First-Ever "W" Mintmark Jefferson Nickels Struck

Image courtesy of usmint.gov.

On February 27, 2020, the United States Mint issued the first U.S. nickel to bear a "W" mintmark. This special 2020-W Jefferson Nickel came inside the 2020 Mint Proof Set. This bonus 2020-W Proof Jefferson Nickel will be packaged separately in a clear U.S. Mint plastic wrap and inserted inside an envelope. The Mint has also indicated that two additional 2020-W Jefferson Nickels will be issued later this year.

In total, the U.S. Mint will produce three different 2020-W Jefferson Nickels this year. They are the regular 2020-W Proof Jefferson Nickel with a "W" mintmark that comes inside the 2020 Proof Set. The second coin will be a 2020-W Jefferson Nickel in a Reverse Proof format, which will come inside the 2020 Silver Proof Set. And the third and final coin will be the 2020-W Uncirculated Jefferson Nickel that will come inside the 2020 Uncirculated Sets.

In 2019, the U.S. Mint also issued special 2019-W mintmark coins, featuring the Lincoln Cent. The program was a success, as collectors purchased many of the 2019 sets containing the 2019-W Lincoln Cents. This year is expected to be no different, especially since it is the first time that a nickel is struck at the West Point Mint and carries the "W' mintmark. In 1996, the U.S. Mint also struck some Roosevelt Dimes at the West Point Mint with a "W' mintmark, and those coins have also proved to be extremely popular over the years. The West Point Mint facility is mainly intended to strike U.S. bullion coins. But if we go back even further, the West Point Mint has also produced business-strike coins for circulation, such as some 1974 to 1986 Lincoln Cents. However, these coins did not bear the "W' mintmark.

So, at special times the West Point Mint has made circulation-strike or proof non-bullion coins. And, fortunately for collectors, this year is one of those special times where it will strike Jefferson Nickels with a "W' mintmark. Therefore, 2020 should be an exciting year for Proof Set and Jefferson Nickel collectors with the production of these special new coins.

In the meantime, if you want to order some of the 2020 sets containing the 2020-W Jefferson Nickels, feel free to visit the United States Mint website. If you would like to have your 2020-W Jefferson Nickels graded by PCGS and have any questions on how to submit coins to us, please give us a call at 1-800-447-8848 or send us an email at [email protected].