Could Your 1965 Nickel Be Worth $2,000 or More?
Before you spend your nickels, take a moment to check their year. A 1965 nickel might look like any other, but it could be worth thousands of dollars depending on its condition and rarity. Here’s everything you need to know to identify these valuable coins.
The history of Jefferson Nickels
Jefferson nickels, introduced in 1938, have a rich historical background. Below are a few noteworthy factors:
- Origins and Composition: Although early five-cent coins were minted in silver, the “nickel” as it is known today, was first introduced in 1866. It was mainly made of copper and nickel.
- Design Changes: In 1938, the obverse of the nickel featured Thomas Jefferson with his home Monticello on the reverse side of the coin. The design faced a major overhaul in 2005, and in 2006 not only the design, but the portrait of Jefferson was changed to a front view from a profile view.
- Later Varieties: During World War II, a few nickels (1942-1945) were minted with a portion of silver and were marked with a mint mark above Monticello.
- Full Steps Designation; The term “Full Steps” refers to the Monticello design of the coin with four or more steps at the bottom of the design, which is usually very famous among collectors.
What makes a 1965 Nickel valuable?
The front side of the Five-Cent coin issued in the year of 1965 depicts the face of President Thomas Jefferson, with the words LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST written on it. The back of the coin shows Monticello from the front view and contains the inscriptions FIVE CENTS, MONTICELLO, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
If you are trying to evaluate the worth of your 1965 nickel, observe whether the following features are present.
1. Mint Mark: Look for the presence or absence of “S” or “D” mint mark. Nickels without a mint mark were minted in Philadelphia. That year the production of such nickels reached the number of 136,131,380 pieces.
2. Condition: Coins graded as “Full Steps” meaning Monticello’s steps detail is complete and clear are quite few, and so they attract much more dollars.
How much would a 1965 Nickel be worth?
The worth of a nickel issued in 1965 varies with its state. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) Grades such coins in the following manner:
- MS-61: Up to $2
- MS-62: Up to $3
- MS-63: Up to $5
- MS-64: Up to $7
- MS-65: Up to $15
- MS-66: Up to $30
- MS-67: Up to $2,000
For example, A 1965 nickel MS-67 was auctioned in the year 2007 for $6,325. The worth of the coin is determined by its condition and market demand.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I tell if my 1965 nickel is valuable?
Look for the “Full Steps” designation and ensure there’s no mint mark. If the steps are clear and intact, your coin might be worth significantly more.
- Where can I get my nickel appraised?
You can consult a professional coin dealer or collector. Avoid spending on grading services unless you’re confident in the coin’s value.
- What affects a coin’s value?
Factors include condition, rarity, and current demand in the coin market.
Keep an eye out—you might just have a hidden treasure in your pocket!
