Well, in this article, we will talk about 15 of the most valuable 1964 nickel coins. Throughout the years, many 1964 nickel coins have been sold and their value has been determined either due to the issuing of special coins that were produced in that year or because of the mint from which they came.
Whether you are looking for a good deal or are an avid coin collector who is looking for a unique piece, you should read this article without further delay.
A 1964 nickel coin that’s been in the ground for nearly 50 years is now worth a small fortune. I bet you thought those old nickels are worthless and only good for throwing around or using them as washers for your nails. Well, you were partially wrong. As long as the coin is in pristine condition, collectors will pay a premium for it.
No |
Jefferson Nickel |
Grade |
Price Sold |
1 |
1964 5C SMS: Full Steps |
SP68 |
$32,900 |
2 |
1964 5C SMS: Full Steps |
SP67+ |
$22,800 |
3 |
1964-D/D: 5C Repunched Mintmark |
MS66 |
$19,800 |
4 |
1964 5C SMS: Full Steps |
MS68 |
$17,325 |
5 |
1964 5C: Full Steps |
MS67 |
$14,100 |
6 |
1964-D 5C: Full Steps |
MS66 |
$6,235 |
7 |
1964 5C Jefferson Nickel: Mated Pair Error Coin |
PR66 |
$6,000 |
8 |
1964 Jefferson Nickel Mated Error Pair |
PR66 |
$5,170 |
9 |
1964-D 5C: Full Steps Prooflike |
MS 66 |
$3,840 |
10 |
1964-D 5C: Five Full Steps |
MS 67 |
$2,760 |
11 |
1964 5C Full Steps |
MS66+ |
$2,585 |
12 |
1964 5C Jefferson Nickel – Multiple Strike Error |
MS 63 |
$1,495 |
13 |
1964 5C Jefferson Nickel – Four Strike Error |
MS 64 |
$1,200 |
14 |
1964-D 5C: Five Full Steps |
MS 65 |
$1,175 |
15 |
1964-D 5C – Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet |
MS 63 |
$997.50 |
Table of Contents
1. 1964 5C SMS: Full Steps
Price Sold: $32,900
Grade: SP68
This 1964 Special Mint Set coinage is a lovely example of the elusive 1964 Special Mint Set coinage that was apparently produced to test the finishes of the 1965-1967 SMS sets.
This piece shows a striking, sculptural depth of detail that is absent on business strikes, but fully equal to the strike on a proof coin. The finish, however, is nonreflective, with heavy die polishing lines that are common on 1964 SMS coins. On the reverse side, not only are the five central steps complete but also most of the small steps on the porticos on each side are sharp as well.
The number of sets produced is uncertain, but the estimate ranges from 20 to 50, with some sets perhaps having been lost over time. However, other sets may still be out there—a recent PCGS online article by Jaime Hernandez notes that many high-quality coins have been saved.
2. 1964 5C SMS: Full Steps
Price Sold: $22,800
Grade: SP67+
Yet another Jefferson nickel was sold for an insanely high amount and yes, it bore the 1964 date on the obverse. The coin was graded SP67+ and was sold on Heritage Auction on the 25th of April, 2019 for $22,800.
The satin finish on this high-end Superb Gem complements the delicate light champagne toning of the sharp devices and flawless fields. PCGS has designated this a Special Mint Set coin. Although the five-coin sets of 1964 satin finish coins that surfaced in the early 1990s were not known to have ever been packaged by the Mint in any special way, Special Mint Sets did not begin until 1965.
The 1964 Jefferson nickel is rare. The Professional Coin Grading Service has only 19 coins in all grades combined, including likely duplications. This coin is the only Plus-designated Full Steps coin at PCGS.
3. 1964-D/D: 5C Repunched Mintmark
Price Sold: $19,800
Grade: MS 66
Only eight examples of this Cherrypickers’ variety have been attributed by PCGS, all of which show the mintmark repunched to the south. In most cases, the repunching is invisible to the naked eye, but with a magnifying glass, it is quite apparent. This coin is tied with one other as the finest certified by PCGS (6/22).
The obverse and reverse are mirrorlike with a slight amount of reflectivity visible in the fields. There are a few minor marks, but no distracting abrasions or scratches. Although the steps on Monticello are usually soft, this coin is otherwise well-struck and pleasing to the eye.
The coin was sold on the 14th of July, 2022 for $19,800.
4. 1964 5C SMS: Full Steps
Price Sold: $17,625
Grade: MS68
The 1964 SMS nickel is one of the rarest of all Jeffersons, and it was unknown to coin collectors for almost 30 years after being struck. The first auction appearance of an example was in Stack’s Public Auction Sale (1/1993), lot 693, which included a set of SMS 1964 quarter-dollars.
Lester Merkin, who is presumed to have acquired the pieces directly from Eva Adams (the Mint Director from 1961-1969), consigned the set. Today, fewer than two dozen 1964 SMS nickels are believed known, with a PCGS-certified population of just 18 coins.
None are listed at NGC. This coin is razor-sharp and has faint die striations on the fields. Each side displays a light golden hue, and the coin’s preservation is exceptional.
5. 1964 5C: Full Steps
Price Sold: $14,100
Grade: MS 67
For the Registry Set specialist, this Gem Jefferson is quite literally the ultimate 1964 example; it is the single finest Full Steps specimen certified, and even in the next-highest grade of Mint State 66 (MS66) it would be hard to find a finer one. It is trailing only five other coins on the PCGS.
This coin is not only finer than the highest-rated coin in a registry set, but it’s also two full-grade points finer. The strike is excellent, and swirling champagne and ice-blue hues further heighten the appeal.
6. 1964-D 5C: Full Steps
Price Sold: $6,235
Grade: MS 66
With pale blue and peach shadings embracing each side of this lively coin, the strike is uncommonly crisp, particularly on the steps of Monticello. As one of only two MS66 Full Steps pieces graded by PCGS with none finer.
A highly sought-after coin for collectors of the Registry set. The coin was sold on the 10th of September, 2009 for $6,325. Today, the value would be much more than it was in the year 2009.
7. 1964 5C Jefferson Nickel: Mated Pair Error Coin
Price Sold: $6,000
Grade: PR 66
Every coin collector knows that error coins can most times be worth a fortune. This error Jefferson Nickel from 1964 was sold for $6000.
The two planchets were struck together between two dies, a mirrored die cap with proof-like surfaces from both dies. The edge of the coin is curled with several “spikes” as if partially squeezed into the cracks of a segmented collar. Delicate champagne and light blue toning grace each side, adding to the coin’s eye appeal.
8. 1964 Jefferson Nickel Mated Error Pair
Price Sold: $5,170
Grade: PR66
These are two coins!
The obverse planchet was fed first into the press. Its first strike was normal, but then it got stuck to the obverse die and served as a surrogate die for a series of newly fed planchets. The force of the strikes, combined with two coins within the die chamber, forced the rim to rise and wrap around the top of the obverse die.
The reverse of Coin #1 was struck against one or more planchets, producing a distorted image of Monticello on the coin’s surface. Finally, the planchet for Coin #2 was fed into the coining press, and it was struck between the reverse die and the reverse of Coin #1. Coin #1 has an even rim with three splits. Coin #2 has raised rims on both sides, each with five cracks.
9. 1964-D 5C: Full Steps Prooflike
Price Sold: $3,840
Grade: MS66
The 1964-D Jefferson nickel in MS66 Full Steps is rare, but this coin’s Prooflike designation makes it stand out even from its few peers. This coin is the only Prooflike example of the date certified by PCGS with the additional Full Steps designation, making it arguably the finest available example of this little-heralded Denver issue.
Both sides are brilliant and attractive, with a grayish-nickel luster and reflective fields. The mint mark is of course sharp.
10. 1964-D 5C: Five Full Steps
Price Sold: $2,760
Grade: MS 67
This Superb Gem has lustrous surfaces that are essentially untoned on the obverse, with a hint of olive green on the reverse. The design elements are well-struck throughout, culminating in five full steps on Monticello. A couple of light reverse ticks do not distract.
This rare coin was sold on September 27, 2007, for $2,760. This was a long time ago, but the value has increased over time and would be worth much more.
11. 1964 5C Full Steps
Price Sold: $2,585
Grade: MS66+
Despite a high mintage of more than 1 billion coins, 1964 nickel Registry Set collectors found the coin incredibly difficult to locate in high grade with Full Steps definition.
This coin is one of only two Full Steps pieces to be awarded a Plus designation by Professional Coin Grading Service, while that service lists just one other Full Steps coin as being more highly graded than MS67. This strike is well-executed, and the surfaces exhibit pale golden toning overall.
12. 1964 5C Jefferson Nickel – Multiple Strike Error
Price Sold: $1,495
Grade: MS 63
The die cap is too deep to fit within a PCGS holder, but a PCGS insert is included with the lot. The initial strike adhered the nickel to the obverse die. Subsequent strikes from the collar caused the coin’s design to become thinner, and it partly wrapped around the die. The reverse is featureless, as it was struck against a series of newly struck blanks that blocked the reverse die.
This error coin was sold on the 17th of April, 2008 for $1,495. The value of this error coin today would be higher than it was sold for in 2008.
13. 1964 5C Jefferson Nickel – Four Strike Error
Price Sold: $1,200
Grade: MS64
A remarkable quadruple strike! The coin rotated between the strikes. The last three strikes were uniface obverse because planchets were fed between the reverse and reverse dies. Error Jefferson Nickels have been known to sell quite high in the coin market, sometimes regardless of the year.
This 1964 5C error Jefferson Nickel was graded MS64 by PCGS and was sold on Heritage Auctions on the 9th of May, 2018 for $1,200.
14. 1964-D 5C: Five Full Steps
Price Sold: $1,175
Grade: MS65
The massive mintage of 1964-dated nickels from the Denver Mint was the result of a date freeze imposed by Congress. In fact, more than two-thirds of 1964-D nickels were coined during 1965.
The 1964-D Jefferson nickel is worth $0.28 to $5.70 or more in uncirculated mint condition. However, a 1964-D Jefferson nickel in MS+ condition would fetch more money than ones in lower grades.
15. 1964-D 5C – Struck on a Silver Dime Planchet
Price Sold: $997.50
Grade: MS 63
This 1964 nickel was struck on a silver dime planchet and graded MS63 by PCGS. The dime planchet is struck by the nickel dies, which means that there is a loss of definition. Despite some of the date and mintmark being off the planchet, we can still get enough to identify the date and mint. The silver surfaces have peach and olive toning on soft gray surfaces.
The History Of 1964 Jefferson Nickel
The Jefferson nickel has been the five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint since 1938. It replaced the Buffalo nickel, and from 1938 until 2004 its obverse featured a profile depiction of founding father and third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson by artist Felix Schlag.
A competition was held to pick a design for the new coin. The president’s house, Monticello, should appear on the reverse, and Jefferson’s profile should be on the obverse. Felix Schlag, an engraver and sculptor, won the competition to design America’s first commemorative coin but was required to make adjustments before the nickels went into production in October 1938.
On October 3, 1938, the first Jefferson nickels were produced at all three mints (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco). By mid-November 12 million had been coined and they were released into circulation on November 15.
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel was among the coins that were not minted in the San Francisco mint. Only the Philadelphia and Denver mint struck Jefferson Nickels bearing the 1964 date. The Denver mint struck the highest with 1,787,297,160 coins struck, followed by the Philadelphia mint that struck 1,028,622,762 coins.
Coins struck in the Denver mint would have a mint mark “D” at the reverse of the coin just beside the Monticello building. Philadelphia mint struck coins do not have a mint mark on the reverse.
How Much Is A 1964 Nickel Worth
On average, the 1964-D Jefferson Nickel is worth between $0.28 and $5.70 in uncirculated (MS+) condition. A 1964 Jefferson nickel in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition is worth $0.28 to $9.13 or more. Proof coins can be worth $3.30 or more.
The Jefferson Nickel has been an important piece of U.S. coinage since its introduction in 1938. The coin came into existence to replace the Buffalo Nickel, and it still stands as one of America’s most popular coins today. Contrary to popular belief, Jefferson nickels can have value to coin collectors.
| Year | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | AU 50 | MS 60 |
| 1964 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.15 |
| 1964 D | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.15 |
For someone who is a coin collector, it is likely that they will want to acquire a Jefferson Nickel only if it is in pristine condition and free from any damage or wear. Coins in pristine condition are not only the most valuable, but they are also the most visually stunning.
A couple of things to keep in mind when trying to gauge a coin’s value are mint year and type. In 1964, three different types of the Jefferson nickel were produced. This means the coin-type can determine its value.
1964 Full Steps Jefferson Nickel
“Full Steps” is a designation used for circulation strike Jefferson Nickels with five, sometimes six steps visible at the base of Monticello on the reverse. To earn the Full Steps designation, a coin must have no disturbance or disturbance due to strike weakness, contact marks, or planchet problems.
Full Steps Jefferson Nickels are valued at a premium compared to similar coins without the designation. For certain Jefferson nickels, full steps can make a coin extremely rare and valuable.
| 1964 Jefferson Nickel Full-Steps Value Chart By PCGS | |
| MS 64 | $40 |
| MS 65 | $132 |
| MS 66 | $900 |
| MS 67 | $5,040 |
The top two coin grading services, the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), both use the abbreviation “FS” to designate Full Steps. Only regular strike coins graded MS60 or higher may receive this designation.
PCGS awards “FS” for coins displaying either 5 or 6 steps. NGC initially awarded “FS” only to coins displaying 6 steps.
| 1964 D Jefferson Nickel Full-Steps Value Chart By PCGS | |
| MS 64 | $38 |
| MS 65 | $504 |
| MS 66 | $1,020 |
| MS 67 | $1,320 |
1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel
Mint set coins are special coins issued by the U.S. Mint from 1965 to 1967. Mint sets are characterized by a better than average strike, since they were struck on higher-tonnage coin presses than circulation strike coins, but they were not struck as Proofs.
There are somewhere between 1 and 24 1964 Special Strike Jefferson Nickels known to exist. To this day, it is still unknown why Special Strike Jefferson Nickels and other denominations dated 1964 were struck. The 1964 Special Strike Jefferson Nickels have sharp and square edge rims, as well as being struck with an extremely sharp strike.
| 1964 Jefferson Nickel Full-Steps Value Chart By PCGS | |
| MS 64 | $1,850 |
| MS 65 | $2,300 |
| MS 66 | $3,150 |
| MS 67 | $4,140 |
The surfaces of these coins feature a Satin-like appearance, which is similar to the finish of proof coins. However, these coins are not circulation strikes nor are they proofs, so they are categorized as Special Strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1964 silver nickel worth?
On average, the 1964-D Jefferson Nickel is worth between $0.28 and $5.70 in uncirculated (MS+) condition. A 1964 Jefferson nickel in uncirculated (MS+) mint condition is worth $0.28 to $9.13 or more. Proof coins can be worth $3.30 or more. You won’t get much value off a 1964 Nickel in poor condition. Collectors are only willing to pay top dollar for coins that are in pristine condition with no scratches or blemish.
How can you tell if a 1964 Jefferson nickel is SMS?
The 1964 Special Strike Jefferson Nickels can have a sharp strike, as well as square and sharp edge rims. The surfaces are Satin-like. Special Mint Sets contain one coin each of the circulating types issued for that year. They do not bear mint marks.
Is there a mint mark on a 1964 nickel?
The mint mark on a 1964 nickel is located at the reverse of the coin just beside the monticello building. The “D” mint mark is the only mint mark on a 1964 Nickel. The “D” symbol was used for all nickels minted at the Denver mint regardless of the year.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are some very interesting figures that can come out of collecting a certain coin. Don’t just collect them, or stack them up in jars. Try to piece together the big picture of what makes a collectible valuable, and then maybe you’ll have something that could sell for a premium. Thanks for stopping by, if you enjoyed this read, kindly share it with your friends or family who are interested in coins.
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