Price Guide for 1986 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 PriceCirculated: $253.00Uncirculated: $54.00 – $69.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1.37 – $349.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $32.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19.00 – $780.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $4,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $4,500.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 – $31.00
-
eBayCirculated: $16.50 – $26.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $295.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $250.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $528.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $4.25 – $259.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $2,750.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $3,525.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $3,100.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $385.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $17.55 – $50.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $15.00 – $35.00
Design and Specifications of the 1986 Nickel
The 1986 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 48th year of the Jefferson Nickel series, which remained largely unchanged since its inception. The coin reflects the enduring legacy of Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s founding fathers and the third President of the United States.
| 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 1986 Nickels. While circulated examples are abundant and hold little premium over face value, uncirculated coins in high grades can command significant premiums. Coins graded MS65 and above are desirable to collectors, with MS67 and MS68 examples being particularly valuable due to their scarcity.
For proof coins, grades of PR69 and PR70 are highly sought after by collectors seeking perfection in their collections. The quality of the strike, presence of full steps on Monticello, and absence of contact marks are key factors in determining grade and value.
Mintage: 525,863,092
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: 517,491,096
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: 3,010,497
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: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Luster and toning can significantly impact a coin’s desirability and value. Nickels with strong, original luster are preferred by collectors. Natural toning, if present, should be even and attractive. Coins with full steps on the Monticello reverse (visible separation between the steps) are particularly prized and can command substantial premiums.
While not typically associated with the 1986 issue, any major mint errors or die varieties discovered could greatly increase a coin’s value. Collectors should also be aware that some 1986 Nickels may have been specially handled or packaged in mint sets, which could potentially preserve their condition better than coins released into general circulation.
