Price Guide for 1952 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: $219.00 – $1,380.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $3,995.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.00 – $5.00Uncirculated: $4.25 – $1,835.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $1,800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.50 – $16.00Uncirculated: $1.80 – $845.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $875.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18.00 – $16,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.00 – $2,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $5,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $9,488.00
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eBayUncirculated: $14.00 – $2,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $11,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,093.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.25 – $6.50Uncirculated: $2.25 – $289.96
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $2.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $600.00
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eBayCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $1,199.97
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $4.00 – $7.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $258.50 – $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $21.50 – $3,100.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $8,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $46.13 – $2,585.00
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eBayUncirculated: $35.00 – $1,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $2,820.00Uncirculated: $690.00 – $14,950.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,952.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $11,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $114.00 – $115.00
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eBayUncirculated: $50.00 – $495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $1,200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $89.00 – $204.00
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eBayUncirculated: $234.56 – $378.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $114.00 – $120.00
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eBayUncirculated: $50.99 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $79.00 – $258.50
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eBayUncirculated: $85.00 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $45.00 – $550.00
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eBayUncirculated: $600.00 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $450.00
Design and Specifications of the 1952 Nickel
The 1952 Jefferson Nickel continued the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This coin was minted during a period of post-World War II economic growth in the United States, reflecting the nation’s stability and prosperity.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Denver and San Francisco) |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Profile 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 1952 Jefferson Nickels significantly impacts their value, particularly for high-grade examples. 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 marks, scratches, or blemishes increase value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance appeal to collectors.
Mintage: 63,950,762
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 30,638,000
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: 20,572,000
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
While not particularly rare, certain factors can increase the value of 1952 Jefferson Nickels:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully visible steps on Monticello command a premium.
2. Die varieties: Although no major varieties are known, minor die variations may interest specialists.
3. Prooflike surfaces: Some business strikes may exhibit mirror-like fields, increasing their desirability.
4. Original rolls or sets: Uncirculated coins in original mint rolls or year sets may command higher prices.
5. Historical significance: As part of the early 1950s coinage, these nickels represent post-war American prosperity.
