Price Guide for 1960 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: $25.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,260.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $12.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $3,150.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $4,150.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $190.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $460.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.93 – $1,495.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $5.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30.00 – $6,463.00
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eBayUncirculated: $15.00 – $2,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $110.00 – $5,040.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00 – $15,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $15,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $240.00
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eBayCirculated: $44.00Uncirculated: $3.51 – $1,005.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $89.00 – $646.25
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eBayUncirculated: $125.50 – $650.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $52.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $364.25 – $998.75
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $1,000.00
Design and Specifications of the 1960 Nickel
The 1960 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 beginning of the end for the ‘soft’ strike era of Jefferson Nickels, as the U.S. Mint began to address concerns about weak strikes in subsequent years.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, P (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 1960 Jefferson Nickels. Due to the soft strikes common in this era, well-struck examples with full steps on Monticello are highly prized. Coins in Mint State grades, particularly MS65 and above, command significant premiums.
For circulation strikes, look for coins with sharp details, especially on Jefferson’s hair and the steps of Monticello. Luster is also a key factor, with coins exhibiting full, cartwheel luster being more desirable.
Mintage: 55,416,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-struck examples
Mintage: 192,582,000
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-struck examples
Mintage: 1,691,602
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo examples
Full Steps (FS) designation is a crucial value factor for 1960 Jefferson Nickels. Coins with five or six clearly defined steps on Monticello are rare and highly sought after by collectors.
Toning can also impact value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. For proof issues, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value.
While not particularly rare as a date, the 1960 Nickel in top grades with strong strikes can be quite valuable due to the general striking issues of the era.
