939 Nickel Rev of 1940 FS-901 (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $112.00 - $12,925.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $305.00 - $900.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $175.00 - $1,850.00

1939 Nickel Rev of 1940 FS-901, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $3,088.00 - $6,440.00

1939 Nickel Reverse of 1938, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $633.00 - $1,323.00

Design and Specifications of the 1939 Nickel

The 1939 Jefferson Nickel was part of the second year of production for this iconic design. It replaced the Buffalo Nickel and marked a significant change in American coinage. The Jefferson Nickel series, which continues to this day, was introduced to honor the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson.

1939 was a year of global tension, with World War II beginning in Europe. The coin's production reflected the United States' pre-war economy and the continuing popularity of the new design among the public.

Weight 5.0 grams
Diameter 21.2 mm
Mint Marks D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia)
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag
Reverse Design Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of a 1939 Jefferson Nickel significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are highly sought after by collectors, especially for the lower mintage Denver and San Francisco issues. The presence of full steps on Monticello (visible steps leading to the building's entrance) is a crucial factor in determining premium values for high-grade specimens.

Luster is another important consideration, with coins retaining their original mint luster commanding higher prices. Toning, if present and attractive, can also enhance a coin's desirability and value.

Philadelphia (No mint mark)

Mintage: 120,615,000

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in MS66 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, popular as part of the Jefferson Nickel series

Denver (D)

Mintage: 3,514,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage and key date status

San Francisco (S)

Mintage: 6,630,000

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Scarce in MS65 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: High, due to lower mintage

Strike quality is particularly important for 1939 Jefferson Nickels. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Monticello's steps, are highly prized. The Denver and San Francisco issues, due to their lower mintages, generally command higher premiums than their Philadelphia counterparts in similar grades.

While not particularly rare in circulated conditions, high-grade examples (MS65 and above) of all mint marks can be quite valuable. The 1939-D, being a key date, is especially desirable in high grades. Collectors also value original, unaltered surfaces, so coins that have never been cleaned or improperly handled tend to fetch higher prices.

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