Do you have this 5-cent coin somewhere in your pockets? It could be worth far more than its nominal value. The Jefferson nickel, particularly the ones which were minted in 1969 and issued in the San Francisco mint has drawn the interest of many numismatists and may sell for up to $3,000 at an auction. Now, let’s find out what exactly makes this coin so expensive, as well as how you can figure out if you happen to own one of those particularly pricey nickels.
What is the 1969 Jefferson Nickel?
The 1969 Jefferson nickel was produced at the San Francisco Mint to replace the Buffalo nickel. It is part of a series designed by Felix Schlag, a stylist for General Motors, with an image of Thomas Jefferson on the front (obverse) and Monticello (Jefferson’s home) on the back (reverse).
What makes the 1969-S Jefferson nickel special is its “S” mint mark, indicating that it was minted in San Francisco. This specific version has become one of the most sought-after by coin collectors due to its rarity and minting quality. If you have one of these in good condition, you might be sitting on a small fortune.
How much is the 1969 Jefferson Nickel worth?
While most of us think a nickel is worth 5 cents, certain Jefferson nickels, particularly those in excellent condition, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), the value of these coins is determined by their condition on the Mint State (MS) scale, which grades coins based on their appearance and preservation.
Here is a breakdown of the possible values based on their MS grade:
- MS-62: Up to $3
- MS-63: Up to $6
- MS-64: Up to $12
- MS-65: Up to $30
- MS-66: Up to $50
- MS-67: Up to $3,850
As you can see, if your coin is in excellent condition (MS-67), it could be worth as much as $3,850. Most everyday nickels would not reach this level of value, but even a slightly lower grade can still fetch a decent price above its face value.
How to identify the valuable 1969 Jefferson Nickel
To determine if you have one of these valuable 1969-S Jefferson nickels, you will want to check a few key details:
- Mint Mark: Look for the “S” mint mark on the reverse side of the coin. This indicates it was minted in San Francisco.
- Condition: The value of your coin depends heavily on its condition. The less wear and tear it shows, the more valuable it may be.
- Date: Ensure the date is 1969. Other years of the Jefferson nickel may also hold value, but the 1969 version is particularly sought after.
Why is the 1969-S Jefferson Nickel so valuable?
The 1969 – S Jefferson nickel’s worth increased thanks to its scarcity, significance, and quality of minting. Variation during production and errors in minting can also happen, which attracts more collectors to some particular version of the coin.
Besides, this particular coin has gone unnoticed by the masses, appealing to that subset of collectors who seek out hidden gems within the standard coinage. So, this is your cue if you have a 1969 nickel, especially one that bears the “S” mint mark, there is a possibility your coin could be worth a lot of money.
How to sell your 1969-S Jefferson Nickel
If you suspect your 1969-S Jefferson nickel is worth something, then it would be wise to have it graded by an expert. Coin grading companies like Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) can examine the coin and give an appropriate grade. After the coin is graded, you will be able to share it with the world on auction sites, or you may speak to a coin shop to find out its worth.
