Price Guide for 1950 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: $12.00 – $431.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $2,185.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.51 – $100.00Uncirculated: $2.99 – $699.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $8.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,000.00 – $1,100.00Uncirculated: $38.00 – $11,500.00
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eBayCirculated: $200.00Uncirculated: $32.07 – $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $14.00 – $3,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.75 – $17,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.99 – $1,350.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $1,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $446.50
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eBayCirculated: $15.50Uncirculated: $4.25 – $900.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $16.00 – $550.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $891.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.01 – $1,499.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $72.00 – $9,987.50
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eBayUncirculated: $75.49 – $715.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $646.00 – $7,475.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $15,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1950 Nickel
The 1950 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 midpoint of the 20th century, a time of post-war prosperity and economic growth in the United States. The Jefferson Nickel played a crucial role in everyday commerce during this period.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| 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 1950 Jefferson Nickel significantly impacts its value. Circulated examples are generally worth face value, but uncirculated coins can command substantial premiums. Coins in MS65 or higher grades are particularly valuable, as they are scarce for this year.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance value. The strike quality is crucial, with fully struck examples (especially those with full steps on Monticello) being highly sought after.
Mintage: 9,796,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 2,630,030
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for high-grade examples
Mintage: 10,230,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 51,386
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for cameo and deep cameo examples
Luster plays a significant role in determining a 1950 Nickel’s value. Coins with original, frosty luster are more desirable than those with dull or impaired surfaces. Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums.
The 1950-D is considered a key date due to its low mintage, making it more valuable across all grades. For all mint marks, examples with sharp strikes and well-defined details, particularly on Monticello’s steps, are highly prized by collectors.
