Price Guide for 1951 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: $47.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $18,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $25.00 – $5,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $7,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.03 – $575.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $897.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $225.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,035.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.49Uncirculated: $4.25 – $705.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $5,760.00
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eBayUncirculated: $11.51 – $2,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $127.00
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eBayCirculated: $30.18Uncirculated: $2.91 – $840.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $3.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $12.07 – $529.00
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eBayCirculated: $41.00 – $65.00Uncirculated: $13.50 – $1,249.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $13.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $49.99 – $1,070.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $32.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $36.00 – $595.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42.00 – $525.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $900.00 – $10,350.00
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eBayUncirculated: $905.00 – $5,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $300.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $51.70Uncirculated: $45.00 – $493.50
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eBayUncirculated: $32.00 – $349.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $44.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $152.75 – $3,525.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $48.00 – $525.00
Design and Specifications of the 1951 Nickel
The 1951 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 208th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth, adding a touch of historical significance to the coin’s production.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (No mint mark for Philadelphia) |
| 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 1951 Nickels significantly impacts their value. Circulated examples are common and generally worth face value or slightly more. However, uncirculated specimens, particularly those in grades MS65 and above, can command substantial premiums.
Coins with full steps on the reverse (clear, distinct steps on Monticello) are highly prized by collectors and can fetch significant premiums. The presence of original mint luster and absence of contact marks also greatly enhance value.
Mintage: 28,552,000
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: 20,460,000
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: 7,776,000
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
Toning can play a role in a 1951 Nickel’s desirability. Coins with attractive, natural toning may command higher prices among collectors. Additionally, any coins with unusual striking errors or die varieties, while not commonly noted for this year, could potentially be valuable to error coin collectors.
The San Francisco mint coins, due to their lower mintage, tend to be more valuable in higher grades compared to their Philadelphia and Denver counterparts. Collectors often seek complete sets of all three mint marks in matching high grades.
