Jefferson’s nickels are still popular amongst coin collectors despite their antique features. However, the challenge lies in finding the best quality that numismatic collectors want. The 1964 Jefferson Nickel coin is one of the coin series designed by Felix Oscar in 1938.
The 1964-nickel value is 5 cents in good condition. The Jefferson Nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel and has a total melt value of $0.0567. The highest sale for 1964 Jefferson SP68 was $32,900.
This article highlights the history of the Jefferson nickel and its major features. We also have information on how to grade the coin for higher prices that exceed its face value.
What Is 1964 Jefferson Nickel?
It is a five-cent coin issued in 1964 in honor of the late President Thomas Jefferson. The 1964 Jefferson Nickel coin features the portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home Monticello on the reverse. Designed by Felix Schlag in 1938, the Jefferson Nickel replaced the Indian Head cent.
Summary of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel
| Country of Origin | The US |
| Year Of Mintage | 1964 |
| Denomination/Face value | Five Cents |
| Main Features | Thomas Jefferson Portrait, and his Monticello home on the reverse |
| MintMark: | D (Denver) |
| Mintage number | 1,787,297,160 |
| Alloy (metal) | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Weight | 5.00 g |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Edge type | Smooth (Plain) |
| Designer | Felix Schlag |
History of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel
The US mints struck the first Jefferson coins on October 3, 1938. They wanted a coin design bearing the portrait of Thomas Jefferson and his stately home, so Schlag won the first slot among other contenders to design the famous coin.
At that time, Nickel was an essential component used in manufacturing weapons such as armored tanks used in the First World War. As a result, there was massive hoarding of Nickel and Jefferson Nickel coins.
As a temporary measure to control the level of Nickel supply, the US congress formulated a policy to have a reduction in Nickel content on Jefferson currencies. Therefore, the US mints used an alloy of copper, manganese, and silver to make Jefferson coins.
In 1964, the Jefferson Nickel series made history because the US mints struck a record 1,000,000,000+ coins. The mints wanted to cover the shortage of silver coins in circulation due to hoarding in the early 1960s.
Unlike Jefferson nickels struck towards the end of the 1950s and early 1960s, the 1964 series had a soft, sharp appearance because they used higher quality dies.
Reason for Minting
The main reason behind the production of the Jefferson Nickel coin was to honor Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States of America. He was instrumental in creating a monetary system for the country, hence deserved recognition.
Mintage
The production of 1964 dated nickel coins was significantly higher than the previous years due to expanded production. Two mints struck the coin in 1964, namely Philadelphia and Denver. The main mint struck 1,028 622,762 coins, while the branch mint at Denver struck 1,797,297,160 Jefferson Nickel coins.
Features of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel
The Jefferson silver is an iconic coin that features several unique features. Below is a video showing the 1964 Jefferson Nickel coin:
Obverse
The obverse side features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson at the center of the coin. Jefferson’s head is almost in contact with the coin’s upper margin, while the left shoulder touches the lower edge of the coin. An inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” runs clockwise from Jefferson’s chest to his upper hairline along the left margin. Behind Thomas Jefferson is an inscription “LIBERTY” and the date (1964), running clockwise along the right margin. A five-point star separates the two words.
Reverse
The coin’s reverse has a frontline view of the President’s stately home, dubbed “Monticello.” The President designed his physical home using architectural designs from the Italian Renaissance. The home occupies the central part of the obverse face, and below it is an inscription “MONTICELLO” in a straight line of text.
On the upper margin is an inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” reading clockwise. The coin’s denomination (FIVE CENTS) forms a curve beneath the word “MONTICELLO.” Below the coin’s face value is another inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” running clockwise along the lower margin. Interestingly, all Jefferson nickels did not have Schlag’s initials until 1966.
Slogans
Like other Jefferson nickels, the 1964 series bear symbolic slogans. A closer look at the coin will show the following slogans:
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
It is a Latin phrase that stands for ‘out of many, one. The slogan is an affirmation that the nation of America consists of 50 states that united to form a single nation.
- LIBERTY
The word Liberty is a founding principle that denotes the freedom enjoyed in the country despite past civil wars and global wars.
- IN GOD WE TRUST
The phrase is a statement widely used to express religious sentiments shared by sections of the people of America.
- MONTICELLO
The word ‘Monticello’ is an Italian phrase that means ‘little mountain’ (mound). The President acquired the name from his Italian architectural design of the home.
Mint marks
The mint mark is an important identification feature that tells the location of the mint responsible for striking the coin. All Jefferson Nickel coins struck between 1938-1964 bear mint marks on the reverse side.
The mint mark appears at the far-right side of the coin, near the President’s Monticello. The most common mint mark on the 1964 Jefferson Nickel is “D” (Denver). However, 1964 Jefferson nickels struck at the Philadelphia mint do not bear a mint mark.
Metal Used
The 1964 Jefferson coin is a composite metal piece with a silver appearance. However, the Jefferson coin has no silver content. It contains 75% copper and 25% nickel. The Jefferson nickel weighs 5 grams and has a diameter of 21.2 mm. In addition, it has a smooth edge.
Value of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel is the most common of all nickel series issued by US mints. It, therefore, retains a five-cent value in all circulated conditions. However, the coin may attract higher values in pristine conditions. Below are some of the coin’s prices at numismatic markets:
Denominational Value
The coin has a denominational value of five cents. The value appears on the reverse side, near Monticello.
How Much Is the Metal in 1964 Jefferson Nickel Worth?
The 1964 series of the Jefferson coins have 75% copper and 25% nickel. The copper melt value is $0.0339, while that of Nickel is $0.0227. The coin, therefore, has a melt value of $0.0567. However, melt value is dynamic as it depends on the current spot price for copper and Nickel.
How Much Is the 1964 Jefferson nickel at the Pawnshop?
At the pawnshop, the Jefferson nickels attract a value of 5 cents to 0.50 cents in circulated conditions and $0.27-$8.91 or more in uncirculated conditions. If you have an MS+ Jefferson nickel certified by a professional, it may be worth $43 at an auction.
A proof coin is worth $2 or slightly higher because the main mint struck 3.9 million proof coins in 1964.
Comparison Table Showing the Value of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel:
| Condition | 1964 | 1964 D | Proof (PR 65) |
| Uncirculated | 8.91 | 0.63 | $3.22 |
| Extremely Fine | 0.05 | 0.05 | – |
| Fine | 0.05 | 0.05 | – |
| Good | 0.05 | 0.05 | – |
Factors that Determine the 1964 Jefferson nickel Value
Coin collectors are always looking for high-value coins to complete their Jefferson series. Your coin must meet specific requirements that collectors want to earn higher prices. Below are common factors that determine the value of the 1964 Jefferson Nickel:
Full Steps
It is a special quality characterized by the highest quality of preservation of the steps on the President’s Monticello. A full steps coin has at least five steps of the home in perfect condition, good relief, and no minting defects. A full steps attribute redefines the coin’s value, making it a preference of many coin collectors. 1964 Jefferson Nickel coins having full steps are rare, hence in high demand. If you have one, its value will be ten or more times higher than its traditional value.
Condition
Jefferson’s nickels value in condition, and the most preferred are those in excellent condition with new, original features. The top grades of the nickel coins are worth a premium value. Below are the four main guidelines that will help you understand how a grading company will value your coin:
Uncirculated
The uncirculated condition is the topmost level of grading of the Jefferson coin. Uncirculated coins have a limited time in circulation and bear no signs of degradation from changing hands. In this state, your Jefferson Nickel should retain its original features and appear fresh from the mint. Taking a closer look at its surface, the high and low areas of the cheeks and mouth are all consistent. They also have an even match of the tone, texture, and luster.
Extremely Fine
A Jefferson coin in extremely fine condition may have minor scratches on its surface. It has a slight color change and dull high points. The cheeks are smooth, while the raised areas around the mouth and cheeks are now flat. However, the damage should only be visible under a closer examination using a magnifying glass.
Fine
A Jefferson coin in fine condition has a longer circulation time with visible signs of surface wear. Most facial features are flat, and the cheeks connect to the eyebrows and the jaws. In addition, Jefferson’s hair appears smooth with no visible hair strands.
Good
These coins have serious defects after wide circulation and frequent handling, including discoloration, scratches, and dents. If your coin is in this state, coin collectors may avoid it.
Valuable Minting Error
Like other denominations, the 1964 Jefferson Nickels may have special minting errors. Some errors include missing dates, re-punched mint marks, and double or triple dies. The value of Jefferson error coins ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars. A classic example is the 1964 Triple die reverse proof coin, 11 copies registered by the PCGS.
1964 Jefferson Nickel Value FAQs
1. Why are there So Many 1964 Jefferson Nickels?
The huge mintage of 1964 Jefferson nickels resulted from massive hoarding of silver, which led to rising silver prices. As a result, the US Congress, through an act, allowed mints to strike nickel coins in 1965 with the date 1964. More nickel coins would help alleviate the shortage of coin circulation experienced then.
2. Which Is the Rarest 1964 Jefferson Nickel?
The 1964 SMS is the rarest Jefferson Nickel coin. It has an extraordinary fine strike, an impressive appearance and is worth $8,750 in MS 65.
3. Which are the Most Valued 1964 Jefferson Nickels?
Some of the most valued nickels exist only in uncirculated conditions, hence their premium prices. They feature an original appearance of their subtle features, including the full steps on the Monticello. They include:
- 1964 SMS FS: valued at $8,625-$32,900
- 1964 FS: valued at $14,100
- 1964 D FS: valued at $6,325
- 1964 SMS: valued at $4,140
- 1964 D/D: valued at $4,015
Winding Up: Is the 1964 Nickel Worth its Value?
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel coin is one of the long-serving nickel series struck by the US mints. Featuring a profile bust of Thomas Jefferson and his palatial Monticello, it is an iconic currency. Although it has a five-cent value, its price is worth thousands of dollars in MS+ conditions. Moreover, if you have a full-step coin with a unique minting error, it fetches higher prices.
I have an 1964 nickel that is valuable
but do you have certified 1964 brilliant uncirculated with an over D variety error? I do if interested email me wagnerdennis981@gmail.com
I have one with and without. I’ll try to get u you a picture of it. I’m just starting out my buddy got me into it. You have any luck selling it? If not put that bad boy on auction and let them bid on it. My buddy just sold one for like 5,000$ it’s not the coin we talking about but he says auction can produce higher payouts when ppl want them.
I have a 1964 Nickle Unminted I think it’s the rare one….
I also have a lot of 1980 Penny’s all through 1989 minted unminted some errors etc. 1967 Quarter 1980 Quarter Canada one cent maple leaf penny, 1979 quarter 1988 dime 2019 p dime 1981dime 1988 1984 and the Penny’s that had sets of 4 backings different pictures all 4 plus extra
I have a 1964 D that is off struck right to left and I believe also double struck.with all the border on the right and little to none on the right it is a circulated coin.
I haveone
I got 1
I have 5 1964 nickles 1 1946 nickle want to sell contact 407-963-6487
i have one as well if anyone is looking.
Ihave this five cents 1964
I have this coin and good condition sir how much 1964 five cent liberty.
I have this coin how much is it worth and who buys them
I have a 1964 double date- d nickle for sale
I have a no mint mark. ( Philadelphia minted 1964 in extremely fine condition. Not a scratch on it. No wear at all showing. It’s not been certified yet. It’s for sale. How much is it worth to you? Call me.
20.000
419 409 5813
hi am in South Africa I have a 1964 coin..it’s still In good condition.. I also have differents types of coins.please email me if you are interested.
I have a 1964.a 5 cent
Worth about $.05-$1.00. Good luck.
Am in South Africa i have a 1964 liberty coin 5 cents in good condition
I have a 1964 uncirculated nickel
I have a uncirculated 1964 nickel
I have 10 1964-D Nickel need help
I have a 1964 nickel. It’s 75% cooper and 25% nickel.
I have three of the 1964 nickels in good condition for sale.
Iam ethopian Ihave this five cents
1964
Hi my name is Tonya McRae and I have several nickels left to me from a coin collector friend of mine who passed away ranging from 1939 to 1969. Many of them are 1964 nickels but lots others from every year in-between. Many of them are in great condition. Please message me with any ideas of what I should do or if you’re interested. I know it would make my friend happy to see his collection put to good use!
Hi there so you still have the coin collection you spoke about in this thread? My son and I are avid collectors (not for profit) and he insisted I try and contact you because he said when he opens his exquisite collection gallery (when he finishes school & college) he would love to be able to showcase your friends coins. He really is a special boy and he’s had a tough road so far but we have no doubt he will follow through with his dream as he has been talking about it since he was 5(now age 13). Anyways if you still have them and really want your friends coins to be shown, cared for, & protected them I assure you he is your guy!! He said he would make sure you had opening day VIP passes!
Ryan & Jacob Mc
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I.jist.wanted to say that I read your comment, and I think that is so awesome that you and your son share this hobby together. You sound like a wonderful dad and I hope you know that. I’m just getting into coin collecting myself and I’m having a lot of fun. I just found a 1977 penny that’s missing the L in liberty.also , I have a 1964 d Nickel.
Hello, I have a bunch of coins from 1920 to the 1970. Mist or 1940s to 1960s. In different amounts. Include ding Kennedy half dollars. I have the steel pennies from the war, a bunch of buffalo nickels. 1 cent pieces. And a lot of foreign coins as well. As I know nothing about coins I would like to sell all together. It could be worth a lot or nothing. Im only asking $150 for them all.. but it could be worth thousands. Will not separate. If your interested in purchasing. Please let me know
435-512-6187
Heidi
I guess this may be a really old thread but some luck. I would love to hear about the coins you have. I am a collector been doing this for years now I collect all different types of coins different countries coins and I love doing it. I even collect tokens to I am interested in seeing what you may have I have not even tried to sell not one coin. Most people think I am crazy for not selling I have some that would probably go in to the thousands I am hanging them over to my children and there getting some age on them but I still going at it there are still some coins I am looking for I may never find them but I am trying but if you get this just hit me up.
I have many coins many old wheat pennies, I have a lot of old nickels, a friend gave me quite a few Indian head pennies and I have some buffalo nickels, the one nickel is a 1926 buffalo. I also have a good size jar of foreign coins, from all over the world. I’m not in a good place in my life and really needing money. I haven’t had any of the coins graded and most all of them are circulated.
I have a collection I started at age 6 that mo one has seen other than my grandma she has it in her safe from 1988-2010 coins, tokens, tax relief coins etc. FR33Kentertainment@gmail.com if interested, hard times are forcing me to sell
Hello! Are these still available?
Hello I have a two tone nickel 1964 no mint mark taken bids
Email me at djhammond85@gmail.com
I have 5
I have one!!!
I have one please make an offer
I have a 1964 Nickle D. Not sure if it’s an error nickel or not.
I have a 1964 Nickle Mint Condition. Who knows more can message me at dawnt2385@gmail.com. I have more rare coins as well. Who buys them?
I have 6, who wants them? Also have alot of other rare coins if your a collector message me !!
I have a Mint 1964 P Full Step Nickel with Fantastic Finish on it
I have a 1964 P Monticello with full steps as well and 2 1938 D with full steps very first year they was minted and also a 1929 vertical s on the obverse
of my buffalo nickel and D on the reverse
I have a 1964 nickel no mint mark and it was in circulation but is in remarkable condition
I have a 1973 with no mint mark
1964 D mint mark
1984 p
1982 D
I have a 1964 D nickel with a smidge of copper showing on the face of Jefferson. What can
you tell me about this coin?
Gary Quehl
I have a set all no mint mark from 1964 half dollar quarter nickel and penny
I have a 1964 D that is off struck right to left and I believe also double struck.with all the border on the right and little to none on the right it is a circulated coin.
I have a 1964 5 cents
I am a coin collector been collection coins for a long time now. I am into errors and varties I love to roll hunt I have picked out uncirlation conis for a long time and I mean Old coins that have some how dodge being passed back and forth. I had a roll of nickel last night and I pulled a 1964 d possible RPM my lens I had is broken at the moment but this coin is one of the hardest hit coin to make the letter and number to just hurt your eyes. And the shine or frost look when you put it under a light it will hurt your eyes. Now I hate to say that it is not a full step it is only showing 3 steps but I have never seen one so Sharp in detail and I been doing this for years and I have plenty of nice condition coins. This coin looks something like a proof I have found some crazy things roll hunting it will probably grade at a 66 or maybe higher like I said I never seen one with the letter and number so detailed it is crazy. If any body is curious about this coin plus I just got a handful of mecury dimes that are in MS condition hit me up.
Hi, i have a 1964 with no mint mark it. All writing us very visible, you can still see face and hair details. Can you help me get the value?
Bonjour , j’ai une piece de five cent 1964
I’ve got one in good condition
Hi, I have a good 1964 cents
I have a 1964 nickel and i dont see a mint mark. But it is in very good condition you can see all the hair and lip designs. Im new at this so i would to get o5 graded and certified. I also have a 1952 and 1953 nickel. I would love to hear some expert advice on these coins. If interested please email me. Thank you for your time in this matter.
I have a 1964 circulation nickel that has no mint mark on it and other flaws in it asking for the highest bidder can take it checked value and was told that it was worth 15,000 dollars so I am asking for the best offer will take it from me .text me at 719-960-9909 only serious bidders please cause I am not playing games with anyone .willing to ship it for free but I need to be paid for first in full .thank u Karen Hoadley no phone calls just text me please.
I have five of 1964 nickels in good condition with three D and two no mint mark for sale.
I have 28 U.S coins consist of: Half dollar J.F. Kenedy 1969 total 2 coins.Quarter Washington 1965, 1966 and 1974 total3 coins.Dime Rosevelt 1965, 1967, 1967,1968 total
4 coins .Nickel 1964 five coins, 1946 1 coin ,1970 two coins ,1963 1 coin,1962 1 coin total ten coins.Penny Lincoln 1972,1972,1976 D,1968,1978D,1969D,1970,1958D,1965 total 9 coins.All of them are for salles pls.contact my email Tnank you.
I have a 1964 Jefferson nickel with a very unique error. There is a number 25 stamped under the E Pluribus Unum. In trying to find more info on it. Please let me know.
I have a 1964 Jefferson nickel with a very unique error. There is a number 25 stamped under the E Pluribus Unum. I’m trying to find more info on it. Please let me know.
I have a 1964 D Jefferson Nickel full step double struck with the letter C missing on word cents also the E on Five is 3/4 missing. The research I have done does not show any other nickel like this. My question is. How rare is this nickel with these errors?
I have two 1992 close AM pennies. One without a mint mark and the other with D mark. I would like to see what they are worth.
I have a quarter a nickel and a dime from 1964. Extremely great condition. Email me at angela.hale38@att.net
I have coins that when I check value they are usually expensive but later upon viewing more the prices drop considerably. I have:
1964D nickel
1983D dime
Quarters: 2022D (3)
2015D Louisana
2017D quarter(Frederick Douglass)
2021D quarter (Delaware crossing)
1977 plain
1979D quarter
2003D quarter (Arkansas)
Nickels:
2005D buffalo
2005D Lewis & Clark(2)
Jefferson 1988P
1976D nickel Jefferson
If they have value contact me, I collected 65 yrs ago, just restarted, but am no fool. Thanks may 9, 2022
I have a 1964 I have had for approx. 40 years. I bought it as a proof for my collection at the time. Recently I had a person more knowledgeable than myself tell me it has 5 unbroken steps and there are 4 steps from multiple strokes in the date that
Are very visible. Very valuable?
I have a Philadelphia mint Jefferson Nickel unc 1964. Part of a set including the JFK Half Dollar, 1964.
I have a 1964 nickel I bought as a proof about 40 years ago. It has full steps and also triple date. All I find for reference all have errors on reverse not the obverse. Anyone know of another I can compare to?