Price Guide for 1948 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 PriceCirculated: $9.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $1,650.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.03 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $867.15
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eBayCirculated: $15.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $780.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $725.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $4,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.25 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $8,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $6.50 – $880.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,058.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $2,240.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $12,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $1,405.30
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $12,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1948 Nickel
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year marked the return to the pre-war composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, after the use of silver alloy during World War II (1942-1945).
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| 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 1948 Jefferson Nickels significantly impacts their value, particularly for higher grades. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. Key factors include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster adds to the coin’s appeal and value.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more desirable.
3. Surface preservation: Fewer contact marks and blemishes increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal to collectors.
The San Francisco mint coins, having the lowest mintage, are particularly valuable in high grades.
Mintage: 89,348,000
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: 44,734,000
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: 11,300,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1948 Jefferson Nickels:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully visible steps on Monticello command a premium.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known, any discovered could be valuable.
3. Historical significance: As a post-war issue, these coins may appeal to collectors of 20th-century American history.
4. Set completion: Demand from collectors assembling date and mint mark sets can increase value.
5. Preservation: Well-preserved examples from circulation are increasingly scarce, adding to their collectible appeal.
