Price Guide for 2005 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.

2005-D Nickel Speared Bison (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $15.00 – $1,265.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $92.00 – $2,650.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $3.00 – $95.00
    Uncirculated: $120.00 – $1,050.00
2005-P Nickel Bison (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $8.00
    Uncirculated: $7.00 – $998.75
  • eBay
    Circulated: $40.00
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $124.95
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $1.00
    Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,100.00
2005-D Nickel Bison (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $11.00
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $749.65
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.90 – $200.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4.00 – $175.00
2005-P Nickel Western Waters (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,292.50
  • eBay
    Circulated: $25.00
    Uncirculated: $1.29 – $149.50
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,650.00
2005-P Nickel Bison Satin Finish (Special Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $184.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $119.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $2.00 – $6,000.00
2005-S Nickel Bison, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $546.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $134.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $30.00
2005-D Nickel Western Waters (Regular Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $11.00
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $15.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1.76 – $141.45
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $5.00 – $1,100.00
2005-S Nickel Western Waters, DCAM (Proof)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $196.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $100.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $24.00
2005-D Nickel Bison Satin Finish (Special Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $7.00 – $587.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $59.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $2.00 – $700.00
2005-P Nickel Western Waters Satin Finish (Special Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 – $39.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $149.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $2.00 – $7,000.00
2005-D Nickel Western Waters Satin Finish (Special Strike)
  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $1.00 – $1,057.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $46.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $1,350.00
2005-P Nickel Bison Jamie Franki (Regular Strike)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $7.75 – $34.95
2005-D Nickel Bison Jamie Franki (Regular Strike)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $6.51 – $163.50
2005-S Nickel Bison Picture Frame, DCAM (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $24.95 – $34.33
2005-S Nickel Western Waters (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 – $28.45
2005-S Nickel Western Waters Picture Frame, DCAM (Proof)
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $3.00 – $68.00

Design and Specifications of the 2005 Nickel

The 2005 Nickel is part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, commemorating the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This year featured two distinct reverse designs, making it a significant year for coin collectors. The obverse retained Jefferson’s portrait but with a modified design, while the reverse designs celebrated American history and exploration.

Weight 5.00 grams
Diameter 21.21 mm
Mint Marks P, D, S
Composition 75% copper, 25% nickel
Obverse Design Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, designed by Felix Schlag (modified by Joe Fitzgerald)
Reverse Design Two designs: 'American Bison' by Jamie Franki and 'Ocean in View' by Joe Fitzgerald

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

The condition of 2005 Nickels significantly impacts their value, especially for high-grade specimens. Circulation strikes in MS67 and above can command premium prices, while proofs in PR70 condition are highly sought after. Collectors should look for coins with sharp strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks.

For the ‘American Bison’ reverse, pay attention to the bison’s fur detail and the sharpness of the ground. On the ‘Ocean in View’ reverse, clear wave patterns and crisp lettering are desirable. The modified Jefferson obverse should show clear hair details and facial features.

Philadelphia, P

Mintage: 610,680,000

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, due to the unique designs for the year

Denver, D

Mintage: 645,600,000

Rarity Scale: Common

Circulation Status: Widely Circulated

Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS67, scarce in MS68 and above

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate, due to the unique designs for the year

San Francisco, S

Mintage: 3,384,923

Rarity Scale: Uncommon

Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation

Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70

Varieties Errors: None significant

Market Demand: Moderate to High, especially for perfect PR70 specimens

First Day of Issue coins or those in original mint packaging may carry a premium. The unique designs for 2005 make these nickels more interesting to collectors compared to standard years.

Toning can significantly affect value, with attractively toned specimens often commanding higher prices. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can severely decrease the coin’s value.

While not particularly rare, complete sets of both reverse designs from all mints (including proofs) are popular among collectors, potentially increasing demand and value for well-preserved examples.

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