1963 Nickel Value: are “P”, “D”, No mint mark worth money?

The iconic Nickel coin series, first produced in 1938 into American coinage, has several varieties worth collecting. Being one of its popular varieties, the 1963 Jefferson Nickel attracts collectors and people alike. But how valuable is it to purchase and own one of these?

Knowing the details of the coin you’re collecting is just as vital as your personal choice to own them. So, keep reading to learn the value of the 1963 Nickel.

1963 Nickel Value Details

• Category: Jefferson Nickel
• Mints: Philadelphia, Denver
• Total Mintage: 455,681,105
• Face value: $0.05
• Observe designer: Felix Schlag
• Reverse designer: Felix Schlag
• Edge: Plain
• Shape: Round
• Diameter: 21.20 mm
• Thickness: 1.95 mm
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
• Weight: 5 grams

1963 Nickel Value chart

Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extra fine	Uncirculated
1963 P Jefferson Nickel	$0.04	$0.18	$0.57	$1.1
1963 P Jefferson Nickel (Proof)	$0.25	$0.18	$0.58	$1.1
1963 D Jefferson Nickel	/	$0.11	$0.37	$1.1

1963 Nickel Value and Varieties Chart

1963 P Jefferson Nickel Value

• Category: Jefferson Nickel
• Place of minting: Philadelphia
• Mint Mark: None
• Total Mintage: 175,784,000
• Year of minting: 1963
• Face value: Five cents ($0.05)
• Price: $0.05 to $3.00 (or more)
• Designer: Felix Schlag
• Edge: Plain
• Shape: Round
• Diameter: 21.20 millimetres
• Thickness: 1.95 millimetres
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
• Weight: 5 grams

In 1963, over 175 million nickels with no mint mark were created in Philadelphia, which is still in circulation today. Although many of these coins became poor in condition and low value while they were distributed, there are still suitable variants of the coin that are worth collecting. And luckily, these coins are relatively easy to get as they are quite common in the coinage market, but this quality makes the coin’s value lower, and one in good condition will range from $0.05 to $3.00.

However, a coin in the mint state will cost a little more; for instance, a coin specimen with MS 67 may cost up to $1,150 and be harder to find. Likewise, other high-ranked coin mints like MS 65 and MS 66 can be challenging to find and purchase. But the higher grades of the 1963 P Jefferson Nickel are the most valuable and expensive ones but are worth it.

1963 P Jefferson Nickel (proof) value

• Category: Jefferson Nickel
• Place of minting: Philadelphia
• Total Mintage: 3,075,645
• Year of minting: 1963
• Face value: 0.05
• Price: $0.05 to $978
• Designer: Felix Schlag
• Edge: Plain
• Shape: Round
• Diameter: 21.20 mm
• Thickness: 1.95 mm
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
• Weight: 5 grams

Aside from the regular Nickel coin, the US coinage market introduced the Philadelphia Proof Jefferson Nickels in the same year with no minting mark. They had the smallest production quantity of all three variants of the 1963 Nickel, with a total of 3,075,645 mintage. This may be due to their difficulty in production, as they require a keen eye for detail for their smooth shine and detailed texture.

As you may already guess, the proof coin prices are attractive and could cost up to $0.25 to $28 or more, depending on their condition. The highest-rated ones with CAM and DCAM usually cost higher and are, thus, more sought after. Unfortunately, these coin specimens are often purchased by collectors and are rarely in circulation. Worthy to note, however, is that these nickels cost differently at auctions and were once valued at about $978 in 2012.

1963 D Jefferson Nickel value

• Category: Jefferson Nickel
• Place of minting: Denver
• Total Mintage: 276,829,460
• Year of minting: 1963
• Face value: Five cents ($0.05)
• Price: $0.05 to $9200
• Designer: Felix Schlag
• Edge: Plain
• Shape: Round
• Diameter: 21.20 millimetres
• Thickness: 1.95 millimetres
• Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
• Weight: 5 grams

The Denver nickel specimen ranked the highest in production of the three types, with over 200 million pieces and a consequent increase in its circulation yearly. The D mint variant is most abundant in the coin market and heavily distributed to collectors. The coin was created with a “D” mint mark close to the Monticello image next to the rim.

The higher circulation in this specimen affected their prices and value. So, a “D” mint coin in reasonably good condition could cost between $0.05 for its face value and $16.00 at most in coin markets. However, this price may differ during auctions and may cost a remarkably high value, as in 2019, one collector purchased an MS66+ for $1320. And a full-step nickel was sold for up to $9200 at another auction.

Also Read: 15 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

History of 1963 Jefferson Nickel

The Nickel production started following the end of the Buffalo nickel minting in 1938, which was in circulation for up to 25 years and was stopped due to its taxing design. So, then President Franklin D. Roosevelt proposed that the next coin be designed after the third American President, Thomas Jefferson.

To this effect, the US mint announced a contest in late January 1938 for the new coin design. And participants were required to fulfill two terms or requirements to win the contest:

• The portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse of the coin
• His mansion, Monticello, on the reverse

These were to be incorporated into the design by the sculptor to be considered for the contest, and the winner was entitled to a $1000 cash prize—eventually, the German sculptor Felix Schlag’s design idea was selected, amongst many others. However, the mint officials suggested modifications to the design, including changing the depiction of the Monticello from a corner and using modern language on the coin.

Thus, Felix Schlag considered this correction and duly adjusted the design. So, the coin’s observation shows Thomas Jefferson’s portrait from the left, the third-ever coin to have a president’s portrait. Also, there’s an inscription of “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the rim and “LIBERTY” and the production date on the right. On the other hand, the coin’s reverse depicts an image of the Monticello mansion with “MONTICELLO” written beneath it, a Five cents inscription, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” just below the rim. You can also see a Latin saying stretched on the top, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”.

The Nickel mint was released into circulation immediately after its production. Consequently, diverse specimens and variants were created and purchased by collectors in the coin market. And even though most of the remaining coin pieces have suffered wear, they are still valuable to collectors and sold reasonably well. Additionally, the 1963 Nickel had various variations in its composition, but it mostly had a copper-nickel composition with 75% copper and 25% nickel. Schlag’s design was used between 1938 and 2004 and was later replaced with a new one designed by Jamie Franki in 2005.

Also Read: Top 110 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

1963 Nickel Grading

The price and value of the 1963 Jefferson Nickel are dependent on its condition and popularity. So, it is vital to be adequately informed on how the coins are graded for a wiser decision in your purchase. Here’s an overview of the 1963 Nickel’s grading outline:

• Uncirculated: This grade of coins is the best purchase choice for collectors. The coin in this state is in perfect or mint condition. Inspect areas like Jefferson’s hair beneath his collar and coat to ensure its condition. All parts of the coin remain luminous with all the protected relief areas.
• Extra fine: At this state, the coin has minor wear and will only be noticed when observed closely. Slight losses of hair can be found on Jefferson, and the lustre on the coat and collar have started to merge.
• Fine: The nickel has been in low circulation, wears are visible, and specific details are missing. However, the main parts of the coin can still be seen, but details, sharpness, and loss, like the collar and hair.
• Good: Although coins in this grade are still collectable, collectors mostly avoid collecting these coins. This is usually because they have long been in circulation and have suffered various wears and damage.

Here’s a video to verify your coin’s exact value.

1963 Nickel Errors

Despite the acute attention given to the production of the Nickel coin by the US mints, errors still need to be addressed, which may have been sustained during the minting process. However, errors in a mint coin do not make them less valuable and make the coins unique. Thus, collectors find it interesting to collect them.

The reason for these errors may differ on several occasions. However, here are some examples of errors that may occur during minting:

1. Double Die Error

This is one of the most common errors made in 1963 nickels. It happens when the die is struck on one coin twice. Thus, these coins will have double letters, inscriptions mint marks. However, these specimens of coins are less valuable and will often cost not around $5 to $90.

2. Full Steps

Due to the hardness of the planchet alloy for the die, there were often mistakes when striking the steps in the entrance of the Monticello. It was difficult to hit both sides of the coin perfectly. Another reason for the depiction of full steps on the 1963 nickel resulted from worn-out dies. This error makes the nickel unique and attractive to collectors, making it more valuable. Its prices range from $20 to $3300 and can cost even higher on auctions, reaching up to $9200 in 2008.

3. Off-centre Error

This error occurs when the die strikes a planchet that’s placed incorrectly, and a space will be seen on the face of the coin. It’s also possible for specific details of the coin to be hardly noticed. The price of this kind of coin will differ depending on the extent of the error and the visible parts of the design. It may cost between $3 and $250.

4. Cent Planchet

Workers once used planchets of an already minted cent for the coin minting of the 1963 nickel. Due to this, the nickel appeared lighter than its standard form after production. You can buy a 1963 nickel with this error for up to $320 on auction and cheaper at the coin market.

5. Improper Annealing

At times, the nickel coin was incorrectly annealed, or the planchet cutter was overheated, and thus copper and nickel composition separated. Therefore, instead of the nickel, the copper layered the coin and caused it to be black.

Other materials, such as dust and grease, may get stuck on the planchet or die when minting and cause the coin to have a dark appearance. This coin is usually called a “black beauty” Jefferson Nickel and can be sold for up to $100 to $150

6. Rotated Die

This is a fascinating error often made when minting. This happens when the die strikes one side of the coin at one angle and the other side at another angle. This is primarily due to the wrong positioning of the coin when minting. You’d often not find a 1963 nickel rotated coin with very high value, but a good purchase would be between $10 to $80.

Watch this video to tell the worth of your 1963 Nickel.

FAQs:

1. How much is a 1963 nickel worth today?

Although the 1963 nickel is a long old coin and has been in circulation for a while, it is much more valuable and usually collected. Its prices differ based on its grade, error, and level of circulation. In auctions, the costs can reach an unexpectedly high value of up to $9000 and can also be bought for $5 to $300 in the open coin market.

2. What makes a 1963 nickel rare?

Nearly half a billion Jefferson nickel coins were produced in 1963 and have been very much in circulation. Due to this, several worn-out coins are in the market, making the extra fine ones rare and more valuable.

3. What is a 1963 nickel made out of?

It is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel with a diameter of 21.2 mm, a mass of 5 grams, and a smooth edge. However, between 1942 and 1945, nickel was composed of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

Conclusion

You’d be mistaken to think a 1963 Jefferson Nickel has no value, despite its state and grade. Depending on your choice as a collector, different grades and errors of the nickel cost differently. Thus, knowing how to grade and examine the coin is necessary to make a good purchase choice.

Also Read: Top 19 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money