Price Guide for 1955 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.
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,035.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $334.00
-
eBayCirculated: $2.25 – $8.50Uncirculated: $1.76 – $499.95
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,050.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $506.00
-
eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $19.89Uncirculated: $1.25 – $920.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,100.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $80.00Uncirculated: $26.01 – $3,738.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $22.38 – $975.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $36.00Uncirculated: $42.00 – $4,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $100.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $414.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $285.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $81.00 – $12,650.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $26.00 – $2,750.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $11,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $305.50 – $9,693.75
-
eBayUncirculated: $526.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $10,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $101.00 – $1,997.50
-
eBayUncirculated: $49.00 – $295.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $45.00 – $1,150.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.05 – $825.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $8.50 – $950.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $1,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $188.00 – $2,600.00Uncirculated: $51.00 – $4,025.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $105.00 – $1,300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $3,600.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $39.00 – $329.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $8.88 – $400.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $22.00 – $325.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $119.00 – $152.75
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $425.00
Design and Specifications of the 1955 Nickel
The 1955 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 end of an era for the San Francisco Mint, as it would be the last year they produced circulating nickels until 1968.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), 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 1955 Jefferson Nickels. Circulated examples are generally common, but uncirculated coins in grades MS65 and above can command significant premiums. For Denver-minted coins, which had the highest mintage, even MS66 and MS67 examples can be valuable due to their scarcity in such high grades.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can greatly enhance value. Coins with full steps on Monticello (five or six clearly visible steps) are also highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 7,888,000
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: 74,464,100
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate
Mintage: 7,484,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS65 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 378,200
Rarity Scale: Scarce
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate to High for cameo and deep cameo examples
Strike quality is particularly important for 1955 nickels. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially on Monticello’s steps, are more desirable. Luster is another key factor, with coins displaying full, original mint luster commanding higher premiums.
Toning can also affect value, particularly for proof issues. Natural, attractive toning can enhance a coin’s appeal, while unattractive or artificial toning can detract from its value. For circulation strikes, any signs of contact marks or wear on Jefferson’s hair or Monticello’s roof can significantly impact grade and value.
