Price Guide for 1953 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 PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $1,475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $3,435.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $431.00 – $24,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $780.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $23,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $92.00 – $150.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $900.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,029.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $89.00 – $540.50
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eBayUncirculated: $239.50 – $475.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $780.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $2,530.00
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eBayCirculated: $48.00Uncirculated: $1.04 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $6.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $8,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $200.50 – $2,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $7,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $26.00 – $15,275.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.10 – $7,999.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $7,750.00
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eBayUncirculated: $240.27
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $499.38 – $800.00Uncirculated: $48.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $26.88 – $699.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $35.00 – $1,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $15,275.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $84.00 – $1,292.50
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eBayUncirculated: $41.00 – $695.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $475.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $164.50 – $4,700.00
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eBayUncirculated: $149.50 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $65.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2,640.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $200.00 – $2,700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $51.00 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $49.89 – $430.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $550.00
Design and Specifications of the 1953 Nickel
The 1953 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year marks the 210th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth, adding a subtle historical significance to the coin. The Jefferson Nickel design remained largely unchanged since its introduction, symbolizing stability in American coinage during the post-World War II era.
| 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
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1953 Jefferson Nickels. While circulated examples are common and generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command significant premiums. Coins in MS65 (Mint State 65) condition or higher are particularly desirable, with sharp strike, full luster, and minimal contact marks.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can greatly enhance value. These feature frosted devices against mirror-like fields, creating a striking visual effect highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 46,644,000
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: 59,878,600
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: 128,800
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 specimens
Strike quality is particularly important for 1953 Jefferson Nickels. Well-struck examples with full steps on Monticello’s facade are highly sought after and can command substantial premiums. The presence of ‘Full Steps’ (five or six clearly defined steps) can significantly increase a coin’s value, especially in higher grades.
Original mint luster and attractive toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value. For proof issues, the depth of mirrored surfaces and the contrast between fields and devices (cameo effect) are crucial factors in determining desirability and price.
While not particularly rare as a date, the 1953 Proof Nickel has a relatively low mintage for the era, making high-grade examples with strong visual appeal quite valuable to collectors focused on proof Jefferson Nickels or 1953 proof sets.
