In US mint history the Jefferson nickel is an important coin. This coin comes with a photo of Jefferson as president on the front side and in circulation for over 80 years. The 1979 nickle comes with two types of proof nickel with more than 50 times face value. Its strike coins are of high value in mint state.
Here we will the 1979 nickel value, features, and another factor for finding value. Let’s get started with the 1979 Nickel Coin Value
What Is A 1979 Jefferson Nickel Made Of?
The composition of 1979 Jefferson nickel is with the use of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. Its weight is five grams and its diameter is 21.21mm with 1.95 thickness.
1979 Nickel Details
- Type: Jefferson nickel
- Edge: Smooth
- Mint: P, S D
- Composition: 75% copper and 25% nickel
- Mass: 5 grams
- Diameter: 21.21 m
- Year of minting: 1979
- Face Value: $0.05 (fifty cents)
- Designer: Felix Schlag
- Thickness: 1.95 mm
1979 Nickel Value Charts
| Condition | 1979 No Mint mark nickel | 1979 D nickel | 1979 S nickel Type 1 | 1979 S nickel Type 2 |
1979 No Mint Mark Nickel (Full Steps)
|
| MS 60 | $0.28 | $0.28 | / | / | $5 |
| MS 62 | $3.00 | $10 | |||
| MS 64 | $10 | $20 | |||
| MS 65 | $3.30 | $4.52 | / | / | |
| PR 65 | / | / | $3.30 | $4.52 | |
| MS 66 | $85 | $950 | |||
| MS 67 |
8250 Full Step
|
History of the 1979 Jefferson Nickel
After 25 years of the creation of Buffalo nickels, these coins were changed to Jefferson nickels in 1938 replacing with a photo of Jefferson and it this design was suggested by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. At the start of that year, the US Mint arranged a competition for making new designs of nickels.
In this competition, a 1000-dollar prize was given to the winner and there were about 40 designs presented and completion was won by Flex Schlag. The front side of the coin design was accepted and had a photo of Jefferson and the reverse design was asked to be changed.
So design of Monticello’s mansion changed according to instructions first change comes with Monticello from the side view and the judges asking on the front. In design, Schlag does not add his initial but mint was added after 1966. So FS can be seen below the photo of Jefferson
At time of WWII the increases in nickel prices US mint used replacement of these coins
| Mint | Mint mark | quantity |
| Philadelphia | 1979 No Mint mark nickel | 463,188,000 |
| Denver | 1979 D nickel | 325,867,672 |
| San Francisco | 1979 S proof nickel | 3,677,175 |
| Total | / | 792,732,847 |
1979 No Mint Mark Nickel Value
463,188,000 coins were made by P mint in 1979 which is the largest number of coins made by any mint. These coins not have a mint mark. These circulated coins now are about their face value.
In extremely fine conditions these coins are about 0.28 dollars and in uncirculated conditions, coins are about $4.52.
In action 2016 1979 no mint mark MS66 FS grade sold for 2115 dollars. MS63 grade with full step sold in 2003 for 1898 dollars.
MS65 FS nickle there are about 40 coins that exist according to PCGS that are about 275 dollars per coin.
1979 D nickel Value
The Denver mnt made about 325,867,672 coins in 1979. That is 2nd to P mint. The coins in well-preserved conditions can sell for five dollars which is face value. The value of uncirculated coins is four to five dollars.
The 1979 D MS 67 nickel (FS) sold for 4500 dollars in 2022. These coins without full step sold for 345 dollars in 2008
In 2023 MS 67 FS sold for $8,750. MS66 FS grade is about 135 dollars
1979-S Proof Nickel Value
The S mint made 3,677,175 nickels, in 1979 and they are proof coins that look like mirrors and have reflectively field and frosted.
Another category is reverse-proof coins and matte proofs. that comes with a sandblasted design.
The first type coin are filled S proof. Their mint mark is partially filled. These coins have a value of 2.33 or higher and sold in action for $1,763.
The 2nd type of coins are rare and have a clear S mark. They have a value range of 5.84 dollars. In action Type 2 S Proof 1979 nickel is a PR-70 sold in 2008. for $2,530
1979 Nickel Errors
1979 Off-Center Nickel
The off-center 1979 nickel error comes when the die strike planchet is not accurately configured. In this result some parts of the design missing and off-center by 3 to 10 percent. For less Off-center percentage is low-value coins and 50 percent is off-center with clear details of high value. It can sell for 100 dollars or higher.
1979 Broadstrike Nickel
This error occurs when a circle shape dies having coins break design helps coins to spread and distort when strcuk.
These coins bear all their details, but they appear wider than normal and lack the definition you expect around the rim of a 1979 nickel.
Nickel Struck on a Penny Planchet
Each coin comes with a certain diameter and weight. When coins are struck on coins used for different coins affect mass. It can also come with the wrong colors. Nickel struck with IC blanks that make the red color, weight is about 3 grams. Coins with this error are of $158 to $424.
Brokerage Error
This error resulted when the coin strcuk was not removed from the tray and new planchet existed between ready coins and the die. When the die strikes new planchet makes a photo on one side and the other side of the planchet collides previous strcuk coin. In a result, a coin-struck design is shown on this side..
Features of the 1979 Jefferson Nickel
The obverse of 1979 Jefferson Nickel
On this side of the coin comes with a photo of Thomas Jefferson facing left and the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. There are 5 pointed stars on this side with the minting date and mint mark. The FS of the designer’s initial can seen there.
The Reverse of the 1979 Jefferson Nickel
On the back side of the coins comes with Monticello building which is the President’s monumental building.
The word MONTICELLO is also written on coins with the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM. The country name UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the denomination FIVE CENTS can seen also
Some other features of 1979 nickel are
- Its face value is five cents and its round shape
- It is made with 75% copper, and the remaining is nickel.
- Its diameter is 0.8348 inches and 0.1764 ounces with plain edge
Most valuable 1979 Nickel
- 1979 D MS 67 nickel (FS) = sold for in 2022
- MS 63 nickel = sold in 2003 for $1,898
- The 1979 S PR 70 nickel (Type 1 DCAM) = sold for $1,763 in 2013
- 1979 D MS 67 nickel = sold in 2008 for $345
- 1979 S PR 70 nickel (Type 2 DCAM) = sold for $2,530 in 2008
- 1979 MS 66 nickel (FS)= sold in Auctions in 2016 for $2,115
What Is a 1979 S Proof Nickel Worth?
- The 1979 S proof nickle comes with 2 different values the Type 1 1979 Nickel with S has a value of 2 dollars and the Type proof nickel has an S clear value of $6.
What is a 1979 Canadian nickel worth?
- The 1979 Canadian nickel value is equal to the face value of 0.05 CAS. Its melt value is about $0.12 CAD.
What nickels have the most silver?
The coins made in the period 1942 to 1945 called war nickels come with silver. These coins have 35 percent silver and other coins come with 56% copper and 9% manganese.
How Much Is a 1979 Nickel Worth?
| NIckel type | MS 60 | MS 62 |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 No Mint Mark Nickel | $1 | $3 |
| 1979 No Mint Mark Nickel (Full Steps) | $5 | $10 |
| 1979-D Nickel | $1 | $3 |
What are the most valuable Jefferson nickels?
The most valuable nickels are made from 1942 to 1945 called war nickels and come with larger mint over Monticello. The 1950 D and error coins 1943/2 overdate is their example.
The 1938 D and 1938 S are also high value coins.
What nickel is worth $10,000 today?
The 1964 SMS with MS5 grade is more than 100000 dollars. just 40 coins of this type exist