Price Guide for 2003 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.
-
eBayCirculated: $2.99 – $3.58Uncirculated: $6.05 – $89.95
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $37.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,058.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $3.25 – $495.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $750.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $5.00 – $55.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $35.00
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $104.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1.37 – $138.05
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $1,950.00
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $14.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,058.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.86 – $156.75
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $20.00
Design and Specifications of the 2003 Nickel
The 2003 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the last full year of the traditional design before the Westward Journey Nickel Series began in 2004 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver) |
| 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 2003 Nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are desirable to collectors, with MS67 and MS68 examples being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, PR69 and PR70 specimens are highly sought after by collectors seeking perfection in their collections.
Mintage: 326,640,000
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: 520,260,000
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: 3,298,814
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, popular among proof set collectors
Strike quality is particularly important for 2003 Nickels. Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello’s facade are more valuable. Luster is another key factor, with coins displaying bright, satiny surfaces being more desirable.
Toning can also impact value, especially for proof coins. Attractively toned proofs may command a premium among collectors who appreciate colorful patinas.
While not particularly rare, 2003 Nickels in superb condition represent the end of an era for the traditional Jefferson Nickel design, which may increase interest among collectors in the future.
