Price Guide for 1954 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: $558.13 – $35,250.00
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eBayUncirculated: $28.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $75.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00 – $138.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $863.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.95 – $932.33
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $325.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $29.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.73 – $27.00Uncirculated: $33.33 – $935.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7.00 – $24.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $646.25
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eBayCirculated: $1.10 – $17.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $295.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $161.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $805.00
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eBayCirculated: $86.85Uncirculated: $1.25 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $575.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $1,550.00
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eBayCirculated: $7.17 – $25.00Uncirculated: $2.25 – $625.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $325.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $36.00 – $8,812.50
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eBayUncirculated: $10.50 – $3,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $18.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $38.00 – $9,693.75
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eBayUncirculated: $31.01 – $1,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $129.25 – $759.00
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eBayUncirculated: $275.00 – $825.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $185.00Uncirculated: $200.00 – $850.00
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eBayUncirculated: $399.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $39.00 – $372.00
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eBayCirculated: $35.00Uncirculated: $40.01 – $225.25
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $25.00 – $30.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $8.50 – $295.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $204.00
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eBayUncirculated: $34.73 – $295.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $24.00Uncirculated: $27.00 – $375.00
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eBayUncirculated: $27.00 – $1,755.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $89.00 – $1,116.25
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eBayCirculated: $21.00 – $23.50Uncirculated: $37.84 – $295.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $7.00 – $22.00Uncirculated: $25.00 – $1,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $15.00 – $2,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.99 – $790.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $276.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayUncirculated: $735.00 – $5,800.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $18,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $204.00 – $564.00
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eBayUncirculated: $49.00 – $427.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1954 Nickel
The 1954 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 150th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which Jefferson commissioned, though this was not reflected in the coin’s design.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (Philadelphia coins had no mint mark) |
| 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 the value of 1954 Jefferson Nickels. While common in circulated grades, these coins become increasingly valuable in higher mint state conditions. Coins graded MS65 and above can command significant premiums, especially for the San Francisco mint.
Collectors should look for coins with sharp strike details, particularly on Jefferson’s hair and the steps of Monticello. Full Steps examples, where all five or six steps of Monticello are clearly visible, are highly prized and can be worth substantially more than standard specimens.
Mintage: 47,684,050
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 117,136,560
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 29,384,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, slightly higher for high-grade specimens
Luster and toning can significantly impact the desirability and value of 1954 Jefferson Nickels. Coins with original, frosty luster are preferred by collectors. Natural, attractive toning can also enhance a coin’s appeal and value.
Die varieties, while not common for this year, can add interest and value. Collectors should be aware of potential repunched mint marks or doubled die varieties, though these are relatively rare for 1954 nickels.
The overall eye appeal of the coin, combining factors such as strike, luster, and surface preservation, plays a crucial role in determining its value, especially for high-grade examples sought by advanced collectors.
