Price Guide for 1968 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: $6.00 – $587.50
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,140.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.00Uncirculated: $1.75 – $333.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $185.65 – $4,140.00
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eBayCirculated: $799.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $80.00 – $4,600.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $89.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $93.00
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eBayCirculated: $24.00Uncirculated: $0.01 – $259.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $15.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $490.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.49 – $245.99
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $140.00
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eBayUncirculated: $64.95
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $40.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $48.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $18.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $79.00 – $1,705.00
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eBayUncirculated: $250.00 – $1,025.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $1,100.00
Design and Specifications of the 1968 Nickel
The 1968 Jefferson Nickel continued the design that had been in use since 1938. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Jefferson Nickel, which replaced the Buffalo Nickel. The coin’s design remained largely unchanged, maintaining its iconic representation of one of America’s founding fathers.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | D, S (proof only) |
| 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 1968 Nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are more desirable and valuable, with those exhibiting full steps on Monticello being particularly sought after.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the frosted devices and mirrored fields can significantly increase value, especially in grades PR67 and above.
Mintage: 220,731,500
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS65, scarcer in higher grades
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 253,346,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS65, scarcer in higher grades
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 3,041,506
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR67, scarcer in higher grades
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Strike quality is an important factor for 1968 Nickels. Coins with sharp, well-defined details, especially on Monticello’s steps, are more valuable. Luster also plays a role, with coins displaying bright, original mint luster being more desirable.
While not typically known for attractive toning, nicely toned examples can command a premium among collectors. Additionally, error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, while rare for this year, can be valuable if discovered.
