Price Guide for 1963 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: $1,208.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $3,407.50
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eBayCirculated: $1.84Uncirculated: $0.99 – $405.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $3,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $273.00 – $9,200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 – $7,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $881.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.00 – $465.30
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $1,320.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.00 – $38.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $995.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $1,650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 – $978.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $611.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $20.00 – $3,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.99 – $910.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $4,750.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $35.00 – $277.20
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $300.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $161.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.08 – $189.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 – $65.00
Design and Specifications of the 1963 Nickel
The 1963 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year is significant as it marks the last year before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, an event that would lead to changes in US coinage in the following 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 determining the value of 1963 Jefferson Nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command significant premiums. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable, with those grading MS67 or higher being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, the presence of cameo or deep cameo contrast can significantly increase value. Coins with strong visual appeal, including sharp strikes and attractive toning, are highly sought after by collectors.
Mintage: 178,851,645
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 276,829,460
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 3,075,645
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR67, scarce in PR68 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for cameo and deep cameo examples
Full Steps: Jefferson Nickels with fully visible steps on the Monticello depiction are highly prized. The 1963 issue can be found with Full Steps, though they are scarce, especially in high grades.
Die Varieties: While no major die varieties are known for the 1963 Nickel, minor doubled die varieties exist and can add value for variety collectors.
Toning: Nicely toned examples, especially those with attractive rainbow colors, can command premiums among collectors who appreciate eye appeal.
Historical Significance: As the last Jefferson Nickel minted before major societal changes in the mid-1960s, some collectors may place additional value on 1963 issues in top condition.
