While most nickels are only worth their face value of 5 cents, a 1964 nickel could be worth much more, especially if it is in good condition. So, which ones are worth investing in? Let's find out!
The U.S. nickel coin is one of the least valuable coins because it is worth 5 cents in the current market. It is nearly impossible to buy anything with nickel coins because of inflation.
However, you can’t rule out the nickel coin as valueless because rare nickel coins can fetch more than their 5 cents value in the coin collection market. A rare 1964 nickel can be worth more than you think. You can read this comprehensive guide for the 1964 nickel value.
The Estimated Value of the 1964 Nickel
The value of the 1964 Jefferson nickel depends on the condition and rarity of the coin.
- Circulated 1964 nickel – In circulation fetches low prices, and the market value of the nickel is mostly the same as its face value of 5 cents in the coin collection market.
- Uncirculated 1964 nickel – The market value of 1964 Jefferson nickel not in circulation is $0.5-$4 for the MS 60-63 coin, $200-$1000 for the MS 64-65 coin, and $9000 or above for the MS 66 or higher coin variations.
- Proof 1964 nickel – The market value for a proof 1964 Jefferson nickel is $5-$7 for the MS 60-63 coin, $400-$1000 for the MS 64-65 coin, and above $10000 for the MS 66 or higher coin variations.
So if you have a 1964 nickel lying around, take a closer look at it and see if it's worth more than you thought. You might want to consider taking it to a coin dealer or appraiser to get a professional opinion on its value. Who knows, you could be sitting on a small treasure!
Market Value of the 1964 Nickel Coin Variations
You can find two general variations of the 1965 Jefferson nickel coin. The 1964 nickel variation includes the Philadelphia and Denver Mint coins.
Philadelphia 1964 nickel coins don't feature any mint marks, whereas the Denver mint coins feature a D mint mark on the reverse right side next to the Monticello image. The value of 1964 Philadelphia and Denver coin variations are similar, but their market values vary depending on the coin's condition and rarity.
The cost of a 5FS or 6FS 1964 no mint nickel can range from $20 to $15,000, and a 1964 D MS 66+ nickel was sold for $19,800 in 2022.
5FS or 6FS: meaning 5 or all 6 of the steps are discernible.
Which 1964 Nickel Coin Variations are more valuable?
The most valuable 1965 Jefferson nickel variations are the proof or uncirculated coin variations. Proof/uncirculated 1964 nickel variations fetch more in the coin collection market because of their mint condition.
Jefferson nickel coins with an MS 64-65 or MS 66 or above quality are usually more valuable than other 1964 coins. The Jefferson with an FS and SMS nickel value also attracts high prices, with SMS nickel coins fetching the highest value of up to $32,900.
A Brief Chronicle about the 1964 Nickel
It is essential to know that the 1964 nickel is also known as the 1964 Jefferson nickel or the 1964 liberty nickel in the coin collection market because you can expect to see the names used interchangeably.
The chronological journey for the 1964 Jefferson nickel began in 1938 when Felix Schlag designed the first coin commemorating president Thomas Jefferson by adding the portrait of Jefferson to the obverse of the coin. Felix Oscar Schlag won $ 1000 as the prize for the winning Jefferson nickel design, and his initials (FS) began featuring in coins minted in 1966.
The creation of the 1964 Jefferson nickel coincided with the demand for coin tokens to insert in snack machines, slot machines, and coin-fed musical instruments. However, the civil war created a coin shortage, causing people to withhold coins from circulation.
Mints seized stamping marks on coins and increased coin production post the civil war to discourage coin hoarding. `Close to 3 billion Jefferson nickels were minted to date, and that is why the value of the nickel remains low.
Notable Characteristics of the 1964 Nickel
The body composition of the 1964 Jefferson nickel has a metal composition of approximately 75% copper and 25% nickel. The body of the 1964 nickel weighs 5 grams and measures 21.21mm (0.835”) in diameter and 1.95mm (0.077”) in thickness.
The Jefferson nickel features a plain/smooth brim without any reading engravings. The 1964 nickel also features an obverse and reverse like other coins in the market.
Obverse/Heads of the Nickel Coin
The obverse of the 1964 Jefferson nickel features the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third president and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America.
The image of Thomas Jefferson by Felix Oscar Schlag faces left, and it drew inspiration from the bust sculpture of Thomas Jefferson by sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The frontal side of Thomas Jefferson features the words In God We Trust, whereas the back features LIBERTY 1964.
Reverse/Tail of the nickel Coin
The reverse side of the 1964 Jefferson nickel features the portrait of his residence, the Monticello, in Charlottesville, Virginia. The image of Jefferson's residence features a frontal view of the house with the word MONTICELLO at the bottom.
The reverse of the 1964 nickel features the words FIVE CENTS below MONTICELLO, denoting the coin’s denomination. The top collar of the 1964 nickel features the words E PLURIBUS UNUM, whereas the bottom collar features the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Are there 1964 Nickel Error Coins?
Yes, there are 1964 nickel error coins with sought-after error coins fetching higher prices in the coin collection market. Some 1964 nickel errors incline the Broadstruck with Obverse Brockage Error, Struck on a 1c Planchet Error, Improperly Annealed Error, Broad struck with Obverse Brockage Indent Error, 100% Struck Through Obverse Cloth Error, and Double Punched Mint Mark Error marks.
Where to Buy/Sell the 1964 Nickel Coin?
You can buy/sell 1964 nickel coins at coin shops or e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay. However, online platforms remain the most efficient way to find or sell the 1964 nickel coin.
Conclusion
You can seek the help of professional coin collectors at your local coin shop if you want an accurate valuation of the 1964 Jefferson nickel coin.
