Price Guide for 1985 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: $10.00 – $546.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $280.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $3.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $9,066.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $361.90
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $11,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $62.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.04 – $75.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $45.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,093.00Uncirculated: $21.00 – $840.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $530.03
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $55.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,528.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.92 – $676.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $110.00
Design and Specifications of the 1985 Nickel
The 1985 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 47th year of the Jefferson Nickel series, which had remained largely unchanged since its inception. The coin pays tribute to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, and his historic home, Monticello.
1985 was a year of relatively high production for nickels, reflecting the steady demand for this denomination in everyday commerce during the mid-1980s.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| 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 the value of 1985 Nickels, particularly for high-grade examples. While these coins are common in circulated grades, specimens in pristine uncirculated condition (MS65 and above) can command significant premiums.
For circulation strikes, coins with full steps on the Monticello reverse are highly sought after and can be quite valuable. The presence of all six steps on the building’s facade is a sign of a strong strike and is relatively rare for this year.
Proof coins are valued based on their cameo contrast and the absence of any imperfections. Deep Cameo proofs with flawless surfaces can be particularly valuable.
Mintage: 647,114,584
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: 461,925,460
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: 3,362,821
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Luster is a key factor in determining the value of uncirculated 1985 Nickels. Coins with strong, original mint luster are more desirable to collectors.
Strike quality is another important consideration. Well-struck coins with sharp details, particularly on Jefferson’s hair and the columns of Monticello, are more valuable.
While not common, any error coins from 1985, such as off-center strikes, doubled dies, or repunched mint marks, could carry significant premiums depending on the severity and visual appeal of the error.
Lastly, original toning can add value to 1985 Nickels, especially if it’s attractive and natural. However, this is more of a factor for proof coins than for circulation strikes.
