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 Replies: 23 / Views: 1,547 |
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Valued Member
United States
287 Posts |
Just wondering if anyone here has any of the older Jefferson proof nickels? Like, before 1955? 38, 39, 40's?
I have been indulging in collecting some of the older proofs down into the 50's. So far, it seems 1954 and older is when they seem to start getting costly. I can imagine a 1938 proof Jefferson would be quite costly.
How much did these kinds of coins run you? Any deals that you found?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
541 Posts |
To me, it's hard to tell between a satin finish proof and an uncirculated coin. In the 1970s, they started using frosted finish on the proof coins which makes them really stick out. I've found 6 or so 1970s 80s proof coins in circulation, including a proof half dollar.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1405 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1405 Posts |
If that numismedia link doesn't work perfectly, just scroll down and click on proof Jefferson nickels. |
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Moderator
 United States
72196 Posts |
I have all of the Jefferson Proof coins from 1938 to present (when they were produced that is - no proofs were minted during the years of 1943 to 1949)
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Moderator
United States
72196 Posts |
I don't remember off hand what I paid - I can look up that when I get home though..  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4703 Posts |
I am working slowly on 1938-1942. The key is patience. There are some ugly proofs from that era with all sorts of issues. People sometimes ask crazy prices on the graded coins. But there are always new proof nickels arriving on the market, typically in slabs. 1942-P is the tough one. It is the only War Nickel proof. Demand seems to be strong, and they do tend to be attractive coins. If you aren't picky about price or tiny grade variations, I think you can get one for maybe $100. |
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Moderator
United States
164459 Posts |
Nope. My Jefferson proofs start with the 1968-S. I admire those who go for the earlier proof coins though.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
704 Posts |
I have very little interest in the Jefferson nickel series, however I find the proof War Nickels interesting & so purchased 2 of them. I think they ran me around $100-$120 each for a pf65 ogh & a pf66 pcgs. I don't see myself getting anymore of the proof series. Would much rather finish my proof mercury set. I've been collecting for a couple years... Favorite Coin's are Standing Liberty quarters, Working on my type set | Coffee, Corvettes, Coins & the CCF what could be better? |
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Moderator
United States
164459 Posts |
Quote:
Would much rather finish my proof mercury set. Impressive goal. 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1126 Posts |
northeast numismatics have some nice ones for sale---
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Valued Member
 United States
287 Posts |
Quote:1942-P is the tough one. It is the only War Nickel proof. Is the 1942-P proof silver? Quote:
To me, it's hard to tell between a satin finish proof and an uncirculated coin. In the 1970s, they started using frosted finish on the proof coins which makes them really stick out. The proof Jefferson's from 1968, 1969 and 1970 are a bit different than the proof only issues going from 1971 and later. I really like the look of these, though. Before that, the proofs, minted in Philadelphia, also have a different look. I wouldn't say they are hard to distinguish, though. They definitely aren't as mirrored and aren't the kind of "frosted," proofs. I like them though regardless.
Edited by Humanist1287
01/22/2025 06:33 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2285 Posts |
Quote:
Is the 1942-P proof silver? Yes, it is a War Nickel as he mentioned. They made 2 different proof nickels in 1942. The regular composition (1942) & wartime (1942P) with the mintmark above Monticello.
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Valued Member
United States
287 Posts |
Interesting. I'd assume the silver composition would demand more of a premium?
Geez, no wonder why the 1938 proof is so expensive. I think the mintage I read was 19,000-something? That's incredibly low.
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Valued Member
United States
276 Posts |
I found a Proof 1942 Philadelphia regular composition while coin roll hunting. I consider it one of my best finds. I have most of the fifties in my added Dansco page. I admire Dearborn's collection. If you haven't looked, you might want to see his highly collectible Jefferson Proof collection.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4703 Posts |
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Replies: 23 / Views: 1,547 |
Posted 01/20/2025 08:37 am
