Face Value: 1964 Jefferson Nickel

In 1964, the nation faced a coin shortage, leading Congress to authorize a date freeze on the Jefferson Nickel. The 1964 issues have the greatest number minted of all nickels produced. Because there was a date freeze, some 1964 nickels were struck in 1965 and well into 1966. There were over 2 billion 1964 and 1964-D nickels struck. Though 1964-dated issues are common, some rarities and varieties drive up the marketplace value for the 1964 Jefferson Nickel.

The issue’s worth will vary depending on the mint facility, grade, finish and variety. Proof coins are generally worth more than their Mint State counterparts. The prized issue of them all is the 1964 Jefferson Nickel Specimens. These extremely rare coins were discovered in the 1990s; it is unknown which Mint facility produced them.

Another factor determining the market value is the appearance at the base of Monticello on the reverse of Five Full Steps (5FS) or Six Full Steps (6FS). Specific criteria for the nickel to be eligible for one of these designations is as follows:

• a grade of NGC MS 60 or higher
• an uncirculate finish (not a Proof)
• at least five full steps

Nickels with a 5FS or 6FS designation are worth more than circulated coins.

1964 Jefferson Nickel

The Philadelphia issue has a mintage of 1,024,672,000. According to the NGC Price Guide, a free resource provided by NGC, Mint State 1964 Jefferson Nickels are valued between 15 cents and $500, while Proof coins are generally worth more. Nickels with a 5FS or 6FS designation are valued between $20 to $15,000. To learn more about the 1964 Jefferson Nickel and the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1964 Jefferson Nickel from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

1964-D Jefferson Nickel

The 1964-D Jefferson Nickel struck in Denver has a mintage of 1,787,297,160. Mint State ones are worth between 15 cents and $500. There are no Proofs from Denver, but Prooflike nickels carry a premium for more in auctions. Issues with the 5FS and 6FS designations are currently worth between $20 and $4,250. To learn more about the 1964-D Jefferson Nickel and the latest values from the NGC Price Guide, visit NGC Coin Explorer.

1964-D Jefferson Nickel from NGC Coin Explorer Click images to enlarge.

History of the Jefferson Nickel

In 1938, the Jefferson Nickel debuted after Felix Schlag’s design won the nationwide contest, honoring the third US president, Thomas Jefferson. This began the creation of a new five-cent piece that is still circulated today. During World War II, nickel was a highly valued metal essential for the war effort. Nickels issued from 1942 to 1945 were minted using a mixture of copper, silver and manganese. There are over 150 recognized varieties today, including 2004-2005 designs and strikes. Explore Jefferson Nickel varieties in NGC Variety Plus.

All values are based on the NGC Price Guide as of October 2022.