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1961 Nickel Value

1961 Jefferson Nickel

The 1961 Nickel, also known as the Jefferson Nickel, features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Monticello home on the reverse. Made from a copper-nickel alloy, it does not contain silver. The 1961 Nickel is relatively common and is typically valued at face value in circulated condition. In uncirculated condition, it can be worth $1 to $3, depending on its quality. Coins with rare mint errors may command higher prices.

The 1961 Jefferson Nickel had a total mintage of over 73 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This was a jump from the mintage here the previous year. This is a relatively common coin in circulated grades up to about Mint State 66 or higher. It’s possible to find this coin in Mint State 67, but it is very scarce and difficult to locate with less than a handful known to exist. This coin is also scarce in any grade if the collector is seeking out a Full Step designation, which means the steps leading up to the Monticello plantation house on the reverse are distinctive steps with great detailing. It is believed that the highest grade known in Full Step is MS65. 

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AUCTION RECORD: $6,325 • MS67

Image source: PCGS

History of the 1961 Thomas Jefferson Nickel

The 1961 Jefferson Nickel is an attractive coin that is worth the effort to find well-struck with attractive surfaces. Cherrypicking is advised, especially on coins that have striking issues and have a large mintage to choose from. Felix Schlag was the designer of the original images found on the Jefferson Nickel. The coin is still in production today, but the images have changed over the years. This coin features Schlag’s original designs with the obverse featuring a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson’s head, and the reverse of the coin showcasing his Monticello home. There is no mint mark on these Philadelphia minted coins. The only coins within the series to have the P mint mark are the war nickels between 1942 and 1945. 

 

1961 Nickel Value

As of 2024, the value of a 1961 Nickel, which is made from a copper-nickel alloy, generally ranges from $0.05 (face value) in circulated condition to $1 to $3 in uncirculated condition. The value can increase for coins with higher grades or rare mint errors. While the 1961 Nickel does not contain silver, collectors may pay a premium for well-preserved examples.

The 1961 Jefferson Nickel value ranges from around $5,000 to $6,000 for the highest Mint State and Full Step grades. This is quite a premium since the Mint State coins are typically less than $1,000 for some of the previous years of equal mintage. This high value means that there is demand for the scarcer uncirculated grades and it is worth the effort to locate 1961 Jefferson Nickel coins that are a good value in these higher grades. 

 

Type of coin: Nickel

Year: 1961 Jefferson Nickel

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark: Philadelphia

Total mintage: 73,640,100

Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Face value: 5 Cents

Weight: 5.00 grams

Edge: Plain

Designer: Felix Schlag

Diameter: 21.20 millimeters

 

FAQ

1. How much is a 1961 Nickel worth?

A 1961 Nickel typically has a value of $0.05 in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples may be worth $1 to $3 or more, depending on their condition and rarity.

2. What is the value of a 1961 P Nickel?

A 1961 P Nickel, minted in Philadelphia, generally has a value of $0.05 in circulated condition. Uncirculated coins can range from $1 to $3 or higher, depending on their quality.

3. What factors affect the value of a 1961 Nickel?

The value of a 1961 Nickel is primarily affected by its condition (circulated vs. uncirculated), with higher values for coins in mint state. Rare mint errors or exceptional preservation can also increase the coin’s value.

4. How do I determine the value of my 1961 Nickel?

To determine the value of your 1961 Nickel, assess its condition and look for any mint errors. Coins in higher grades or with unique features are typically more valuable.

5. Where is the mintmark on a 1961 Nickel?

The mintmark on a 1961 Nickel is located to the right of Monticello on the reverse side. It will be a "P" (Philadelphia), "D" (Denver), or "S" (San Francisco). Philadelphia Mint coins typically do not have a mintmark.

6. Are 1961 Nickels rare?

The 1961 Nickel is not considered rare as it was produced in large quantities. However, coins in uncirculated condition or those with rare mint errors can be more valuable to collectors.

7. How much is a 1961 D Nickel worth?

A 1961 D Nickel, minted in Denver, generally has a value of $0.05 in circulated condition. In uncirculated condition, it can be worth $1 to $3 or more, depending on its quality.

8. How much is a 1961 S Nickel worth?

A 1961 S Nickel, minted in San Francisco, typically has a value of $0.05 in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples may range from $1 to $3 or higher, depending on their condition and rarity.

 

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