1960 Jefferson Nickel

The 1960 Jefferson Nickel had a total mintage of over 55 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This is a relatively larger mintage which means there are plenty of coins to choose from in a variety of grades. The one exception to this coin is finding it with the Full Step designation. All of the 1960’s Jefferson Nickels lacked the Full Steps, which means the steps on the reverse of the coin leading up to Jefferson’s plantation home, the Monticello, weren’t clearly defined and struck. It is believed that less than two dozen 1960 Jefferson Nickels with the Full Step designation in any grade combined. The 1960 Jefferson Nickel has never been located in Mint State 67 or higher.

History of the 1960 Jefferson Nickel

The 1960 Jefferson Nickel is a worthwhile coin to cherrypick through to find a coin that is well-struck with great overall eye appeal. It’s difficult to locate this coin in the highest grades thanks to scratches and other signs of a weak strike. This coin was designed by Felix Schlag. The obverse of the coin features the head of Thomas Jefferson in profile. The reverse of coin showcases Jefferson’s Monticello plantation home. The Jefferson Nickel is still in production today, although the designs have changed over the years. The Full Step designations of this coin in the highest grades are popular and command a premium. They get the designation thanks to the fully struck and distinctive separateness of each of the steps leading up to the Monticello.