1964 Jefferson Nickel Value: Rare Nickels Worth Money

Not all treasure glitters. Some of it jingles quietly in your pocket.

In the world of coin collecting, the 1964 Jefferson nickel is an enigma. Minted in the tens of millions—over 2.8 billion pieces between the Philadelphia and Denver mints—it’s often dismissed as common. But look closer, and you’ll find that some 1964 nickels carry surprising value, not just in their rarity, but in the stories they tell about U.S. minting history, coin economics, and collector behavior. Continue reading to learn more about 1964 Jefferson nickel value.

Why 1964 Wasn’t Just Another Year for Nickels

The 1964 nickel represents a tipping point in U.S. coinage. Amid a national coin shortage, the U.S. Mint halted the production of silver dimes and quarters after this year, leading to the discontinuation of mint marks from 1965–1967. However, Jefferson nickels continued in their traditional form—nickel-clad with a portrait of Thomas Jefferson—yet the huge mintage meant many passed unnoticed.

What makes some of them valuable today? It’s not just the condition—it’s the context.

Overlooked Factors That Add Value

1. Full Steps Designation

The Full Steps (FS) designation is one of a few things that provide value to a circulation strike Jefferson nickel. To qualify, a coin must show at least five distinct steps with no breaks at the base of Monticello, the primary residence of Thomas Jefferson. The level of visibility of the steps is indicative of the strength of the strike, with the more visible the steps the stronger the strike. 

These coins are often worth hundreds to thousands of dollars at high grades. For example,

• a 1964-D FS nickel graded MS66 by PCGS was sold for $6,000 in 2021
• a 1964 FS nichek graded MS67 was sold for $14,100 in 2014

Proof Jefferson nickels are not eligible for the Full Steps designation because by their nature, proofs are expected to have such distinctions. Proof coins are struck multiple times to ensure a strong and clear image, meaning that all the steps of Monticello would be distinct and visible.

2. Die Deterioration and Strike Quality

A nation-wide coin shortage began in 1959, believed by many to have been caused by collectors and investors holding on to coins sent into circulation. By 1964, the shortage was still worsening, despite heavy production in 1963. As a result, 1964 nickels were rushed into circulation, leading to weak strikes and deteriorated dies. Sharp strike coins from this year are much scarcer than most collectors realize.

Look for:

• Strong rim details
• Clean separation of Monticello elements
• Minimal die fatigue or flow lines
  
  

High-quality strikes are valued not just for aesthetics—but for their rarity in this overproduced year.

3. Transitional and Off-Metal Errors

1964 Jefferson nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, but during the second World War the demand for nickel was so great that the composition of nickels was changed. From 1942-1945 nickels were minted from 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese, earning them the nickname “silver war nickels”. Although silver nickels officially ended in 1945, rumors and isolated claims persist about transitional errors—nickels struck on leftover silver planchets. While unconfirmed for 1964, any odd weight or tone could hint at an off-metal strike, making third-party authentication essential.

How Bullion Shark Helps Collectors Navigate the 1964 Nickel Market

Whether you're sitting on rolls of 1964 nickels or hunting for that elusive Full Steps beauty, Bullion Shark offers a trusted source for rare U.S. coins. We help both seasoned numismatists and newcomers identify undervalued opportunities, get coins authenticated, and build meaningful collections that grow in value over time.

Looking to acquire or sell a standout 1964 Jefferson nickel? Bullion Shark’s team combines modern pricing tools with decades of industry insight to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Value Is in the Details

The 1964 Jefferson nickel may not dazzle at first glance, but for collectors with a sharp eye and a deeper understanding of minting nuances, it offers exceptional value. From Full Steps rarities to overlooked strike anomalies, this humble five-cent piece tells a bigger story about mid-century American coinage.

So, next time you come across a 1964 nickel, don’t just toss it back—take a second look. Could it be a hidden gem in plain sight?

Bullion Shark Coin Dealer is the leading Rare Coin Dealer for certified and graded Rare Coins. Authorized Coin Dealer (US Mint, PCGS, CAC, NGC & more), Top Most Influential Company In Numismatics by CoinWorld. Bullion Sharks offers exclusive labels through NGC, PCGS, and CAC, including the Magnum Opus Masterpiece label, the Thomas J. Uram and T.D. Rogers signature series, and the Paul Nugget Founders Signature Series. All of our Rare Coins are guaranteed authentic and are certified graded by PCGS, NGC or CAC. We have a 14 day money back guarantee return policy and work hard to provide complete customer satisfaction in every transaction. Bullion Shark Coin Dealer specializes in Morgan Dollars, Classic Rare Coins, Silver Eagles, Gold Eagles, Ancient coins, Silver Certificates, $2 Bills, and more. Our inventory updates daily, check back and sign up for our newletter. We will do our best to help you find what you are looking for.

*This information is for educational purposes only. Bullion Shark is not responsible for any factual errors that may be contained in this post. This information is not intended for investment purposes. Please consult an investment advisor before investing.

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