Collecting Jefferson Nickels is primarily the realm of beginning collectors, but the advanced collector, investor, or dealer can also profit handsomely from this series.

Dig into your pocket or purse and you are sure to find the ever popular Jefferson Nickel. Believe it or not, there are a select group of these beauties that are worth a nice "chunk of change!" Read on to learn my picks of the 5 Jefferson Nickels worth five figures as well as some interesting history behind the series.

Junk silver is a term that has irritated me for years. OK, I get it — common-date circulated 90% silver coins, subpar 40% silver coins, and worn-out 35% silver Jefferson nickels are proverbially a dime a dozen. Many dealers buy and sell junk silver coins by the shovelful and don't think twice about it.

When it comes to the top-money Jefferson nickels, the presence of “Full Steps” details is key. Some issues from the 1980s are amazingly difficult to find.

World War II-era Jefferson silver five-cent coins, widely known as “war nickels,” are marking an important milestone in October 2017.