Price Guide for 1989 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 – $1,140.00
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eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $575.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $5,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $16.00 – $1,610.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.00 – $39.00Uncirculated: $3.26 – $195.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $160.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $690.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $1,093.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $620.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $675.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $18.00 – $32.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $1,380.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.00 – $262.35
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $80.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $299.00
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eBayCirculated: $19.99 – $25.49Uncirculated: $0.92 – $199.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $55.00
Design and Specifications of the 1989 Nickel
The 1989 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 250th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth, adding historical significance to the coins minted during this period. The Jefferson Nickel has been a staple of American coinage, representing both the third President’s legacy and his architectural achievement, Monticello.
| 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 1989 Nickels. While circulated examples are abundant and hold little premium over face value, uncirculated coins in high grades can command significant premiums. For circulation strikes, coins graded MS65 and above start to gain collector interest, with MS67 and above being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, the difference between a PR69 and a perfect PR70 can be substantial in terms of value. Cameo and Deep Cameo contrast on proof coins can also enhance their desirability and value.
Mintage: 542,483,228
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: 897,370,000
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: 3,220,194
Rarity Scale: Common for proof coins
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
Strike quality is particularly important for 1989 Nickels. Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello’s facade are highly prized by collectors and can command significant premiums, especially in high grades.
Luster is another crucial factor. Coins with original, vibrant mint luster are more desirable than those with dull or impaired surfaces. For proof coins, the depth of mirrored fields and frosted devices significantly impacts value.
While not typically known for toning, any 1989 Nickels with attractive, natural toning could potentially command a premium among collectors who appreciate this aesthetic quality.
