Price Guide for 1997 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 PriceCirculated: $400.00Uncirculated: $32.00 – $1,006.00
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eBayUncirculated: $16.73 – $549.42
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $881.25
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eBayCirculated: $42.99Uncirculated: $0.99 – $450.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $800.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $480.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.26 – $3,249.96
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $3,250.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $288.00Uncirculated: $26.00 – $240.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.00 – $405.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $110.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $360.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $213.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $15.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $288.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $77.55
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $30.00
Design and Specifications of the 1997 Nickel
The 1997 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 254th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth, adding a subtle historical significance to the coins minted during this period.
The Jefferson Nickel has been a staple of American coinage for decades, with its design remaining largely unchanged since its inception. The 1997 issue represents a continuation of this tradition, maintaining the familiar portrait of Jefferson and the iconic image of his 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, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1997 Nickels significantly impacts their value, particularly for high-grade specimens. Circulation strikes in MS67 or above can command premium prices due to their scarcity. For proof coins, PR70 examples are highly sought after by collectors.
Key factors affecting condition include:
– Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full details are more desirable.
– Luster: Coins with original mint luster are preferred.
– Surface preservation: Absence of contact marks, scratches, or other imperfections increases value.
Mintage: 565,004,000
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 date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 466,640,000
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 date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 2,794,555
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 among proof set collectors
While the 1997 Nickel is generally common, certain factors can enhance its value:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully defined steps on Monticello are more valuable.
2. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs: Proof coins with strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields command higher premiums.
3. Error coins: Although no significant errors are known for this year, any discovered major errors could be valuable.
4. Original rolls or mint sets: Uncirculated coins in original packaging may attract slightly higher prices.
Overall, the 1997 Nickel’s value is primarily numismatic rather than intrinsic, with condition being the key driver of premium prices.
