Price Guide for 1965 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: $13.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.29 – $1,489.90
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $6.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $1,064.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $1,195.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,116.25Uncirculated: $8.00 – $3,450.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $305.50 – $7,050.00
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eBayUncirculated: $635.00 – $663.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $100.00 – $3,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1965 Nickel
The 1965 Jefferson Nickel was part of a significant change in U.S. coinage. Due to a nationwide coin shortage, the Coinage Act of 1965 was enacted, which removed mint marks from all coins for a period of time. This was done to discourage coin collecting and increase circulation.
The design remained unchanged from previous years, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This design had been in use since 1938 and would continue with minor modifications until 2004.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint Marks | No mint marks used in 1965 |
| 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 1965 Nickel significantly impacts its value, particularly for collectors. While most circulated examples are worth face value, uncirculated coins in high grades (MS65 and above) can command a premium.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Luster: Original mint luster is highly desirable.
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with sharp details are more valuable.
– Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or other imperfections is crucial.
– Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
Mintage: 136,131,380
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in most grades, but scarce in gem condition (MS65 and above)
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
While the 1965 Nickel is generally common, certain factors can increase its value:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully visible steps on Monticello are more valuable.
2. SMS (Special Mint Set) examples: These have a better strike and finish than regular strikes.
3. Error coins: While rare, any significant mint errors could greatly increase value.
4. Historical significance: As the first year without mint marks, it holds some interest for collectors of modern U.S. coinage.
Overall, most 1965 Nickels are worth face value, but high-grade examples or those with special characteristics can be worth significantly more to collectors.
