A Cornerstone of American Numismatics: The 1938-S Key Date Jefferson Nickel

This listing offers an exceptional opportunity to acquire a high-grade example of the 1938-S Jefferson Nickel, a renowned key date in one of America's longest-running coin series. Certified and encapsulated by the Professional Coin Grading Service, or PCGS, at the prestigious MS64, or Mint State 64, grade, this coin features a sharp strike, clear fields, and appealing luster.

The 1938-S is the first-year issue of the Jefferson Nickel series and represents the lowest mintage of the year, struck at the historic San Francisco Mint. This combination of first-year status, low mintage, and a popular S mint mark makes it a highly desirable piece for any collector.

Historical Context: A New Design for a New Era

The Jefferson Nickel was introduced in 1938 to replace the iconic Buffalo Nickel, marking the third series of United States coinage to feature a former President on the obverse. The redesign was the result of an open competition, with Felix Schlag winning the one thousand dollar prize among 390 entrants.

Schlag's original design presented a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, on the obverse. The reverse initially featured a corner view of Jefferson's beloved Virginia plantation, Monticello, but this was modified in production to the more recognizable front-facing view we see today.

The 1938-S Key Date

The 1938-S Jefferson Nickel is considered a key date in the series due to its low mintage of just 4,105,000 pieces from the San Francisco Mint. While this mintage is low, many examples were saved upon release by collectors, making Mint State examples relatively available, though high-quality specimens like this MS64 remain highly sought after.

It is important to note that examples from this year are often struck from worn dies, resulting in weak details. Therefore, a well-struck example with good luster, such as this coin, is particularly desirable.

Design and Specifications

The obverse, designed by Felix Schlag, features a head and shoulders portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left. The inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST are to the left, with LIBERTY and the date to the right. The reverse features a front-facing depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's historic home. The inscriptions MONTICELLO, FIVE CENTS, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are present, with E PLURIBUS UNUM above. The S mint mark is located on the reverse, near Monticello.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 5 Cents, Nickel
Year: 1938
Mint: San Francisco, S mint mark
Grade: MS64
Certification: PCGS
Designer: Felix Schlag
Composition: 75 percent Copper, 25 percent Nickel
Weight: 5.00 grams
Diameter: 21.20 millimeters
Edge: Plain
Catalog Reference: PCGS 4002

Understanding the Certification

This coin has been authenticated and graded by PCGS, one of the most respected third-party grading services in the numismatic industry. It is securely encased in a durable, tamper-evident PCGS plastic slab, which protects the coin's condition and guarantees its authenticity for future generations. The certification number can be verified on the official PCGS website.

The MS64, or Mint State 64, grade indicates a coin with full, original mint luster and no signs of wear. The fields are clear, and the coin exhibits good eye appeal.

Why This Coin Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This coin carries certified authenticity and grade, as the PCGS slab provides a lifetime guarantee of the coin's genuineness and grade. It holds key date status, being one of the lowest mintage issues in the entire Jefferson Nickel series. It is a first year of issue, the inaugural year of the Jefferson Nickel design, a historic moment in United States coinage. It bears a popular mint mark, with the S from the San Francisco Mint adding to its desirability and Western heritage. Most of all, it is a high-grade example, a well-struck MS64 coin with clear fields and good luster.

This coin is more than currency. It is a cornerstone of American numismatics, offering a key date Jefferson Nickel in high-grade condition. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Coins of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 4.5, Width 3.25, Depth 0.5 inches
Weight 0.2 lbs

Condition:
Excellent, encapsulated in a PCGS slab, very minor handling wear on the slab commensurate with age.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish

• Low Estimate: 150.00
• High Estimate: 300.00