Value of a 1942 Jefferson Nickel?

Answer 1

There were 2 versions of the nickel produced during that year. On the reverse of your coin, above the Monticello there could be a large mintmark of a P, D, or S over it. This means you have a war nickel, during WWII the nickel had its nickel content replaced with 35% silver so these coins, regardless of condition are worth their silver content which at the time of writing is worth around $1.55. However, if your coin does not have a large mintmark on the reverse, it is just a common nickel and in circulated condition is really only worth face value to around 15 cents.