Most 1959 nickels you’ll find in circulation are worth around $0.20 in average condition—barely more than face value. But the right combination of grade, mint mark, and strike quality can push that number all the way to $12,000 or beyond.
The U.S. Mint produced nearly 189 million of these coins across two facilities in 1959, making them plentiful in the marketplace. However, certain varieties, error coins, and perfectly preserved specimens command serious premiums that most owners never expect.
The secret lies in three things: where the coin was made, how sharp the strike is, and whether those famous Monticello steps are fully defined. Keep reading to discover exactly what separates a five-cent coin from one worth hundreds—or thousands—of dollars.
Coin Value Contents Table
- 1959 Nickel Value By Variety
- 1959 Nickel Value Chart
- Top 10 Most Valuable 1959 Nickel Worth Money
- History of The 1959 Nickel
- Is Your 1959 Nickel Rare?
- Key Features of The 1959 Nickel
- 1959 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data
- 1959 Nickel Mintage & Survival Chart
- The Easy Way to Know Your 1959 Nickel Value
- 1959 Nickel Value Guides
- 1959 No Mint Mark Nickel Value
- 1959-D Nickel Value
- 1959 Proof Nickel Value
- 1959 CAM Nickel Value
- 1959 DCAM Nickel Value
- Rare 1959 Nickel Error List
- Where To Sell Your 1959 Nickel for Best Value
- 1959 Nickel Market Trend
- FAQ About 1959 Nickel 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.
1959 Nickel Value Chart
| TYPE | GOOD | FINE | AU | MS | PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 No Mint Mark Nickel Value | $0.20 | $0.69 | $1.00 | $6.40 | — |
| 1959 No Mint Mark Nickel (FS) Value | $0.38 | $1.31 | $3.34 | $12.20 | — |
| 1959 D Nickel Value | $0.20 | $0.69 | $1.00 | $8.67 | — |
| 1959 D Nickel (FS) Value | $0.53 | $1.83 | $4.68 | $33.20 | — |
| 1959 Proof Nickel Value | — | — | $2.00 | — | $12.25 |
| 1959 CAM Nickel Value | — | — | — | — | $88.67 |
| 1959 DCAM Nickel Value | — | — | — | — | $486.67 |
Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)
Top 10 Most Valuable 1959 Nickel Worth Money
Most Valuable 1959 Nickel Chart
2004 - Present
High-grade 1959 nickels show substantial price gaps even within the same numerical grade. Two MS-67 specimens make this point perfectly: one sold for $12,000 while another brought $9,694—a $2,306 difference driven by factors like luster intensity, strike sharpness, and surface quality.
Proof coins occupy the mid-range of auction prices. A PR-69 specimen achieved $1,576 at auction, proving that even specially made collector pieces require exceptional preservation to compete with top-tier business strikes.
The $900–$1,234 range covers MS-66 to MS-69 coins where missing Full Steps, weak strikes, or subtle surface flaws sharply reduced prices despite high technical grades. These results confirm that within any grade, quality variations create dramatic price differences.
History of The 1959 Nickel
The Jefferson nickel series began in 1938 after the U.S. Mint held a national design competition attracting 390 entries. Felix Schlag won that contest and received a $1,000 prize for his portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his depiction of Monticello on the reverse.
Schlag’s original reverse design featured a more three-dimensional, artistic rendering of Monticello. The Mint’s engraving department revised his concept into the flatter, more stylized version seen on the 1959 nickel today.
These coins replaced the beloved Buffalo (Indian Head) nickel, which had been issued from 1913 through 1938. That transition ended a long-standing minting problem: Buffalo nickels were notoriously difficult to strike fully, and the date wore away quickly in circulation.
By 1959, America was riding a post-World War II economic boom with consumer spending at historic highs. That same year marked the start of a nationwide coin shortage that would persist into the early 1960s, pushing the Mint to dramatically increase production.
Philadelphia struck approximately 27.2 million nickels that year, while Denver produced over 160.7 million—nearly six times as many. Denver’s massive volume came with a real cost: inconsistent quality control, weak strikes, and surface imperfections became common across the Denver run.
Proof set sales climbed from around 50,000 annually in 1950 to over 1.1 million by 1959, reflecting a surge in American coin collecting. This collector enthusiasm helped preserve more high-grade specimens than earlier decades, though truly well-struck examples with full Monticello detail remained elusive.
Collectors today view the 1959-D as one of the final reasonably well-executed Denver issues before a full decade of declining production standards set in.
Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money
Is Your 1959 Nickel Rare?
1959 No Mint Mark Nickel
1959 No Mint Mark Nickel (FS)
1959-D Nickel
1959-D Nickel (FS)
1959 Proof Nickel Value
1959 CAM Nickel
1959 DCAM Nickel
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 the Jefferson nickel series, and the U.S. Mint has produced them continuously from 1938 to the present day. These coins replaced the Buffalo (Indian Head) nickel and introduced a portrait-style design that remains recognizable on modern nickels.
One crucial fact for new collectors: the 1959 nickel contains no silver. It is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel—the standard composition for Jefferson nickels both before and after the coin’s production run. The only Jefferson nickels with silver content are the “War Nickels” struck from mid-1942 through 1945, which used a 35% silver alloy to conserve nickel for World War II military equipment.
The Obverse Of The 1959 Nickel
The obverse (front) of the 1959 Jefferson nickel features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President, who served from 1801 to 1809. His period-accurate clothing—a large-collared coat with his hair tied in a ponytail—reflects early 19th-century fashion.
The inscriptions on the obverse include:
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY ★ 1959
Collectors evaluating high-grade examples should examine the fine hair detail above Jefferson’s ear and along the back of his neck. These areas are the first to show weakness on poorly struck specimens, even on coins grading MS-65 or higher.
The Reverse Of The 1959 Nickel
The reverse (back) shows Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s famous Virginia estate and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architectural details—especially the iconic dome and the staircase leading to the portico—are critical points for both grading and variety identification.
The reverse inscriptions include:
- E PLURIBUS UNUM (along the top rim)
- MONTICELLO (below the building)
- FIVE CENTS (in a semicircle beneath)
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (along the bottom)
The most important area on the reverse for value purposes is the staircase at the base of Monticello. Five or six fully defined, unbroken steps on that staircase qualify a coin for the prestigious Full Steps (FS) designation—a feature that can multiply value by ten times or more over an identical coin without it.
Other Features Of The 1959 Nickel
The 1959 Jefferson nickel is a round coin with a plain (smooth) edge—not reeded. Reeded edges belong to silver denomination coins like dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The 1959 nickel’s full specifications are:
- Face value: $0.05 (five cents)
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (no silver)
- Weight: 5 grams (0.1764 oz)
- Diameter: 21.2 mm (0.835 inches)
- Thickness: 1.95 mm (0.07677 inches)
- Edge: Plain
Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)
1959 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data
1959 Nickel Mintage & Survival Chart
Survival Distribution
| Type | Mintage | Survival | Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Mint | 27,248,000 | 22,000,000 | 80.7399% |
| D | 160,738,240 | 128,000,000 | 79.6326% |
| Proof | 1,149,291 | 600,000 | 52.2061% |
| CAM | 1,149,291 | 290,000 | 25.2329% |
| DCAM | 1,149,291 | 25,000 | 2.1753% |
In 1959, Denver dominated production with over 160 million nickels—nearly six times Philadelphia’s approximately 27 million circulation strikes. Proof coins were far fewer, with just over 1.1 million specially made for collector sets sold directly by the Mint.
Circulation strikes from both mints have survived in large numbers overall. Roughly 22 million Philadelphia pieces and 128 million Denver coins are still believed to exist, though the overwhelming majority show heavy wear from decades of use.
The survival picture is very different for proof varieties. About 600,000 regular proof examples remain. But premium proof designations show far steeper losses over time.
Cameo (CAM) specimens—proof coins where raised design elements appear frosted white against brilliant mirror-like fields—now number around 290,000. Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples are far rarer, with only about 25,000 surviving in any grade.
These figures reflect both the initial scarcity of top-quality strikes at the moment of minting and cumulative losses from improper storage, cleaning, and handling over more than sixty years. Denver’s overwhelming mintage dominates today’s market, while all proof varieties combined represent only a small fraction of available 1959 nickels.
Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)
The Easy Way to Know Your 1959 Nickel Value
Three key factors determine your coin’s worth at a glance. First, check the reverse to the right of Monticello for a “D” mint mark indicating Denver origin, or no mark indicating Philadelphia. Second, assess the coin’s overall condition and grade. Third, closely inspect Monticello’s staircase for the Full Steps designation.
Coins showing five or six fully defined, unbroken steps qualify as Full Steps (FS)—a feature that dramatically increases value at any Mint State grade level. Higher-grade and Full Steps examples can be worth thousands, while circulated pieces typically range from face value to a few dollars.
For instant identification and current market values, the CoinValueChecker App provides accurate appraisals based on all these details in just seconds.

1959 Nickel Value Guides
The 1959 Jefferson nickel series includes five distinct varieties that collectors actively pursue. Understanding the differences between them is the single most important step in knowing what your coin is actually worth.
Standard proof coins are fairly common in grades PR60 to PR67. Cameo (CAM) proofs—where the raised design elements appear frosted white against brilliant, mirror-like fields—are notably scarcer.
Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples represent the rarest proof category. These coins display maximum contrast between deeply frosted devices and brilliant mirror backgrounds, and only a tiny fraction of the original 1.1 million proof mintage survived with pristine DCAM surfaces intact. Values range dramatically across all five 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 struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carries no mintmark on the reverse, to the right of Monticello. Philadelphia produced approximately 27.2 million of these coins—far fewer than Denver—and its quality control was generally superior.
The defining factor for premium value is the Full Steps (FS) designation. This requires at least five complete, clearly defined steps on Monticello’s staircase with no breaks, flat areas, or wear interrupting the horizontal lines across their full width.
High-grade examples are genuinely scarce. Fewer than 150 specimens are documented in MS-66 condition across PCGS and NGC combined, while MS-66 Full Steps examples number approximately 108 or fewer. MS-67 specimens are nearly impossible to locate, with fewer than a handful confirmed at either grading service.
Circulated pieces typically range from $0.06 to $4. Mint State (MS) examples grading MS-63 through MS-66 sell for $10 to $225. MS-67 specimens can reach $4,750 or more. The highest recorded sale came in December 2022, when a premium MS-67 example achieved $12,000 at auction.
1959 No Mint Mark Nickel Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
1959 No Mint Mark Nickel (FS) Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The table below shows complete auction records for this coin at major auction houses.
Date Platform Price Grade
This chart displays market patterns over the past twelve months.

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Market Activity: 1959 No Mint Mark Nickel
1959-D Nickel Value
The 1959-D nickel was struck at the Denver Mint and is by far the more common variety, with over 160.7 million produced. Despite this high mintage, finding a well-struck, sharply detailed example is surprisingly difficult.
Denver’s massive production volume required rapid die cycling, which led to inconsistent strike quality across the entire run. Many 1959-D nickels show noticeable surface marks, weak central details on Jefferson’s portrait, and flat or partially merged steps on Monticello’s staircase.
The Full Steps designation is exceptionally rare for this date and mint. MS-65 FS coins are genuinely hard to locate, and MS-66 FS examples are extremely rare—with only a handful known across PCGS and NGC combined.
At Bowers & Merena in March 2007, a 1959-D MS-66 FS nickel sold for $3,910—a record that illustrates just how much collectors will pay for a well-struck Denver example. Circulated examples typically range from $0.07 to $5, while uncirculated non-FS coins grading MS-63 through MS-66 sell for $8 to $150.
When examining your coin, focus closely on those Monticello steps on the reverse. If they’re complete and unbroken across their full width, you’ve found something special that commands significant premiums over regular strikes.
1959-D Nickel Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
1959-D Nickel (FS) Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
The following table documents notable auction results for 1959-D nickels.
Date Platform Price Grade
Recent market activity shows fluctuating collector interest in this coin.
Market Activity: 1959-D Nickel
1959 Proof Nickel Value
Proof coins are an entirely different product from circulation strikes. Each 1959 proof nickel was made using hand-polished blanks (called planchets) individually fed into the press and struck at least twice using specially prepared dies, resulting in mirror-like surfaces with razor-sharp details.
The Philadelphia Mint produced 1,149,291 proof nickels in 1959—all sold directly to collectors through annual proof sets. These coins were never intended for everyday use, and most reached their buyers already protected inside government-issued packaging.
Standard 1959 proof nickels in grades PR60 to PR64 typically cost under $5 and are widely available. Better specimens grading PR65 to PR67 sell for $5 to $24. Value rises steeply only for PR68 and PR69 examples, which require near-perfect surfaces free of any contact marks or blemishes.
When evaluating a proof nickel, examine the mirror-like fields carefully under a loupe. Even a single hairline scratch—often caused by careless cleaning or improper storage—can drop a coin by one or two full grade points and significantly reduce its sale price.
1959 Proof Nickel Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Grade and surface preservation create significant price variation within this variety.
Date Platform Price Grade
Recent twelve-month trading patterns provide useful context for timing acquisitions.
Market Activity: 1959 Proof Nickel
1959 CAM Nickel Value
CAM stands for Cameo—a designation awarded by PCGS and NGC to proof coins displaying frosted (frosty white) raised design elements against mirror-like, highly reflective backgrounds. This visual contrast is highly prized by collectors and significantly increases a coin’s value over a standard non-cameo proof.
The frosting effect came from die etching or sandblasting applied to proof dies before striking. However, this frosting wore away quickly—typically after just 100 or fewer strikes—leaving most later coins in a run with fully brilliant surfaces and no cameo designation.
During 1957–1959, tight Mint budgets encouraged extended die use, which reduced the frequency of cameo strikes despite rising proof mintages. In PR-68 Cameo grade, several hundred examples exist across both grading services. Values range from $20 in PR-65 to $450 for a PR-69 CAM.
To earn CAM certification, a coin must display light to moderate frosting on all design elements across both sides. Partial frosting caused by uneven die wear often disqualifies an otherwise beautiful coin. Collectors should carefully examine Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello’s architectural elements under magnification before submitting for grading.
1959 CAM Nickel Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Here’s a look at all historical auctions for this coin.
Date Platform Price Grade
The following visualization highlights the coin’s market activity over the past year.
Market Activity: 1959 CAM Nickel
1959 DCAM Nickel Value
DCAM stands for Deep Cameo—the highest surface quality designation available for any proof coin. To earn this designation from PCGS or NGC, a coin must show maximum, deeply frosted contrast between the raised design elements and the mirror-like fields—significantly more pronounced than what qualifies for the standard CAM designation.
The 1959 Deep Cameo nickel is one of the rarest coins in the entire Jefferson nickel proof series. Out of 1,149,291 proof coins produced that year, only a tiny fraction survived with full Deep Cameo contrast completely intact.
High-grade DCAM examples are extraordinarily scarce. Just a few are known in PR-68. Only a single coin has ever been certified PR-69 DCAM—a specimen that sold for $8,400 at Stack’s Bowers in August 2021. In contrast, standard 1959 proof coins are widely available through PR-67, making Deep Cameo pieces a true collector’s prize.
Proper storage is essential to preserve both the coin’s appearance and its certification value. Store it in an airtight capsule to protect against scratches, dust, and humidity. Always handle by the edges or with cotton gloves to prevent skin oils from marring the mirror surfaces and potentially costing you a grade point—or an entire designation—at grading time.
1959 DCAM Nickel Price/Grade Chart
Price by 1-70 Grade (Latest Auction Records Included)
Over the years, this coin has appeared in numerous auctions, with results summarized below.
Date Platform Price Grade
In the past year, interest in this coin has gradually stabilized, as shown by its recent market activity.
Market Activity: 1959 DCAM Nickel
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 specialists. These errors occurred during regular production and reflect the manufacturing challenges of mid-century coin striking.
Error coins require careful authentication—post-mint damage and counterfeits can mimic genuine errors. For any high-value error, always seek PCGS or NGC certification before buying or selling.
1. Off-Center Strike Errors
Off-center strikes happen when a blank planchet is not properly centered between the dies at the moment of striking, leaving part of the design missing from the finished coin. The error results from the planchet shifting or partially exiting the feeder mechanism before the strike completes.
Values depend heavily on the percentage off-center and whether the date is still visible. Pieces 10–25% off-center bring $10–$50. Dramatic 50%+ off-center examples with a clearly visible date can command $100–$500 or more. The date is essential for premium value—dateless examples are worth significantly less.
Collectors specifically seek specimens where both the obverse and reverse show corresponding misalignment, confirming the shift happened at the die rather than through post-mint damage.
2. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Errors
A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) occurs when the hub used to create a working die makes contact at a slightly different angle or position more than once. The result is a coin where certain design elements appear to have a “shadow” or secondary image layered alongside the primary design.
On 1959 Jefferson nickel DDOs, doubling is most clearly visible in the word LIBERTY and in the date numerals. Examine the coin under 5x to 10x magnification with a single angled light source to see the effect clearly. Minor DDO varieties sell for $25–$75, while dramatic, easily visible examples can bring $150–$400 or more.
Not all doubling is genuine. Machine doubling—caused by die bounce during striking—produces flat, shelf-like distortions rather than the rounded, separated layers seen in true doubled die errors. A jeweler’s loupe and good lighting are essential tools for correct identification.
3. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Errors
A Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) on the 1959-D nickel occurs when the “D” mint mark was punched into the working die more than once at a slightly different position. This leaves a visible secondary “D” image next to—or overlapping—the primary mark.
The most collectible RPM varieties show a clear secondary “D” pointing north, south, or at a diagonal angle from the primary mark. Look at the reverse under 5x to 10x magnification, to the right of Monticello. Documented 1959-D RPM varieties generally sell for $25–$150, depending on how visible the repunching is and the coin’s overall grade.
RPMs are a beginner-friendly error to hunt because they can be spotted without expensive equipment—a simple jeweler’s loupe is all you need to get started.
4. Die Crack and Cud Errors
Die cracks appear when coin dies develop stress fractures after thousands of strikes, transferring raised, thin lines onto the coins. A “cud” error is more dramatic—it forms when a piece of the die breaks away entirely, creating a raised, blob-like projection near the coin’s rim.
Collectors can distinguish genuine mint-origin errors from post-mint scratches by the texture: authentic die cracks are always raised above the coin’s surface, whereas handling damage appears incused (pushed into the metal). Minor die cracks typically sell for $15–$50, while major cuds affecting prominent design areas can fetch $100 or more.
5. Wrong Planchet and Clipped Planchet Errors
Wrong planchet errors occur when a nickel design is accidentally struck on a blank (planchet) meant for another denomination. The most prized example is a 1959 nickel struck on a dime planchet—smaller and thinner than a normal nickel, producing a dramatically undersized, lightweight coin.
Clipped planchet errors result from the blanking process when the punch cuts too close to a previously punched hole or the metal strip’s edge, leaving a crescent-shaped or straight-edged clip on the coin’s rim. A genuine clip can be confirmed by the “Blakesley effect,” where the rim directly opposite the clip appears thin or partially missing.
Wrong planchet errors are extremely rare and can sell for $500–$1,000 or more. Standard clipped planchets typically range from $25 to $150, depending on clip size and the coin’s overall condition.
6. Struck-Through Grease Errors
Struck-through-grease errors occur when excess lubricating grease fills the recessed areas of a die before striking. When that die contacts the planchet, the grease prevents metal from flowing fully into those recessed areas, resulting in a coin with flat, mushy, or missing design details at specific locations.

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On 1959 nickels, this error most commonly affects the steps of Monticello or the reverse lettering. A coin with grease fill affecting the steps area may appear to have weak or missing steps—potentially misleading a buyer into thinking the coin simply has a poor strike. These errors typically sell for $20–$100, depending on the severity and the location of the affected area.
Where To Sell Your 1959 Nickel for Best Value
You can sell your 1959 nickel through online marketplaces, local coin dealers, or dedicated auction platforms specializing in vintage U.S. coins. Each option involves different trade-offs in price, speed, and fees—so comparing them carefully matters.
For high-value specimens—especially Full Steps, DCAM, or error coins—major auction houses like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, or Legend Rare Coin Auctions reach the widest audience of serious buyers willing to pay top dollar. Common circulated examples sell quickly through eBay or a local coin dealer with minimal fees and hassle.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
1959 Nickel Market Trend
Market Interest Trend Chart - 1959 Nickel
*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.
FAQ About 1959 Nickel Value
1. Are 1959 Jefferson nickels rare?
The 1959 Jefferson nickel is not rare in most grades. Nearly 189 million were produced across Philadelphia and Denver, making circulated examples very affordable—usually just a few cents to a couple of dollars.
However, high-grade specimens with the Full Steps designation and Deep Cameo proof coins are genuinely rare and highly sought after. These are the pieces collectors are willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to acquire.
2. What is the 1959 nickel made of—is it silver?
The 1959 Jefferson nickel contains no silver. It is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which is the standard composition for Jefferson nickels both before and after 1959.
The only Jefferson nickels that contain silver are the “War Nickels” struck from mid-1942 through 1945. Those used a 35% silver alloy to conserve nickel for World War II military production, and they can be identified by the large mint mark (P, D, or S) placed above Monticello on the reverse. The 1959 nickel has none of those features.
3. What does “Full Steps” mean, and why does it matter so much?
Full Steps (FS) is a designation awarded by PCGS and NGC when a coin shows five or six complete, unbroken steps on the staircase leading to Monticello’s entrance on the reverse. Each step must be fully separated from the others across the entire width of the staircase—no breaks, flat spots, or merging lines are allowed.
Most 1959 nickels—especially Denver issues—have weak or partially struck steps due to high-volume, rapid production. A Full Steps coin is significantly rarer and worth far more than an identical coin without the designation.
For example, a regular 1959-D MS-66 might sell for around $100, while a 1959-D MS-66 Full Steps has sold for $3,910. That’s the power of the FS designation.
4. Which 1959 nickels are the most expensive ever sold at auction?
Here are the top auction records for 1959 nickels:
- 1959 MS-67: $12,000 (eBay, December 2022)
- 1959 MS-67 FS: $9,694 (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, October 2017)
- 1959 PR-69 DCAM: $8,400 (Stack’s Bowers, August 2021)
- 1959-D MS-66 FS: $3,910 (Bowers & Merena, March 2007)
- 1959 PR-69: $1,576 (eBay, April 2021)
- 1959 PR-69 CAM: $1,150 (Heritage Auctions, March 2011)
- 1959-D MS-67: $900 (eBay, May 2021)
These prices show how dramatically grade, strike quality, and proof surface designation affect the final sale price.
5. How much is a 1959 Philadelphia (no mint mark) nickel worth?
Circulated 1959 Philadelphia nickels are worth $0.06 to $4 depending on condition. Uncirculated examples grading MS-63 to MS-66 sell for $10 to $225.
MS-67 specimens are rare and can reach $4,750 or more. Full Steps examples command substantial premiums at every grade, with MS-66 FS pieces worth $150–$500 and MS-67 FS coins potentially reaching several thousand dollars at major auction.
6. How much is a 1959-D nickel worth?
Circulated 1959-D nickels are worth $0.07 to $5 depending on how much wear they show. Uncirculated examples without the Full Steps designation typically range from $8 to $150 in grades MS-63 through MS-66.
Full Steps examples command far higher prices due to their rarity. The auction record for a 1959-D Full Steps coin stands at $3,910, recorded at Bowers & Merena in March 2007 for an MS-66 FS example.
7. What is the difference between a CAM and a DCAM proof nickel?
CAM (Cameo) and DCAM (Deep Cameo) are both surface quality designations for proof coins, but they represent different levels of contrast. A CAM coin shows light to moderate frosting on the raised design elements against mirror-like fields—a nice visual effect, but not the maximum possible.
A DCAM coin displays heavy, deeply frosted, brilliant-white devices against deeply reflective mirror backgrounds—the strongest possible contrast. DCAM is rarer and significantly more valuable.
For the 1959 nickel, a PR-69 DCAM sold for $8,400, compared to just $1,150 for a PR-69 CAM and $1,576 for a PR-69 standard proof. The designation matters enormously to serious collectors.
8. What error coins exist for 1959 nickels, and what are they worth?
Several error types are documented for 1959 nickels, and some carry significant premiums:
- Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Doubling visible on LIBERTY and the date — $25 to $400+ depending on severity
- Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) on 1959-D: A secondary “D” visible alongside the primary — $25 to $150
- Off-center strikes: 10–25% off-center brings $10–$50; 50%+ with visible date brings $100–$500
- Wrong planchet errors: Rarest of all — can sell for $500 to $1,000 or more
- Struck-through grease: Affects lettering or steps — typically $20 to $100
All significant errors should be professionally authenticated by PCGS or NGC before buying or selling.
9. How do I identify a Full Steps coin at home?
Look at the reverse of the coin and focus on the staircase at the base of Monticello. There should be five or six horizontal lines forming clearly separated, complete steps running the full width of the staircase.
Use a 5x or 10x magnifying loupe under a good single light source—a flashlight or desk lamp works well. If all the lines are fully separated with no flat spots, breaks, or merging areas, you likely have a Full Steps candidate.
It’s worth submitting such a coin to PCGS or NGC for professional grading and certification, since the Full Steps designation can multiply the coin’s value many times over.
10. What is the most expensive Jefferson nickel ever sold, and how does the 1959 compare?
The most expensive Jefferson nickel ever sold at auction is a 1954-S MS-67 Full Steps example, which achieved $35,250 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions in 2020. That coin’s exceptional combination of a key San Francisco date, perfect strike, and ultra-high grade made it one of a kind.
Among 1959-dated nickels specifically, the record belongs to a 1959 MS-67 that sold for $12,000 in December 2022. These prices demonstrate how dramatically strike quality, grade, and designation affect value—even for a date that originally saw nearly 189 million coins produced.









