Price Guide for 1946 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $20.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayUncirculated: $18.50 – $979.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $6,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $28.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.99 – $26.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.00 – $7,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $16.05 – $323.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $99.00Uncirculated: $481.75 – $2,530.00
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eBayUncirculated: $410.33 – $1,060.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $350.00Uncirculated: $375.00 – $1,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $2,875.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.76 – $2,294.41
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $21.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,763.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.99 – $79.00Uncirculated: $4.51 – $700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00
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eBayUncirculated: $24.55 – $847.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $48.00 – $850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $81.05 – $723.13
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $70.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $8,625.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.52 – $497.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $2,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $720.00 – $2,585.00
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eBayUncirculated: $776.66 – $1,315.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,150.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $282.00 – $1,175.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $15.00 – $225.00Uncirculated: $275.00 – $2,700.00
Design and Specifications of the 1946 Nickel
The 1946 Jefferson Nickel marks a significant transition in American coinage. It was the first year after World War II that the nickel returned to its standard composition, abandoning the wartime ‘silver’ alloy used from 1942-1945. This coin represents a return to normalcy and the beginning of the post-war economic boom.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1946 Jefferson Nickels significantly impacts their value. While circulated specimens are common and generally worth face value, uncirculated examples can command premium prices. Coins in MS65 condition or better are particularly desirable.
Key factors affecting value include:
1. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello are highly prized.
2. Luster: Coins with original mint luster are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Coins free from marks, scratches, or spots are worth more.
Mintage: 161,116,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 45,292,200
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 13,560,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Very rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Full Steps (FS) examples are particularly valuable. These coins show complete detail on the steps of Monticello, indicating a strong strike. FS coins are rare for all mint marks and command significant premiums.
Toning can also affect value. While most collectors prefer untoned nickels, some may pay a premium for coins with attractive, natural toning.
The San Francisco mintage, being the lowest of the three mints, is slightly more valuable in higher grades, especially in gem condition (MS65 and above).
