Price Guide for 1972 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.
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $750.00
-
eBayCirculated: $3.95 – $199.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $495.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $24.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $345.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $207.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $3,000.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $21.00 – $2,500.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $4.27 – $280.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $3,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $350.00Uncirculated: $4.00 – $460.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $212.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $40.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $1.00 – $60.00
-
eBayCirculated: $15.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $410.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $475.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $4,313.00
-
eBayCirculated: $15.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $61.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $10.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $80.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.95 – $40.55
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $10.00
Design and Specifications of the 1972 Nickel
The 1972 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 200th anniversary of Monticello, Jefferson’s iconic home depicted on the reverse, adding historical significance to the coin.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| 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 1972 Nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable, with those in MS67 or higher being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrast between the fields and devices can significantly increase value, especially in grades PR68 and above.
Mintage: 202,211,000
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: 351,694,600
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: 3,260,996
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, appealing to proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for 1972 Nickels. Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello are highly prized by collectors. Luster also plays a significant role, with coins exhibiting bright, cartwheel luster being more desirable.
While not typically known for attractive toning, nicely toned examples can command a premium. Additionally, error coins, such as those with doubled dies or off-center strikes, can be valuable if discovered.
