1956 Jefferson Nickel

The 1956 Jefferson Nickel had a total mintage of over 35 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This is a relatively common coin in circulated grades and has an average-sized mintage compared to the other mintages within the series. This coin is also pretty accessible between Mint State 60 and 64. Once the 1956 Jefferson Nickel reaches MS65, and especially MS66 with the Full Step designation, it becomes much more difficult to locate. Only one example in MS67 has been located and it is nearly impossible to find some of these higher grades. 

 

History of the 1956 Jefferson Nickel

Cherrypicking is advised with the 1956 Jefferson Nickel to ensure you find your ideal coin. Higher Mint State grades of this coin can be hard to come by so careful searching is required. It is likely that strike quality wasn’t as great for some of these coins which is why they are more difficult to find in higher grades. Felix Schlag was the designer of the original Jefferson Nickel. The obverse features a left-facing Thomas Jefferson, and the reverse of the coin showcases his Monticello home. The Philadelphia minted Jefferson Nickels didn’t feature a mint mark except for the war nickels between 1942 and 1945. 

 

1956 Jefferson Nickel Value

The 1956 Jefferson Nickel value ranges from around $1,300 to $9,400 for the highest grades of the coin documented in Mint State and with the Full Step designation. Coins like these that have a poorer strike overall can be difficult to find in Full Step. The Full Step gets its designation when the steps leading up to the Monticello on the reverse are fully struck and detailed. The 1956 Jefferson Nickel, with careful searching, would make a beautiful addition to this series collection. 

 

Type of coin: Nickel

Year: 1956 Jefferson Nickel

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark: Philadelphia

Total mintage: 35,216,000

Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Face value: 5 Cents

Weight: 5.00 grams

Edge: Plain

Designer: Felix Schlag

Diameter: 21.20 millimeters