where is the mint mark on a 1938 nickel

[TeaganMarie]

While the provided sources touch upon the general topic of nickel values and mint marks, I can give you the precise information you're looking for to examine your coin like a pro.

Discovering the story behind your 1938 nickel begins with finding one small but crucial detail: the mint mark. To locate it, you'll need to turn the coin over to the reverse side, the one featuring Monticello. Look carefully to the right of the building, near the rim. That is the exact spot where the mint mark for this classic coin is placed.

In 1938, the very first year this iconic Jefferson design was minted, you will be looking for either a "D" for the Denver Mint or an "S" for the San Francisco Mint. It is also very important to remember that if you don't see a mint mark in that spot, it's not a mistake. That simply means your nickel was produced at the main U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, which did not use a mint mark on nickels at that time.

Identifying this mark is the essential first step for any collector wanting to determine the nickel's unique history and potential value. It’s a small detail that truly makes all the difference in the world of coin collecting.