1960 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth

The 1960 Jefferson nickel is one of the most fascinating coins in the entire Jefferson series — not because it is rare in the traditional sense, but because finding a well-struck example is genuinely difficult. Both the Philadelphia and Denver Mints combined to produce over 250 million pieces that year, yet the die quality was so poor that specialists consider certain varieties to be extreme condition rarities.

What does that mean for your coin? Most circulated examples are worth face value — just five cents. But the right grade, the right designation, or the right error can push values into the thousands of dollars, making the 1960 nickel a hidden gem that rewards careful inspection.

 

1960 Nickel Value By Variety

The 1960 Jefferson Nickel’s value ranges from face value in circulated grades to several hundred dollars for premium Full Steps examples and proof varieties, with prices heavily influenced by mint mark, condition, and special designations. 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 1960 Nickel Worth Money

The 1960 nickel market demonstrates exceptional value driven almost entirely by condition. The chart-topping MS-66+ Full Steps specimen sold for $15,000 on eBay in July 2019, while a standard MS-69 example achieved $6,463, illustrating how even a single grade point separates thousands of dollars at the top tier.

The 1960-D MS-67 at $3,150 — recorded via eBay in December 2021 — demonstrates that Denver mint coins can also achieve remarkable premiums in the finest surviving grades.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1960-P with Full Steps designation has approximately two dozen examples known across all grades combined, while the 1960-D had no Full Steps coins graded by PCGS as of 2014. This extraordinary strike rarity is what pushes peak prices so far above the typical value of a common 1960 nickel.

For collectors, the key lesson is simple: professional grading by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) can unlock major value, as the difference between an MS-64 and MS-66 can represent thousands of dollars.

 

History of The 1960 Nickel

The 1960 Jefferson nickel entered circulation during one of the most dramatic moments in modern American history. The coin passed through pockets and cash registers as John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon in one of the closest presidential elections ever recorded, and as Cold War tensions with the Soviet Union shaped daily life.

The Jefferson nickel series itself began in 1938, when the U.S. Mint held an open competition to replace the Buffalo nickel after its mandated 25-year run. In late January 1938, Mint Director Nellie Tayloe Ross announced the contest, offering a $1,000 prize to the winner from among 390 submitted entries.

Felix Oscar Schlag, a German-born artist who had lived in the United States since 1929, won the competition and was announced the winner on April 21, 1938. Art scholar Cornelius Vermeule later noted that Schlag’s Jefferson portrait closely resembled Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1789 marble bust of Jefferson.

One critical detail: Schlag’s original reverse design depicted Monticello in a three-quarter perspective, which was rejected by the Treasury Department. The final coin shows a flat, head-on elevation — a change that affected the rendering of the steps, the very feature that now drives collector value.

In 1939, the Mint recut the hub to sharpen Monticello’s steps, which had been fuzzy in initial strikings. This improvement created the Full Steps standard that specialists still use today to evaluate strike quality.

By 1960, the coin had returned to its standard composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, following the wartime silver alloy used from 1942 through 1945. With two active mints pushing out a combined 248 million pieces, quality control suffered badly — a fact that ironically created some of the greatest rarities in the entire series.

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

 

Is Your 1960 Nickel Rare?

Curious about your 1960 nickel’s rarity? The Coin Value Checker App delivers instant authentication, variety identification, and accurate pricing data to help you discover if you’re holding a treasure.

 

Key Features of The 1960 Nickel

The 1960 Jefferson nickel carries Felix Schlag’s enduring design that has defined American five-cent pieces for decades. Understanding the coin’s features from Jefferson’s left-facing portrait to Monticello’s architectural steps is essential for proper identification and accurate valuation.

The Obverse Of The 1960 Nickel

Felix Schlag’s obverse design features Thomas Jefferson’s left-facing profile, adapted from Jean-Antoine Houdon’s marble bust sculpted from life in 1789. Unlike most coin portraits of the era, Jefferson displays a subtle expression that adds warmth to an otherwise formal composition.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” curves along the left rim, while “LIBERTY” appears on the right, followed by a five-pointed star and the date 1960. Philadelphia-struck coins bear no mint mark — a tradition that the Philadelphia Mint maintained until 1980 — making identification straightforward once you know what to look for.

Schlag never included his initials in the original winning design, either through oversight or misunderstanding of the contest rules. They were not added to the coin’s obverse until 1966, meaning every 1960 nickel is part of the unsigned era.

The Reverse Of The 1960 Nickel

The reverse showcases a frontal elevation of Monticello, Jefferson’s estate in Charlottesville, Virginia, featuring its iconic dome and columned portico. Inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the building, “MONTICELLO” below, and “FIVE CENTS” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the bottom rim.

The critical “Full Steps” (FS) designation refers to the visibility of at least five clearly defined, uninterrupted horizontal lines on Monticello’s staircase. This feature serves as the primary strike-quality test for the Jefferson nickel series and dramatically impacts collector value.

Since 2004, NGC distinguishes between 5FS (five full steps) and 6FS (six full steps), with six-step examples commanding the highest premiums. The 1960 issue is so poorly struck overall that even five-step examples are considered extreme rarities.

Other Features Of The 1960 Nickel

The 1960 nickel measures 21.20mm in diameter, weighs 5 grams, and is 1.95mm thick with a smooth, plain edge. The cupronickel alloy — 75% copper and 25% nickel — creates the coin’s silvery appearance while providing the durability needed for heavy circulation.

The coin’s melt value is minimal, currently around $0.07, which is why virtually no 1960 nickels were melted down for their metal. This explains the relatively high survival rates seen across all business-strike varieties from this year.

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

 

1960 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1960 nickel production totaled nearly 250 million coins across all varieties. Denver contributed the majority at 192,582,180 pieces, while Philadelphia struck 55,416,000 business-strike coins alongside 1,691,602 proof coins intended specifically for collectors.

Survival rates for the business strikes are remarkably high — Denver specimens survive at 80.5% and Philadelphia examples at 79.4%. Because the coins contain no silver and were too recently minted to drive any melt campaign, nearly as many exist today as were originally released.

Proof coins tell a very different story. Standard proofs survive at a moderate 45.8% rate, but the premium cameo varieties are dramatically scarcer.

Only 24.8% of Cameo proofs and just 9.5% of Deep Cameo specimens survive in certified condition today. The difficulty of keeping pristine mirror surfaces intact over six decades explains this rapid drop-off, and it is exactly why high-grade DCAM examples command such strong premiums.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1960 Nickel Value

Determining your 1960 nickel’s value involves three primary steps: identifying the mint mark variety, assessing the coin’s condition or grade, and recognizing special qualities like the Full Steps designation or a Cameo proof finish.

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC makes the biggest difference, since a coin’s assigned grade directly controls its market price. A circulated 1960 nickel may be worth just five cents, while a certified MS-66+ Full Steps example sold for $15,000.

Rather than navigating complex price guides and grading charts manually, the Coin Value Checker App streamlines this entire process. Simply photograph your coin to receive instant variety identification, accurate condition assessment, and current market valuations.

 

1960 Nickel Value Guides

The 1960 Jefferson nickel series is defined by a paradox: massive mintage combined with desperately poor strike quality. Philadelphia and Denver issued over 247 million business strikes, making worn circulated examples extremely common, yet true numismatic value varies dramatically based on preservation, mint origin, and strike quality.

Understanding the five primary varieties — including proof strikes and their coveted Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) variants — is essential for accurately assessing value in this popular series.

Five Varieties of 1960 Nickels:

• 1960 No Mint Mark Nickel (Philadelphia) — Standard business strike
• 1960 D Nickel (Denver) — High mintage business strike
• 1960 Proof Nickel (Philadelphia) — Collector strike with mirror-like fields
• 1960 CAM Nickel (Philadelphia) — Proof with frosted devices on design elements
• 1960 DCAM Nickel (Philadelphia) — Proof with strong, deep frosty contrast

 

1960 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1960 Philadelphia nickel is identified by the absence of a mint mark on the reverse, just to the right of Monticello. With a mintage of 55,416,000, it is plentiful in circulated condition and even in standard uncirculated grades.

A Mint State 63 (MS-63) coin — meaning uncirculated but with some visible bag marks — is valued at around $5. A Gem MS-65 example, which shows strong luster with only minor contact marks, typically trades for about $15.

The coin’s special collectible status lies entirely in the “Full Steps” (FS) designation. This numismatic qualifier is awarded when at least five complete, uninterrupted horizontal steps are visible on Monticello’s staircase.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1960-P is notorious among specialists for its weak and mushy strike, caused by overworked, deteriorated dies. As a result, fewer than two dozen examples are believed to have earned the FS designation across all certified grades combined.

This extreme scarcity creates a dramatic price gap. While a standard MS-65 coin might sell for $15, an MS-65 Full Steps example can command prices around $3,000.

The all-time auction record stands at $15,000 for a PCGS MS-66+ FS specimen, sold via eBay in July 2019. A separate MS-65 FS example brought $3,199.99 at eBay in March 2018, confirming that the Full Steps designation fundamentally transforms this otherwise common coin into a major numismatic rarity.

The chart below illustrates the auction performance of this standard Philadelphia strike over time, revealing price trends across different grade levels.

Market activity data shown in the following chart demonstrates the trading frequency and collector demand for this widely circulated variety.

 

1960-D Nickel Value

The 1960-D nickel, produced in massive quantities of 192,582,180 at the Denver Mint, is the most common circulation coin of the year. Its defining characteristic, as documented by PCGS specialist Jaime Hernandez, is that it is “the most difficult coin to find with the Full Steps designation from 1938 to 1964.”

The strike on Monticello’s steps is consistently mushy and incomplete across virtually the entire mintage. As of 2014, PCGS had not certified a single 1960-D Full Steps example in any grade — an extraordinary fact for a coin produced in such enormous numbers.

Because Full Steps is essentially an impossibility for this date, collector value is based almost entirely on surface preservation. Common in MS-65 (valued around $18), the coin becomes very scarce in MS-66 and above.

PCGS estimates fewer than 50 to 75 coins exist that would qualify for MS-66 or higher. Most 1960-D planchets show numerous nicks and scratches that prevent top-tier grades. The current auction record is $3,150 for an MS-67 specimen, sold on eBay in December 2021.

Additionally, the 1960-D offers one notable collectible variety: the D/D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM), where the “D” was punched into the die twice at slightly different positions. This error was the result of the hand-punching process used by the U.S. Mint before 1990. RPM examples show doubling on the mint mark visible under magnification and add a collector premium beyond standard grade-based values.

Auction records for Denver-minted specimens are presented in the chart below, showcasing realized prices for various condition grades.

The accompanying market activity chart reflects the buying and selling patterns that characterize this high-mintage issue in today’s numismatic marketplace.

 

1960 Proof Nickel Value

The 1960 Proof Jefferson nickel was a special collector-only issue struck at the Philadelphia Mint, with a mintage of 1,691,602. These coins were never intended for circulation and were sold to collectors as part of annual “Proof Sets.”

Because they were carefully saved from the time of issue, their survival rate is relatively high. PCGS estimates approximately 775,000 still exist in all grades. Proof coins are defined by their extremely sharp strike and deeply reflective, mirror-like fields — a finish achieved by specially polished dies and carefully prepared planchets.

A standard PR-67 proof is common and very affordable at around $22, while a PR-68 typically trades near $25.

The real challenge for proof collectors is finding examples completely free of haze, hairlines, or contact marks. A PR-69 example — approaching perfection — commands around $325, reflecting how rarely these coins survived 65 years without any blemish.

It is worth noting that proof sales briefly ceased in 1964 due to the nationwide coin shortage, making the 1960 proof one of the last affordable collector-issue proofs from this era before the disruption.

Historical auction results displayed in the chart provide insight into how collector-grade proofs have performed at major sales events.

Market engagement for proof specimens are captured in the market activity visualization below.

 

1960 CAM Nickel Value

The “Cameo” (CAM) designation — meaning the raised design elements appear frosty white against deeply reflective mirror-like fields — was not a guaranteed feature of 1960 proof coins. During this era, the Cameo effect was a byproduct of freshly polished dies that would fade with repeated use.

Because die polish wore off as more coins were struck, only the earliest coins from each die carry the full Cameo contrast. This means only a fraction of the 1.69 million proof mintage genuinely qualifies for the CAM designation.

A PR-67 CAM is significantly more desirable than a standard proof of the same grade — worth about $40 compared to $22. A PR-68 CAM, which is considerably scarcer, commands approximately $65.

For collectors on a budget, Cameo-designated proofs offer a visually stunning upgrade over standard proofs at a manageable premium. They represent an accessible middle ground between the affordable standard proof and the rare, expensive Deep Cameo.

The auction record chart below tracks the premium values achieved by these desirable cameo-designated proofs across different grade tiers.

Market activity metrics illustrated in the following chart reveal collector interest and transaction frequency for cameo varieties.

 

1960 DCAM Nickel Value

The 1960 Deep Cameo (DCAM) nickel represents the finest proof quality ever produced for this date. “Deep Cameo” means the frosted contrast between design devices and mirror fields is dramatically intense — like snow-white cameos set against flawless black glass.

Examples through PR-67 DCAM remain relatively accessible and modestly priced. But the issue becomes genuinely rare in PR-68 and scarce to the point of extreme rarity in PR-69.

In PR-69 Deep Cameo condition, the 1960 nickel is exceptionally rare, with just ten examples known. None have been graded higher. The auction record of $6,463 for a PR-69 DCAM specimen underscores the premium collectors pay for perfection.

Market valuations reflect this scarcity gradient precisely. Deep Cameo specimens range from approximately $35 at PR-65 DCAM to around $4,500 at PR-69 DCAM, with PR-68 DCAM examples commanding $100 to $500 or more depending on eye appeal.

Auction performance data presented below highlights the significant premiums commanded by these rare deep cameo specimens.

The market activity chart demonstrates the competitive demand and limited availability that characterizes deep cameo specimens’ trading patterns.

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

 

Rare 1960 Nickel Error List

The 1960 Jefferson nickel, though a familiar face in circulation, hides real excitement for attentive collectors. Among the hundreds of millions minted that year, mint oversights and die-making anomalies created several documented error varieties that command strong premiums.

1. 1960 QDR FS-801 (Quadrupled Die Reverse)

The “QDR” designation stands for Quadrupled Die Reverse — a very rare and dramatic form of doubled die error that is far more visually striking than a standard doubled die. This error was created during the die-making process when a working die was struck by the hub four separate times, each time with a slight rotational misalignment between impressions.

The result is a quadrupled ghost image permanently pressed into the die itself, and then onto every coin struck from it. This dramatic multiplication is most visible on the reverse inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

According to documented error research compiled at CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America), QDR varieties are exceptionally scarce in the Jefferson nickel series. Confirmed QDR dates include only 1939, 1956, and 1960.

The 1960 QDR FS-801 is a prized proof variety. In high-grade PR-66 to PR-68 condition with strong Cameo or Deep Cameo contrast, this coin can sell for $400 to over $700 at auction.

Examples showing strong, visible quadrupling — detectable without magnification — and deep frosty contrast on mirror fields command the highest prices of all.

2. 1960-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM D/D)

The 1960-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) error is one of the more accessible error varieties from this year and is worth hunting for in your change or bulk lots. Before 1989, U.S. Mint technicians manually punched mint marks into each working die using a steel punch and mallet.

If the first impression was misaligned, a second punch was applied — sometimes at a slightly different angle or position. This left overlapping “D” impressions on the die, which transferred to every coin struck from it.

On the 1960-D RPM, you can see a secondary, fainter “D” impression adjacent to the primary mint mark. The relative position of the two marks is described directionally — for example, “D/D North” means the weaker earlier impression sits slightly north of the final placement.

Most circulated 1960-D RPM examples sell in the $5 to $30 range, but sharply struck, high-grade certified examples can sell for several hundred dollars. This variety is one of the more beginner-friendly errors to hunt, since it requires only a basic loupe or magnifier to spot.

3. 1960 Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error occurs when the metal strip from which blank coins are cut passes through the cutting machine incorrectly, producing a blank with a curved section missing from its edge. On a 1960 Jefferson nickel, this creates a coin that appears to have a bite taken out of its rim.

The size and position of the clip affect value significantly. A large, dramatic curved clip on a high-grade example can sell for $50 to $150. Straight clips, caused by the strip ending mid-punch, are rarer still and command higher premiums.

These error coins are authentic mint products and can be authenticated by PCGS or NGC, both of which certify planchet errors on their standard grading labels.

 

Where to Sell Your 1960 Nickel?

Choosing the right selling platform can significantly impact your final sale price and overall experience. For a comprehensive comparison of the most trusted online marketplaces, including their advantages and limitations, explore our detailed guide:

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

 

1960 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about The 1960 Nickel Value

1. What is the metal composition of the 1960 Nickel, and does it contain any silver?

The 1960 Jefferson nickel contains no silver. It is made of cupronickel — an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel — giving it a bright, silver-like appearance purely from the nickel content.

The only Jefferson nickels containing silver are the “War Nickels” minted from late 1942 through 1945, which used a 35% silver alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort. Those coins are identifiable by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the reverse — a feature absent from the 1960 issue.

2. What is the typical 1960 Nickel value, and what makes some examples rare?

Most 1960 nickels in circulated condition are worth just five cents — their face value. Very lightly circulated examples might trade for slightly more, but significant collector value only attaches to Mint State (uncirculated) coins.

A standard MS-65 example in gem condition sells for around $15. The Full Steps designation pushes a similar-grade coin to $3,000 or more due to its extreme scarcity — fewer than two dozen are believed to exist across all grades.

3. What is the “Full Steps” designation, and why is it so rare on the 1960 Nickel?

“Full Steps” (FS) refers to the clear visibility of at least five complete, unbroken horizontal lines on Monticello’s staircase on the reverse. To earn the designation, no step can be interrupted by a weak strike, die deterioration, or bag mark.

For the 1960 issue, achieving a crisp, full strike in this area was nearly impossible. Both Philadelphia and Denver used heavily worn dies, producing what specialists describe as a “mushy” impression on the steps.

PCGS CoinFacts reports approximately two dozen 1960-P examples with Full Steps across all grades combined. As of 2014, PCGS had not certified a single 1960-D example with Full Steps — making the Denver issue essentially unobtainable with this designation.

4. How do Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs differ, and how does that affect 1960 Nickel value?

Cameo (CAM) means the raised design elements — Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello — appear with a frosty, white appearance against shiny mirror-like fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM) means that contrast is dramatically intense, like heavy frost against a black mirror.

In 1960, neither designation was intentionally targeted during proof production. Both were byproducts of freshly polished dies that wore down with use. A standard PR-67 proof is worth about $22, a PR-67 CAM is around $40, and a PR-67 DCAM commands approximately $60 or more, reflecting the progressively rarer visual quality at each level.

5. What is the highest price ever paid for a 1960 Nickel, and what made it so valuable?

The all-time auction record for a 1960 Jefferson nickel stands at $15,000, paid for a PCGS MS-66+ Full Steps example in a July 2019 eBay sale. Its value came from the combination of an exceptionally high Mint State grade and the virtually impossible-to-achieve Full Steps designation.

The coin’s grade of MS-66+ means it shows superb eye appeal, nearly full luster, and only trivial contact marks — a condition that is itself rare for this date. Combined with certified Full Steps, it became one of the most valuable modern business-strike nickels known.

6. Are there any valuable error coins among 1960 Nickels?

Yes — three error types are well documented for this date. The most prized is the 1960 QDR FS-801 (Quadrupled Die Reverse), where the reverse die was struck four times by the hub with slight misalignment, creating a dramatic quadrupled image on inscriptions. High-grade examples sell for $400 to $700+.

The 1960-D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM D/D) shows doubling on the “D” mint mark and sells for $5 to several hundred dollars depending on grade. Clipped planchet errors — coins missing a section of rim — are also found on this date and can bring $50 to $150 in high grades.

7. What does the Sheldon grading scale mean for the 1960 Nickel, and how does grade affect value?

The Sheldon scale grades coins from 1 (Poor) to 70 (Perfect Mint State), developed by Dr. William Sheldon in his 1958 publication “Penny Whimsy.” For the 1960 nickel, the grade jump from MS-65 to MS-66 can represent hundreds of dollars.

Circulated grades (below MS-60) are worth face value for this high-mintage date. The premium range begins at MS-63 (around $5) and accelerates sharply at MS-65 ($15) and MS-66+ ($150+). Full Steps examples operate on an entirely separate value scale.

8. How can I identify a 1960-D Nickel versus a 1960 Philadelphia Nickel?

The identification is straightforward. Flip the coin to the reverse (Monticello) side and look to the right of the building, near the rim. A small “D” letter indicates the coin was struck at Denver. No letter at all confirms a Philadelphia-struck coin — the Philadelphia Mint did not use a “P” mint mark on nickels until 1980.

Under magnification, also look for any doubling of the “D” mint mark, which would indicate a Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) variety worth extra to specialists.

9. Is the 1960 Proof Nickel hard to find, and how many survive today?

The 1960 Proof nickel is not rare at the standard level. PCGS estimates roughly 775,000 survive in all grades from the original mintage of 1,691,602. Most were carefully stored by collectors who purchased the annual Proof Sets, so high-grade examples in PR-67 are common and modestly priced.

The rarity only appears at the top. PR-69 examples are scarce, and PR-69 DCAM coins number just ten known. If you own a 1960 proof nickel, the key question is not whether it’s a proof — but whether it carries any Cameo contrast and what grade it would receive.

10. Should I clean my 1960 Nickel before having it graded or sold?

Absolutely not — cleaning a coin is one of the worst things you can do to its value. Even gentle polishing or chemical cleaning leaves microscopic scratches in the metal surface called hairlines, which are immediately visible under grading-service magnification.

A cleaned coin is graded “Details” by PCGS or NGC and typically sells for a fraction of the price of an original, uncleaned example at the same grade level. If your 1960 nickel has toning, light dirt, or storage residue, leave it alone and submit it to a grading service exactly as it is.