Price Guide for 1949 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 – $132.00Uncirculated: $164.50 – $2,585.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $193.41 – $2,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 – $140.00Uncirculated: $150.00 – $4,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $8,625.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $3.50 – $1,300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $7,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19.00 – $15,275.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $10.50 – $1,348.90
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $10,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $690.00
-
eBayCirculated: $11.61Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,557.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $675.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $3,642.50
-
eBayCirculated: $9.00 – $43.50Uncirculated: $2.25 – $1,200.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $4.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,400.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $250.00 – $6,600.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $37.01 – $7,695.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $30,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $646.25 – $32,900.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $75.00 – $1,226.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 – $23,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,323.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1.00 – $8.50Uncirculated: $1.53 – $1,099.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $258.50 – $3,840.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $291.00 – $325.69
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $28.00 – $145.00Uncirculated: $165.00 – $2,350.00
Design and Specifications of the 1949 Nickel
The 1949 Jefferson Nickel continued the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year marked the 11th year of Jefferson Nickel production, with coins minted at three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The year 1949 was significant as it marked the beginning of the Cold War era, with the formation of NATO and the first successful Soviet nuclear weapon test. The nickel, an essential part of everyday commerce, reflected the stability of American currency during this period of global tension.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), 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 a 1949 Jefferson Nickel significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are considerably more valuable than circulated examples. The San Francisco mint coins, due to their lower mintage, are particularly desirable in high grades.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster is highly prized.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or wear is crucial.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value.
Mintage: 60,652,000
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: 36,498,000
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: 9,716,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Additional factors that can affect the value of 1949 Jefferson Nickels include:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully visible steps on Monticello command a premium.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1949, any discovered could be valuable.
3. Mint State grades: Coins graded MS65 or higher are scarce and valuable.
4. Original rolls or sets: Uncirculated coins from original bank rolls or mint sets may command a premium.
The San Francisco mintage, being the lowest of the year, is generally more valuable across all grades, especially in uncirculated condition. Collectors often seek high-grade examples from all mints to complete date and mint mark sets.
