Price Guide for 1970 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: $25.00 – $6,462.50
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eBayUncirculated: $48.00 – $2,995.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $32.00 – $3,850.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $253.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $660.00
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eBayCirculated: $11.50Uncirculated: $0.99 – $299.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $725.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $11.00 – $45.00Uncirculated: $5.00 – $719.00
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eBayCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $494.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $450.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1,208.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $250.00 – $10,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $241.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $68.20
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $10.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $587.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.99 – $445.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $400.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $265.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $98.69
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $18.00
Design and Specifications of the 1970 Nickel
The 1970 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year marked the end of an era for the San Francisco Mint’s role in producing circulating nickels, as it would only produce proof coins for collectors after 1970.
| 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 determining the value of 1970 Nickels. While circulated examples are abundant and hold little premium over face value, uncirculated coins in high grades can command significant premiums.
For circulation strikes, coins in MS65 and MS66 are relatively common, but MS67 and above are scarce and highly sought after. Proof coins are generally well-preserved, with PR69 and PR70 examples being the most valuable.
Mintage: 515,485,000
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: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 238,832,004
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: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 2,632,810
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR68, scarce in PR69 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for 1970 Nickels. Well-struck examples with full steps on Monticello are more desirable and valuable. Luster also plays a significant role, with coins exhibiting bright, satiny surfaces being more appealing to collectors.
While not typically known for attractive toning, nicely toned examples can command a premium. For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can significantly increase value.
As a modern issue, major errors are rare but highly collectible when found. These may include off-center strikes, wrong planchets, or doubled dies.
