Price Guide for 1978 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 – $325.00
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eBayCirculated: $45.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $122.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $30.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $20.00 – $1,323.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.00 – $16,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $10,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,997.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1.29 – $1,910.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $2,150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $900.00
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eBayCirculated: $9.08Uncirculated: $1.00 – $598.80
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $44.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $2.00 – $748.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.49 – $363.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $140.00
Design and Specifications of the 1978 Nickel
The 1978 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Jefferson Nickel, which replaced the Buffalo Nickel. The coin depicts Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, on the obverse and his historic home, Monticello, on the reverse.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| 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 1978 Nickels. While these coins are common in circulated grades, uncirculated examples in high grades (MS65 and above) can command premium prices. Coins with full steps on the Monticello depiction are particularly desirable to collectors, as they indicate a strong strike.
The presence of original luster and absence of contact marks significantly enhance the coin’s value in uncirculated grades. Toning, if present, should be attractive and natural to positively impact the coin’s desirability.
Mintage: 391,308,000
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 series collectors
Mintage: 313,092,780
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 series collectors
Mint State examples with sharp strikes and full steps on Monticello are the most sought-after by collectors. The ‘Full Steps’ designation, where five or six steps are visible on Monticello, can significantly increase the coin’s value.
While not particularly rare, 1978 Nickels in superb gem condition (MS67 and above) are scarce and can command higher premiums. Additionally, error coins, such as off-center strikes or die cracks, if found, could potentially increase value due to their uniqueness.
