This is the first time noticing the Jefferson mint mark not in its usual position directly below the date. Is this considered an error?
It appears to be the High D variety. https://www.ngccoin.com/variety-plu...jefferson-five-cents-1938-date/819769/?page=1
It's a high d variety like danomite said. It's a good find - definitely a keeper. I've been looking for one of those for a while.
For everyone saying it's normal, it's normal for the mm to be misplaced. But not this far off. Here is an article of a guy who says it's worth around $500 in MS, and it has a good premium in a lower condition. https://www.coinworld.com/news/prec...nickel-denver-mint-mark-varieties-bowers.html This is why you should look for these. In fact, @DatDareNickelGuy has one as his pfp and he is probably one of the most knowledgeable on nickel varieties on cointalk. If he sees this thread, I'd like to see what he thinks about it.
Anyone who CRHs will note that this is a very difficult find in the wild. The coin carries a better premium than most Jefferson nickels, even though that by process, the mm placements were by chance. I've never found one CRHing...and I looked for it from the start. That's a solid find in any condition or grade.
Thanks for all of the responses. It is a rush to find a rare coin such as this. Here are a few more pictures to peruse.
That's a new one for me. Shame it's not in better condition. Still cool to find a rarity in circulation. Congrats!
The 1975 "High D" is a very desirable and highly collectible die variety. These range from $40 to $200 and to date I have never seen a Mint State example. Here is one I just happened to buy yesterday. Likely a VF grade.
In that era, there seems to be lots of numskulls! Philly has had, and has problems. Maybe employees or machinery?