Price Guide for 1982 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: $8.00 – $282.00
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eBayCirculated: $4.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $495.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $200.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $12,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $20.00 – $5,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $15,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $17.11 – $3,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $4.81 – $431.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $7,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $4,025.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $2,113.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $140.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00 – $109.00Uncirculated: $10.00 – $39.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $200.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1982 Nickel
The 1982 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year is significant in U.S. coinage history, as it marked the last year of copper-based cents before the composition change in 1983. However, the nickel’s composition remained unchanged.
| 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 1982 nickels. While circulated examples are worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are of particular interest to collectors, with those grading MS67 or higher being quite scarce and valuable.
The quality of the strike, particularly on Monticello’s steps on the reverse, can significantly impact value. Full Steps examples, where all six steps are clearly visible, are highly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 373,726,544
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: 730,879,560
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
Luster and eye appeal are important factors for uncirculated 1982 nickels. Coins with attractive, original surfaces and minimal bag marks or contact points are more desirable. While not typically known for toning, nicely toned examples can command a premium.
Die state can also affect value, with early die state coins often exhibiting sharper details. However, major errors or varieties are uncommon for 1982 nickels, making any significant find potentially valuable to error collectors.
