Price Guide for 1974 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: $31.00 – $4,230.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $1,295.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $4,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $16.00 – $1,495.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.04 – $120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,750.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $24.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,645.00
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eBayCirculated: $8.50Uncirculated: $2.25 – $306.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,100.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,818.75
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $1,999.42
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $56.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00Uncirculated: $14.00 – $1,783.00
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eBayCirculated: $50.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $120.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $110.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $11.00 – $40.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $19.50
Design and Specifications of the 1974 Nickel
The 1974 Jefferson Nickel continued the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the beginning of a significant economic recession in the United States, which affected coin production and circulation. Despite economic challenges, the nickel remained an essential part of everyday commerce.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, 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 1974 nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are particularly desirable to collectors, with those exhibiting full steps on Monticello’s facade being the most sought-after.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the frosted design elements and mirrored fields can significantly increase value, especially in grades PR68 and above.
Mintage: 601,752,000
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: 277,373,000
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: 2,612,568
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR68, scarcer in PR69 and PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for 1974 nickels. Well-struck coins with sharp details, especially those showing full steps on Monticello, are highly prized. Luster also plays a significant role, with coins displaying bright, satiny surfaces being more desirable.
While not common, any error coins from this year, such as off-center strikes or die cracks, can carry substantial premiums. Additionally, nickel coins from this era that show attractive, natural toning can be more valuable to collectors seeking aesthetically pleasing examples for their collections.
