1959 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Most 1959 nickels you’ll find in circulation are worth around $0.20 in good condition—barely above face value. But condition changes everything. A well-preserved example can be worth $8.67, and if you’ve got a rare 1959 DCAM proof nickel, you’re looking at $550 or more.

The U.S. Mint produced nearly 189 million of these coins in 1959, which means they’re common. But certain varieties, error coins, and high-grade specimens command real premiums. The key is knowing which details separate a five-cent coin from one worth hundreds of dollars. Let’s break down exactly what determines your 1959 nickel’s value.

 

1959 Nickel Value By Variety

Here’s a quick look at the 1959 Jefferson nickel value across different grades and varieties. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1959 Nickel Worth Money

High-grade 1959 nickels show substantial price variations based on specific attributes. Two MS-67 specimens demonstrate this clearly: one sold for $12,000 while another brought $9,694—both share the same numerical grade, yet the $2,306 difference likely reflects superior visual quality.

Proof coins occupy the mid-range territory. A PR-69 specimen achieved $1,576, proving that specially-made collector pieces still need exceptional preservation to compete with top-tier business strikes.

The $900–$1,234 range covers MS-66 to MS-69 coins—normally premium grades, yet these pieces sold for less, indicating that factors like missing Full Steps, weak strikes, or slight flaws can sharply reduce value despite high technical grades.

These results confirm that within any grade, quality variations create dramatic price differences.

 

History of The 1959 Nickel

The 1959 nickel was produced during America’s post-World War II economic expansion, when consumer spending and prosperity reached historic highs. That same year marked the beginning of a nationwide coin shortage that would persist throughout the early 1960s, prompting the U.S. Mint to expand operations significantly.

Production split between Philadelphia’s 28 million pieces and Denver’s 160 million, with Denver accounting for the vast majority of circulation strikes. Denver’s coins became known for inconsistent quality, with many showing weak strikes and surface imperfections—a problem that would worsen in subsequent years.

Collectors today view the 1959-D as one of the final reasonably well-executed Denver issues before a decade of declining production standards.

The late 1950s also witnessed explosive growth in American coin collecting. Proof set sales had climbed from around 50,000 annually in 1950 to over 1.1 million by 1959, reflecting unprecedented public interest in numismatics. This collector enthusiasm meant that higher-grade specimens were preserved in greater numbers than earlier dates, though truly well-struck examples—especially those displaying full architectural details on Monticello—remained elusive.

The 1959 nickel thus captures a moment when mass production met rising collector standards.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is You 1959 Nickel Rare?

Find out instantly with our CoinValueChecker App — it reveals whether your 1959 nickel is rare in just seconds.

 

Key Features of The 1959 Nickel

Felix Schlag designed Jefferson nickels, and the US Mint has produced them from 1938 to date. These elegant coins replaced Indian Head nickels, solving a long-standing problem with minting.

The Obverse Of The 1959 Nickel

The 1959 Jefferson nickel contains Thomas Jefferson’s portrait. This man was the 3rd American President, serving from 1801 to 1809. That fact explains an old-fashioned coat with a large collar typical for the early 19th century and hair tied in a ponytail with a bow.

Besides his portrait, you can read the following words:

• IN GOD WE TRUST
• LIBERTY ★ 1959

The Reverse Of The 1959 Nickel

While the designer made the coin obverse elegant and stylish, the reverse with Jefferson’s home in the center was pretty cluttered with inscriptions. Besides the mansion image, you can see a few rows of text, including:

• E PLURIBUS UNUM (written along the top coin rim)
• MONTICELLO (written in a straight line under the building)
• FIVE CENTS (denomination written in a semicircle)
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (written along the bottom line)

Other Features Of The 1959 Nickel

The 1959 Jefferson nickels are round, 66-year-old coins with a plain edge. Their face value is five cents ($0.05), and are made of copper-nickel alloy. Each specimen weighs 0.1764 ounces (5 g). You can expect its thickness to be 0.07677 inches (1.95 mm), while its diameter is 0.835 inches (21.20 mm).

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1959 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

In 1959, Denver dominated production with over 160 million nickels, far surpassing Philadelphia’s 27 million circulation strikes. Proof coins were far fewer, totaling just over 1.1 million.

Circulation strikes from both mints have survived at similar rates, with roughly 22 million Philadelphia pieces and 128 million Denver coins still in existence. Proofs show sharper declines, with about 600,000 regular proofs remaining.

Additionally, attrition is also most pronounced among premium proofs. Cameo examples now number around 290,000, while Deep Cameo specimens are extremely rare, with only about 25,000 surviving. These figures reflect both their initial scarcity at striking and the losses over decades.

The survival distribution chart illustrates Denver’s overwhelming presence in the current market, with circulation coins forming the bulk of surviving 1959 nickels, while all proof varieties combined account for only a small fraction of available specimens.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1959 Nickel Value

Looking at three key factors helps reveal your coin’s worth: check the reverse right of Monticello for a “D” mint mark indicating Denver origin, examine the coin’s overall condition and grade, and inspect Monticello’s steps—coins showing five or six fully defined steps qualify as Full Steps and command significant premiums.

For instant identification and current market values based on these details, the CoinValueChecker App provides accurate appraisals. Higher-grade specimens and Full Steps examples can be worth thousands, while circulated pieces typically range from face value to a few dollars.

 

1959 Nickel Value Guides

The 1959 Jefferson nickel series includes five distinct varieties. Standard proof coins are fairly common in grades PR60 to PR67, while Cameo (CAM) proofs with frosted devices against mirror fields are notably scarcer.

Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples represent the rarest category, displaying maximum contrast between deeply frosted design elements and brilliant mirror backgrounds—these specimens are scarce in any grade as very few survived with pristine Deep Cameo surfaces. And values range dramatically across types.

1959 Nickel Varieties:

• 1959 No Mint Mark Nickel
• 1959-D Nickel
• 1959 Proof Nickel
• 1959 CAM Nickel
• 1959 DCAM Nickel

 

1959 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1959 no mint mark nickel was produced at the Philadelphia Mint and lacks a mintmark on the reverse, to the right of Monticello. Its value centers on the “Full Steps” designation, which requires at least five complete, clearly defined steps on Monticello’s staircase without breaks or wear.

High-grade examples are scarce: fewer than 150 specimens exist in MS66 condition, while MS66 Full Steps has approximately 108 or fewer known examples. MS67 specimens are extremely difficult to locate, with less than a handful documented.

Circulated pieces typically range from $0.06 to $4. Mint state examples grade MS63 through MS66 sell for $10 to $225, while MS67 specimens can reach $4,750. The highest recorded sale occurred in 2022, when a premium example achieved $12,000 at auction.

The table below shows complete auction records for this coin at grades at major auction houses.

This chart displays market patterns over the past twelve months.

 

1959-D Nickel Value

The 1959-D nickel stands out for an ironic reason: most examples weren’t struck very well, showing noticeable surface nicks and scratches along with weak strikes that compromise design sharpness. This makes cherrypicking absolutely essential for collectors hunting quality specimens.

What truly separates ordinary pieces from treasures is the Full Steps designation, a feature remarkably scarce in MS65 grade or higher. MS66 Full Steps examples are genuinely rare, with only a handful known to exist.

When examining your coin, focus closely on those Monticello steps on the reverse—if they’re complete and unbroken, you’ve found something special that commands significant premiums over regular strikes.

The following table documents the notable auction results for 1959-D nickels, revealing how condition and special designations dramatically influence final sale prices.

And recent market activity shows fluctuating collector interest in this coin.

 

1959 Proof Nickel Value

The 1959 Proof Nickel represents a complete departure from circulation strikes, as each coin was meticulously crafted with hand-polished blanks individually fed into the press and struck at least twice to achieve specially polished dies that produced sharp, mirror-like finishes.

The 1959 proof nickel is fairly common in grades from PR60 to about PR67, and coins graded below PR65 often cost less than a dollar, while better specimens are valued at $5 to $24. Unlike the Denver business strikes that suffered from poor quality control, these proofs were never meant for everyday use—they came straight from the mint preserved in protective packaging.

When evaluating quality, examine the mirror-like surfaces carefully for any scratches, wear, or blemishes that would diminish the proof’s pristine detail, as even minor imperfections can significantly impact grading and value.

Grade and surface preservation create significant price variation within the same variety.

Recent twelve-month trading patterns provide useful context for timing acquisitions and understanding current demand levels.

 

1959 CAM Nickel Value

The 1959 cameo nickel’s scarcity stems from die technology: proof dies received chemical etching or sandblasting for frosted devices, but this frosting eroded after approximately one hundred strikes, leaving most coins fully brilliant.

During 1957-1959, budget constraints forced extended die life, reducing cameo frequency despite rising proof mintages. In PR68 grade with Cameo designation, several hundred examples exist, valued from $20 in PR65 to $450 for PR69.

Certification requires light to moderate frosting on all devices across both sides—minimal brilliant areas may qualify if eye appeal remains unaffected. Collectors should verify consistent frost on Jefferson’s portrait details and Monticello’s architectural elements, as uneven die wear often produces partial frosting that falls short of cameo standards.

Here’s a look at all the historical auctions for this coin, capturing its value over the years.

The following visualization highlights the coin’s market activity over the past year, reflecting current demand trends.

 

1959 DCAM Nickel Value

The 1959 Deep Cameo (DCAM) nickel is one of the rarest coins from that year. Out of 1,149,291 proof coins minted, only a handful survived with full Deep Cameo contrast.

High-grade examples are exceptionally scarce—just a few are known in PR68, and only a single coin has reached PR69, selling for $8,400 at auction. In contrast, standard 1959 proofs are relatively common through PR67, making these Deep Cameos a true collector’s prize.

Preservation is key for maintaining both appearance and value. Storing the coin in an airtight capsule protects it from scratches, drops, dust, and other contaminants, while handling by the edges or with cotton gloves prevents oils from marring the surface. For collectors, such care ensures that this rare piece of history remains in pristine condition for generations to come.

Over the years, this coin has appeared in numerous auctions, and the records below summarize its history.

In the past year, interest in this coin has gradually stabilized, as shown by its recent market activity.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1959 Nickel Error List

The 1959 Jefferson nickel series includes several minting errors that hold particular interest for collectors. These errors occurred during regular production and reflect the manufacturing challenges of mid-century coin striking. Error coins from this era remain sought after by specialists through the late 2020s.

1. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes occur when the blank planchet isn’t properly centered between the dies during striking, resulting in part of the design missing from the coin. The error happens when the planchet partially exits the feeder mechanism between strikes or shifts during the striking process.

Values depend heavily on the percentage off-center—10-25% off-center examples bring $10-$50, while dramatic 50%+ off-center pieces with visible date command $100-$500. The coin must retain the date visible for premium value.

Collectors prize specimens where both obverse and reverse show corresponding misalignment. These errors demonstrate the precision required in modern minting and attract error specialists seeking visually dramatic pieces.

2. Die Crack/Cud Errors

Die cracks and cud errors appear when coin dies begin to wear and develop fissures, which transfer raised lines or blob-like projections onto the coins. As steel dies endure thousands of strikes, stress fractures often form near rims or high-relief areas. Minor die cracks show as thin, elevated lines, while major cuds result in noticeable lumps where die fragments have broken away entirely.

Collectors can differentiate these mint-origin errors from post-mint scratches by checking the texture: authentic cracks are raised, whereas damage from handling or circulation is incused.

In terms of value, coins with minor cracks typically sell for $15–$50, while major cuds affecting prominent design areas can fetch $100 or more. These errors not only carry collectible value but also document the life cycle of a die, offering insight into minting processes and appealing to enthusiasts who study coin production techniques.

3. Wrong Planchet/Clipped Planchet

Wrong planchet errors occur when a nickel design is accidentally struck on a planchet intended for another denomination—most famously, 1959 nickels appearing on dime blanks.

Clipped planchets, on the other hand, result from the blanking process itself: when the punch cuts too close to a previously removed blank or the edge of the metal strip, it leaves crescents or straight-edge clips. A telltale sign of a genuine clip is the “Blakesley effect,” where the rim opposite the clip is thin or partially missing.

These anomalies are highly prized by collectors. Wrong planchet errors are extremely rare and can sell for $500–$1,000 or more, whereas standard clipped planchets typically range from $25 to $150, depending on the size of the clip.

 

Where To Sell Your 1959 Nickel?

You can sell your 1959 nickel through online marketplaces, coin dealers, or dedicated auction platforms that specialize in vintage U.S. coins. Compare options carefully to find the best balance of price, convenience, and security for your sale.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1959 Nickel Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About 1959 Nickel

1. Are 1959 Jefferson nickels rare nowadays?

The 1959 Jefferson nickels are relatively old coins, but not enough to reach the highest prices. The high mintage causes most pieces to be affordable, except for the best-quality ones with Full Steps.

2. Which 1959 Jefferson Nickels are the most expensive?

• On eBay, one owner sold the 1959 MS 67 nickel for $12,000 (December 8, 2022)
• At Legend Rare Coin Auctions, one owner sold the 1959 MS 67 FS nickel for $9,694 (October 26, 2017)
• At Stack’s Bowers, one owner sold the 1959 PR 69 DCAM nickel for $8,400 (August 25, 2021)
• At Bowers & Merena, one owner sold the 1959 D MS 66 FS nickel for $3,910 (March 1, 2007)
• On eBay, one owner sold the 1959 PR 69 nickel for $1,576 (April 19, 2021)
• At Heritage Auctions, one owner sold the 1959 PR 69 CAM nickel for $1,150 (March 17, 2011)
• On eBay, one owner sold the 1959 D MS 67 nickel for $900 (May 8, 2021)

3. How much is the 1959 nickel minted in Philadelphia worth?

The 1959 No Mint mark nickels are affordable coins, and you can find them for $0.06 to $18, depending on their grade. Only those in the MS 67 rank are worth $80. Pieces with Full Steps are pricier, with a standard price range from $12 to $150. However, rare MS 67-ranked specimens often reach over $3,200 at auctions.

4. What Jefferson nickels are the most expensive by now?

The most expensive nickel ever sold at an auction is the one with Full Steps from San Francisco. This 1954-S MS 67-ranked coin reached $35,250 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in 2020.