1990, 1979 & 1963 Jefferson Nickels
Did you know a 5-cent nickel could be worth more than a house down payment — or even over $290,000?
It sounds impossible, but it’s real.
Specific error varieties of the 1990, 1979, and 1963 Jefferson nickels have sold for six-figure prices, transforming ordinary pocket change into life-changing discoveries.
Let’s break this down step by step, so you know exactly what to look for 
Step 1: Why Jefferson Nickels Can Be Extremely Valuable
The Jefferson nickel has been in circulation since 1938, designed by Felix Schlag.
Common Features
- Obverse: Thomas Jefferson
- Reverse: Monticello
- Face value: 5¢
Millions — even billions — were minted.
So why are some worth a fortune?
Rare minting errors + perfect condition = massive value
Step 2: 1990-P Jefferson Nickel Errors (Up to $243,000)
In 1990, the Philadelphia Mint struck over 636 million nickels.
Most are worth 5 cents — but a few are worth more than luxury cars.
Most Valuable 1990-P Errors
Double Strike Errors
- Coin struck twice with visible offset
- Two Jefferson portraits or doubled dates
- Auction prices:
$35,000+
Extreme Off-Center Strikes
- 50–75% of design missing
- Date still visible
- Auction prices: $39,000+
Wrong Planchet Errors (Ultra-Rare)
- Nickel struck on a penny, dime, or quarter planchet
- Wrong size, weight, and metal
- Auction price: $162,000+
Combination Errors + Full Steps
- Broadstrike + die breaks + perfect steps
- Private sale: $243,000
Step 3: 1979 Jefferson Nickel Errors (Up to $260,000)
More than 1 billion nickels were struck in 1979 — yet a few escaped with spectacular errors.
Valuable 1979 Errors
Double Strike Errors
- Clear doubling across the entire coin
- Auction price: $42,000
Major Off-Center Strikes
- Huge blank crescent, partial design
- Auction price: $56,100
Wrong Planchet Errors
- Struck on cent or quarter planchet
- Auction price: $148,000
MS69 Full Steps + Multiple Errors
- Broadstrike + die breaks
- Private sale: $260,000
Step 4: 1963 Jefferson Nickel Errors (Up to $290,100)
Now the big one.
The 1963 Jefferson nickel looks ordinary — but rare errors have shattered records.
Top 1963 Error Sales
Double Strike Errors
- Obvious overlapping portraits
- Auction price: $36,000
Extreme Off-Center + Full Steps
- Barely half the design visible
- Auction price: $44,250
Wrong Planchet Errors
- Struck on dime planchet
- Auction price: $187,000
Compound Error + MS69 Full Steps
- Triple strike + die cracks
- Private sale: $290,100
Yes — nearly $300,000 for a nickel 
Step 5: What Makes These Nickels So Valuable?
Extreme rarity
Massive visual impact
High mint-state grades (MS67–MS69)
Full Steps designation (perfect Monticello steps)
Professional certification (PCGS / NGC)
Errors + condition = everything.
Step 6: How to Check Your Nickels RIGHT NOW
Grab nickels from 1963, 1979, and 1990 (especially 1990-P) and look for:
- Obvious doubling
- Huge off-center strikes
- Wrong size or color
- Broad, distorted edges
- Fully separated Monticello steps
Do NOT clean the coin
Do NOT spend it
Place it in a holder
Get it professionally authenticated
You might be holding a six-figure coin disguised as pocket change
Final Thought
Most people walk past nickels on the ground.
Collectors know better.
Because sometimes…
5 cents = $290,100
