1964 5C Jefferson Nickel
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel is a widely collected coin, not because of intrinsic rarity, but due to its historical context and popularity among numismatists. This was the final year of the nickel with a predominant 75% copper and 25% nickel composition before the introduction of a temporary silver alloy for other denominations during the coin shortage of the 1960s.
Mint and Mintage:
Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark) - Mintage: 1,024,672,000
Denver Mint (D mint mark) - Mintage: 1,787,297,160 This gives the 1964 Jefferson Nickel a staggering total mintage of over 2.8 billion coins, making it one of the most produced nickels in American history.
PCGS Coin Facts: - PCGS #4062 for Philadelphia Mint - PCGS #4063 for Denver Mint
Rarity and Value:
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel is not particularly rare due to its high mintage numbers. However, collectors seek coins in high-quality conditions. Coins graded by PCGS as MS66 or higher can command significant premiums due to their relative scarcity. A 1964 Nickel in MS67 can range significantly in value, from $100 up to a high of several hundred dollars, depending on market conditions and collector interest.
Historical Context and Numismatist Interest:
The high mintage numbers during 1964 were partly due to nationwide coin shortages sparked by a rise in vending machine usage and silver coin hoarding. During this period, the U.S. Mint increased production to meet demand, resulting in large mintages throughout both the Philadelphia and Denver mints. Numismatists hold a particular interest in the 1964 Jefferson Nickel, not just for its mintage totals, but also as a window into a period where the U.S. Mint had to adapt to both technological and economic pressures. This nickel represents a pivotal shift in mid-20th-century coin production and design changes.
Exact Sales and Value Indications:
Though not cited here per your request, records from premium auction sites indicate that exceptional examples of the 1964 nickel, particularly those in MS67 with Full Steps (FS) designation indicating exceptional strike quality, have sold at impressive prices. They often fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on their condition and market demand during the auction period. Collectors often seek out this FS designation as it signifies a clear, well-struck Monticello building on the reverse with fully defined steps, which is notably rare given the hurried production pace during 1964. As a part of modern numismatic collections, the 1964 Jefferson Nickel offers insights into a pivotal time in U.S. Mint history, allowing collectors to appreciate both its abundance and specific valuable anomalies within its vast production.
