Price Guide for 1962 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 – $376.00
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eBayCirculated: $1.32 – $29.99Uncirculated: $2.99 – $2,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $5,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $74.00 – $3,525.00
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eBayUncirculated: $13.51 – $3,251.78
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.85 – $167.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.50 – $15.00Uncirculated: $0.50 – $399.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $70.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $690.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $10.00Uncirculated: $1.25 – $520.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $375.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,100.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $21,150.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.28 – $1,825.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $13,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $23.00 – $1,560.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $199.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $115.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $288.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.51 – $550.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $250.00
Design and Specifications of the 1962 Nickel
The 1962 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938, featuring the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. This year marked the 24th year of the Jefferson Nickel series, which would continue largely unchanged until 2004. The coin played a crucial role in everyday commerce during a period of economic growth and social change in the United States.
| 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
The condition of a 1962 Jefferson Nickel significantly impacts its value, particularly for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable, with premium prices for those grading MS65 or higher. For circulation strikes, look for coins with sharp details on Jefferson’s hair and Monticello’s steps.
Proof coins are valued based on their cameo contrast and lack of imperfections. Deep cameo proofs with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields command the highest premiums.
Mintage: 97,384,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Somewhat scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade examples
Mintage: 280,195,720
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,218,019
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
Luster is a crucial factor for uncirculated coins. Pieces with original, satiny luster are more desirable than those with dull or impaired surfaces. Toning can add value if it’s attractive and natural, especially on proof issues.
Strike quality is important, particularly for the steps on Monticello. Coins with fully struck steps (Full Steps designation) are rarer and more valuable. While not typically considered a key date, high-grade examples of the 1962 Nickel can be quite valuable due to their scarcity in top conditions.
