Price Guide for 1961 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: $5.00 – $3,290.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $4,500.00

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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,800.00 – $23,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $20,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $349.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $135.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $129.25 – $10,800.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1,636.69
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $35,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $32.00 – $3,407.50
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eBayUncirculated: $60.00 – $1,536.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $3,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayCirculated: $16.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,250.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $2,900.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $282.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.02 – $300.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $144.00 – $423.00
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eBayUncirculated: $81.75 – $1,850.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 – $600.00
Design and Specifications of the 1961 Nickel
The 1961 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 beginning of the 1960s, a decade of significant social and cultural change in the United States. The coin’s design remained consistent, providing a familiar presence in circulation during a time of transformation.
Weight | 5.0 grams |
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Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver) |
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
The condition of 1961 Nickels significantly impacts their value, particularly for higher grades. While common in circulated conditions, uncirculated examples in MS65 and above become increasingly scarce and valuable. Collectors seek coins with:
– Full luster and minimal contact marks
– Sharp strike, especially on Monticello steps
– Absence of spotting or discoloration
Proof coins, while not minted for circulation, are valued for their mirror-like fields and frosted devices.
Mintage: 301,626,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 229,342,760
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1961 Nickels:
1. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with full detail, especially on Monticello’s steps, command higher premiums.
2. Luster: Coins with original, cartwheel luster are more desirable.
3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
4. Die State: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or clashing may appeal to variety collectors.
5. Preservation: Coins that have avoided cleaning or other forms of mishandling are more valuable.