Many nickels in circulation today are worth more than their face value of five cents. This is due to the fact that certain designs, mintage years and mintmarks can affect the value of a nickel. For example, a very sought-after 1883 Liberty Head nickel can be worth over $4 million! Many of the rarest nickels have been hoarded by collectors, so it’s difficult to find them without searching through many nickels in circulation.
Most modern nickels have some value above face value to collectors, especially nickels from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Any nickel from the 1960’s with errors, such as doubled die or repunched mintmarks, can be worth a substantial amount of money.
Nickels from 1965 through 1969, including those with the different reverse designs of these years, can also be worth more than face value with the right condition. And any nickel minted in 1971 can be valued at several times its face value since only two million were minted that year.
Also, some nickels are worth more depending on the mintmark. Coins minted at the San Francisco and Denver Mints, which can be identified by a small ‘S’ or ‘D’ on the coin, can be worth more than those coins with no mintmark.
For example, the 1996D Jefferson nickel currently has a catalog value of approximately $6. 50.
Lastly, some nickels that have been circulated so much over the years that there is hardly any detail left on the faces and the reverse can be worth more. This is due to the fact that the supply of these nickels is low and the demand is high from collectors looking for coins in extreme amounts of wear.
These coins are usually worth more than $1 due to their condition and rarity.
Overall, there are undoubtedly many nickels in circulation today that have considerable value above face value. It just takes a little extra effort and knowledge to determine which ones are worth more than their five-cent face value.
Table of Contents
Which 1964 nickels are worth money?
1964 nickels can be worth money, depending on the type of nickel and its condition. 1964 nickels come in three varieties: Proof coins, Uncirculated coins (also called Mint State coins), and circulating coins.
Circulating coins are those that have been used in everyday commerce, and tend not to be worth more than their stated face value. Although some circulating coins may be worth slightly more due to errors, they will still generally not be worth much more than their face value.
Proof coins are coins that were created for collectors, and were not released into circulation. These coins can be worth more than their face value, but only if they are in very good condition. Generally, if a proof coin is damaged in any way, it will be worth less than face value, or even no value at all.
Uncirculated coins are coins that were minted, but did not enter circulation. Depending on the condition of the coin, uncirculated coins can be worth more than their stated face value. The most valuable 1964 nickels are those that were minted with no mint marks, otherwise known as “No-Mint” coins.
In very good condition, these coins can be worth significantly more than the nominal face value.
What makes the 1964 nickel so rare?
The 1964 nickel is considered to be rare because only twenty coins were minted in Philadelphia and two were struck in Denver. It is estimated that only a few of these coins actually made it into circulation, with the majority of them being held back by the United States Mint.
This makes the 1964 nickel a key date in the series and its scarcity has driven up its value over the years. On top of its rarity, the 1964 nickel also has a unique design. It was the first nickel to have the motto “In God We Trust” since 1883, and it was the last year for the Shield reverse design.
It is also the only nickel besides the Peace dollar to have a 90% silver composition. All of these factors have combined to make the 1964 nickel a much sought-after item among alloy coin enthusiasts.
How do I know if I have 1964 SMS nickel?
To determine if you have a 1964 SMS nickel, you will need to look for a few different distinguishing characteristics. The 1964 SMS nickel is distinguishable by its special design that features faint lines and radial lines around the edge of the coin.
You will also notice a ‘D’ mint mark below the date on the obverse of the coin. Additionally, the back of the coin will feature a marked difference when compared to other years. The back of the 1964 SMS nickel features a ‘V’ shaped design of Jefferson’s portrait, compared to a standard portrait like on other years.
Another element that differentiates a 1964 SMS nickel from others, are small die gouges near the left ear lobe area of the coin’s reverse. Lastly, the composition of the metal can help to determine if it is a 1964 SMS nickel.
While most coins that year were produced from 75% copper and 25% nickel, the 1964 SMS nickel was composed of 67. 5% copper, 18% nickel and 14. 5% silver. If you possess all of these features, you may be in possession of a 1964 SMS nickel.
Are 1964 and older nickels worth anything?
Yes, 1964 and older nickels are worth something! The value of a 1964 or older nickel largely depends on its condition and whether it is a “Shield” nickel, “Liberty Head” nickel or “Buffalo” nickel. Shield nickels were minted from 1866 to 1883 and are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
AShield nickel in excellent condition can be worth up to $100. Liberty Head nickels were minted from 1883 to 1912 and are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. A Liberty Head nickel in excellent condition can be worth up to $125.
Buffalo nickels were minted from 1913 to 1938 and are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel with a “buffalo” (American bison) on the reverse. A Buffalo nickel in excellent condition can be worth up to $10.
Therefore, 1964 and older nickels can be valuable depending on their condition and design.
Are all 1964 nickels rare?
No, not all 1964 nickels are rare. As with other coins, some 1964 nickels are rarer than others due to minting conditions and the production of certain batches. For example, the 1964 Special Mint (SMS) Proof issue is considered rare, as are the 1964-D, 1964-S, and 1964 P Nickels with Full Steps.
In general, 1964 Nickels from all mints tend to be more valuable than those from other years. Common 1964 Nickels in well-preserved condition will have a higher value than those with scratches, wear, and other signs of damage.
1963 and 1964 are both considered to be key dates in the nickel series, due to the low mintages of key issues. However, when it comes to value, condition is the primary factor. For example, a 1964 nickel in perfect condition could be worth dozens of times more than one in average or poor condition.
How much is a 1964 Jefferson nickel with no mint mark worth?
A 1964 Jefferson nickel with no mint mark is worth approximately 5 cents in circulated condition, as of April 2020. Uncirculated coins, however, can be worth much more. The value of an uncirculated 1964 Jefferson nickel with no mint mark can range from around 25 cents up to around $8.
00 for especially well-preserved specimens. The actual value of any individual coin can vary greatly based on factors such as the grade, preservation, and any errors or varieties that may be present.
It is important to note that there is no mint mark on any Jefferson nickel produced in 1964, as the mint mark was placed on the reverse of the coin beginning in 1968.
How can you tell if a 1964 nickel is silver?
To tell if a 1964 nickel is silver, you need to look at the reverse side of the coin and check for the mint mark. If the nickel has a “D” mint mark, it was minted at the Denver mint and is made from 90% silver.
However, if the coin does not have a mint mark, then it is made from 25% Nickel and 75% Copper, and is not considered a ‘Silver’ nickel. In addition, you may want to consider taking the coin to a professional coin dealer or knowledgeable collector and ask them to examine and verify the coin.
Professional coin dealers have access to a variety of tools that can help them correctly identify a coin’s composition, including an acid test, a magnetic test, and a visual examination.
What’s the error on the 1964 nickel?
The 1964 nickel is commonly referred to as a “No Mintmark Nickel,” due to the error in which the “D” Mintmark is missing from the reverse of the coin. This error is a result of a mistake at the Denver Mint, which failed to include the Mintmark on some coins while they were being struck.
Unfortunately, the error was not noticed until the coins had already been released into circulation, meaning that examples of a genuine “No Mintmark Nickel” are highly sought-after by collectors. Because the error was limited to only a small number of coins, genuine examples are now extremely rare and can be quite valuable.
Examples that are in good condition with minimal wear can be worth up to several hundred dollars.
How much is a 1964 D nickel worth today?
A 1964 D nickel is worth between $1. 50 and $3. 00 USD in uncirculated condition. If it’s circulated, the coin is worth much less – between 5 and 25 cents. The value of the nickel depends on its condition – specifically the amount of wear, luster and other characteristics that contribute to its grade or quality.
Furthermore, errors and varieties can increase the value of a 1964 D nickel significantly. 1965 D nickels with a doubled die reverse sometimes sell for over $100 USD. Finally, a small number of 1964 D nickels were minted with a proof finish, these coins are worth much more than the circulated and uncirculated counterparts, with typical values ranging from $75 USD to over $1000.
What does SMS mean for 1964 nickel?
SMS stands for “Special Mint Set”. The 1964 nickel is a five cent coin produced by the United States Mint. The coin was first minted in 1964 and continues to be minted today. The 1964 nickel comes in three distinct varieties: a proof version (minted specifically for collectors and numismatists), a regular circulation version, and a Special Mint Set (SMS) version.
The SMS version was made with a slightly different composition than the other two varieties, as the U. S. Mint used a special combination of copper, manganese, and zinc to produce them. The coins have a matte-like finish, instead of the usual satin-like finish used on the other two versions.
Furthermore, the SMS versions have a clear and crisp strike, which makes them highly sought after by collectors. So, in summary, SMS for a 1964 nickel means that it is a special version of the coin that was produced using a unique composition and has a clearer and crisper strike than the other two varieties.
What year nickels are the rarest?
The rarest year for nickels is 1945. This is because nickels from 1945 have the lowest mintage for five-cent coins since the US Mint began producing circulation coins in 1792. Only a limited number of coins from 1945 survived, and they are extremely difficult to find in grade condition today.
These nickels also carry significant numismatic value due to their rarity. They were minted using a modified reverse design of 1942-1945, which included parts of the Great Seal of the United States. Additionally, this was the only year that two varieties of nickels were struck simultaneously: The Philadelphia issue and the Denver issue, each with a different reverse design consisting of the head of an Indian.
Because of their low mintage and iconic design, 1945 nickels are a great collectible item and highly sought-after by coin collectors.
What are the 25 most valuable nickels?
The 25 most valuable nickels are an elusive and challenging list to compile, as their worth can vary greatly depending on the condition of the coin, its grade (graded by a legitimate third-party grading service), its mint date, the type of metal and other factors.
Generally, the rarest, oldest and most well-preserved nickels are the most valuable.
1. 1883 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth upwards of $4 million, the 1883 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most elusive coins in history, as only five were ever struck, with only three known to exist today.
2. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth $3 million, this rare Nickel boasts a unique background that includes a legally-mandated recall in which all five surviving coins were later returned to the U. S. Mint out of fear they were counterfeits.
3. 1868 Shield Nickel- Not to be confused with the Liberty Head nickel of the same year, this rarecCoinis worth upwards of $2.5 million.
4. 1864 “L” on Ribbon Nickel – This rare coin is worth around $2.4 million.
5. 1866-S, No Rays Nickel – One of the most sought-after coins on the market, this nickel is worth up to $2 million.
6. 1867 Rays, No “P” Nickel – Worth around $1.5 million, these rare Nickels are prized for having a missing “P” mintmark.
7. 1899 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $750,000, these Liberty Head Nickels boast an impressively low mintage of only 8,889 coins.
8. 1873 “Closed 3” Liberty Nickel – Worth $500,000, this nickel was minted without being authorized by the U.S. Mint.
9. 1869 Shield Nickel with “P” Mintmark – This rare nickel is worth around $425,000.
10. 1883 “No Cents” Liberty Head Nickel – Distinct in that no “Cents” appear beneath the word “Liberty” on the coin, these rare nickels are worth up to $350,000.
11. 1877 Indian Head Nickel – Worth around $200,000, these coins bear the Native American on the obverse side.
12. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth up to $180,000, this rare nickel boasts an unusually low mintage of only 300 coins.
13. 1895 Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $100,000, these coins feature a unique mintage of just 1,520 coins.
14. 1876-CC Liberty Head Nickel – Boasts an estimated value of $95,000.
15. 1870-CC Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $90,000.
16. 1883-S Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $50,000.
17. 1901-S Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $50,000.
18. 1872 Shield Nickel – Worth around $45,000.
19. 1874 Shield Nickel – Worth around $42,000.
20. 1881 Shield Nickel – Worth around $35,000.
21. 1900-S Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $25,000.
22. 1871-S Shield Nickel – Worth around $25,000.
23. 1877-S Shield Nickel – Worth around $25,000.
24. 1882-S Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $17,000.
25. 1883-CC Liberty Head Nickel – Worth around $15,000.
What nickels should I keep?
When deciding which nickels to keep, it really comes down to what you find valuable. The types of nickels you should keep depend on your personal preferences and the market value. If you’re looking for collector’s items, you should consider acquiring rare nickels from the United States or other countries.
Generally, rare nickels are those with strong historical value or are in otherwise limited supply. These include coins issued with mistakes by the US Mint, limited-edition coins, special-issue coins, replaced coins, and rare date coins.
If you’re looking to make a return on your investment, you should look to get rare nickels that are worth more than five cents. For instance, if you come across a nickel with a rare date or mint mark, you can usually sell the coin for more than it is worth when spent.
This can help you to make a return on your investment if the value of the nickel increases over time.
Finally, you may simply want to keep your nickel collection for sentimental reasons. If this is the case, there are no wrong choices. As long as the coins are authentic, it doesn’t matter whether they are rare or common—any nickel can become an important piece of your collection.
Why should I hoard nickels?
Hoarding nickels is a great way to save money for the future. For starters, nickels are worth five cents each, so when you save enough of them you can have a pretty sizable amount of money saved up. Even if you save just a few every day, it can add up quickly over time.
Furthermore, as opposed to other coins, nickels are typically made from copper or copper alloy and are not subject to inflation like larger denominations such as quarters, dimes, and half dollars. Thus, their worth has remained the same since their introduction in 1866.
Additionally, due to their metal composition, they will continue to retain their value over time if stored properly, making them a great hedge against inflation. Furthermore, hoarding nickels can be both entertaining and educational.
It can be fun seeing just how long it takes you to save up to a certain dollar amount, and you can also take the time to examine the different designs of the different coins that have been minted over the past century.
All in all, hoarding nickels is a great way to save money while also engaging in a fun, educational activity.
