1964 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth

Understanding 1964 nickel value starts with one key fact: most circulated examples are worth face value, but certain uncirculated specimens can fetch tens of thousands of dollars. The gap between a common coin and a rare one comes down to strike quality, special designations, and the handful of production anomalies that escaped the Mint.

For example, a standard Mint State (MS) nickel from the Philadelphia mint is typically valued around $14. However, a rare Special Mint Set (SMS) version with Full Steps (FS) — meaning five or six perfectly defined, unbroken steps at the base of Monticello — can be worth over $32,900 at auction.

The main factors behind these higher values are the quality of the strike, whether the coin carries the Full Steps designation, and whether the coin originates from the scarce 1964 Special Mint Set prototype program.

 

1964 Nickel Value By Variety

The following chart illustrates the value of the 1964 nickel, showing how it changes based on 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 1964 Nickel Worth Money

This chart showcases the top ten most valuable 1964 nickel varieties based on pricing data from 2002 to the present. Leading the list is the exceptionally rare 1964 SMS SP68 FS, which sold for $32,900 at Heritage Auctions in January 2016 — the same coin had previously sold in 2009 for $8,625, a staggering 280% appreciation in just seven years.

The second spot goes to the 1964 SMS SP67 FS at $22,800, while the Repunched Mint Mark (D/D RPM) FS-501 error variety in MS66 grade commands $19,800 from a July 2022 sale. Regular 1964 nickels without special designations range from $3,840 to $14,100, depending on grade and mint mark.

These valuations reflect the significant premium collectors place on rarity, minting quality, and exceptional preservation. Even a single grade point can mean thousands of dollars difference for key varieties.

 

History of the 1964 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel was introduced on October 3, 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel after its mandatory 25-year production run ended. Designer Felix Schlag, born in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1891 and educated at the Munich University of Fine Arts, immigrated to the United States in 1929.

Schlag won a nationwide design competition against 390 other proposals and earned a $1,000 prize — though his winning entry still required significant revision. His original reverse featured a three-quarter view of Monticello, but the Federal Commission of Fine Arts required a straight-ahead frontal view, creating the iconic design collectors know today.

Interestingly, Schlag never placed his initials on the original coin. The tiny “FS” initials below Jefferson’s portrait were not added until 1966 — nearly three decades after the series launched. At the ANA Convention in Cleveland in August 1964, Schlag himself addressed the Educational Forum, even as record numbers of coins bearing his design were being struck across the country.

By 1964, the United States faced a serious coin shortage driven by the explosion of vending machines, automated toll booths, and a booming economy that demanded more small change than the Mint could produce. Mint Director Eva Adams, however, publicly blamed coin collectors and hoarders for the shortage, a position later recognized as incorrect by numismatic historians.

Congress responded by authorizing a “date freeze,” meaning nickels dated 1964 could be struck into 1965 and even 1966. In fact, roughly 60% of all “1964” nickels were physically produced in 1965. Of Denver’s massive total, only about 455 million coins were actually struck in calendar year 1964, with the remaining 1.33 billion struck the following year.

As a further anti-hoarding measure, Adams removed mint marks from all coins produced from 1965 through 1967, making it impossible for collectors to identify where coins originated. Mint marks returned in 1968. The 1964 Jefferson nickel was therefore the last nickel date to carry a mint mark for four years.

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

 

Is Your 1964 Nickel Rare?

Use the Coin Value Checker App to instantly identify your 1964 nickel’s rarity and current market value with just a quick photo scan.

 

Key Features of the 1964 Nickel

The 1964 Jefferson Nickel was produced during one of the most chaotic periods in U.S. Mint history, with coin presses running around the clock to fill an unprecedented demand for small change. Designed by Felix Schlag in 1938, this coin carries classic design elements that have made the Jefferson series one of the longest-running in American coinage history.

The Obverse of the 1964 Nickel

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, modeled after Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1789 bust — a cast of which now resides in Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. Jefferson’s portrait shows his hair tied back in a colonial pigtail, with his head nearly touching the upper rim.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” curves clockwise along the left rim, starting near Jefferson’s chest. On the right side, the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1964” appear clockwise behind Jefferson’s portrait, separated by a small five-pointed star.

The Reverse of the 1964 Nickel

The reverse shows a straight-ahead frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson’s historic Virginia estate. This design replaced Schlag’s original three-quarter view after the Federal Commission of Fine Arts required the change before production began.

Above the structure appears the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Below, the estate name “MONTICELLO” is inscribed in a straight line, with “FIVE CENTS” and the arc of “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below it. The mint mark, when present, appears to the right of Monticello — a space that later became the location for Schlag’s “FS” initials starting in 1966.

Other Features of the 1964 Nickel

The 1964 Jefferson nickel is a round coin with a plain (smooth) edge. It weighs 5 grams and is composed of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel) — the same composition used since 1946. The coin measures 21.20 mm in diameter with a thickness of approximately 1.95 mm.

Unlike the silver War Nickels struck from 1942 to 1945 (which contained 35% silver to conserve nickel for the war effort), the 1964 nickel contains no precious metal. Its melt value is essentially zero beyond the base metals.

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

 

1964 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1964 Jefferson nickel holds the all-time record for the highest combined mintage in the series, with nearly 2.8 billion coins produced between Philadelphia and Denver. Philadelphia struck 1,024,672,000 nickels for circulation, plus 3,950,762 proof coins. Denver produced 1,787,297,160, the highest single-year output for any nickel from any mint in U.S. history.

What makes the mintage even more remarkable is how it was spread across two calendar years. Of Denver’s total, only approximately 455 million coins were actually struck during 1964 — the remaining 1.33 billion were produced during 1965 but dated “1964” due to the Congressional date freeze.

Despite this massive output, survival rates are very high at about 80% for both regular strikes, meaning hundreds of millions still exist. Proof nickels had a mintage of 3,950,762, but only about 42% survive in true proof condition. The cameo survival rate drops to 23%, and Deep Cameo survivors represent just 14% of original proof output.

The rarest are the Special Mint Set prototypes. PCGS has certified just 19 examples in their population database, and Heritage Auctions estimates fewer than two dozen total are known across all grades. This tiny survival number, combined with the mystery surrounding their creation, makes them among the most intriguing coins in the entire Jefferson series.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1964 Nickel Value

Your 1964 nickel’s value depends on condition and specific features. Start by counting the steps at Monticello’s base — coins showing five or six completely unbroken, fully separated steps are called “Full Steps” (FS) specimens, and they’re significantly more valuable than a coin of the same grade without that designation.

Sharp details, original luster, and minimal contact marks indicate higher grades worth premium prices. Also look for unusual characteristics like off-center strikes, a copper-colored coin (which could be a wrong planchet error), or doubled lettering — these error coins attract serious collector interest and can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Get an instant, accurate grade assessment using our Coin Value Checker App.

 

1964 Nickel Value Guides

The 1964 Jefferson nickel comes in several distinct varieties that collectors actively seek. Each type represents a different minting process and set of quality standards.

• 1964 No Mint Mark Nickel
• 1964-D Nickel
• 1964 Proof Nickel
• 1964 CAM Nickel
• 1964 DCAM Nickel
• 1964 SMS Special Strike Nickel

Business strikes from Philadelphia and Denver were made for circulation, while proof and special strikes were created specifically for collectors with enhanced detail and finish. The value differences between varieties can be dramatic — ranging from face value to over $32,000 — so knowing exactly what you have is critical.

 

1964 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck 1,024,672,000 circulation nickels in 1964 — the first time any mint ever struck more than a billion coins of a single denomination in a single year. Despite this massive output, PCGS estimates only about 150,000 survive in MS60 or better condition, and roughly 42,500 in MS65 or better, reflecting just how heavily circulated most examples became.

Finding well-struck Philadelphia nickels is harder than the numbers suggest. The rushed production during the coin shortage meant presses were run at maximum speed with tired dies, producing a high percentage of weakly struck coins.

The Full Steps (FS) designation requires five or six clearly defined, completely unbroken steps on Monticello’s base — a standard many Philadelphia coins fail because the hub detail was already soft. Full Steps examples in MS64 grade are valued around $65, while MS67 Full Steps specimens can reach approximately $5,000. A 1964 no-mint-mark nickel with Full Steps graded MS67 set an auction record of $14,100 in 2014.

The auction records below show how these coins have performed at major sales over the years.

Recent market activity reflects collector interest in acquiring premium examples for Jefferson nickel collections.

 

1964-D Nickel Value

The Denver Mint produced 1,787,297,160 nickels bearing the “D” mint mark on the reverse, just to the right of Monticello. This is the highest single-mint total for any U.S. nickel ever produced — yet paradoxically, finding high-grade examples is harder than for many far rarer dates.

One of the most fascinating market phenomena in Jefferson nickel collecting is the dramatic grading divergence for this date. PCGS has certified only 7 examples at MS67 and just 2 at MS67+, while NGC lists 175 coins at MS67. This enormous population difference leads to wildly different prices depending on which service graded your coin, with PCGS MS67 values exceeding NGC MS67 values by more than 20 times in some cases.

The Full Steps designation makes the 1964-D even scarcer. PCGS has certified only 1 specimen at MS67 FS — the finest known. A 1964-D nickel graded MS67 FS achieved $9,900 in May 2025, demonstrating continued strong demand even as the overall market for common-date Jeffersons remains soft.

Historical sale prices for this Denver issue demonstrate its performance across different quality levels.

Market data illustrates how demand shifts for this Denver issue.

 

1964 Proof Nickel Value

The Philadelphia Mint created 3,950,762 proof nickels in 1964 exclusively for collectors, using hand-polished coin blanks that were struck at least twice by highly polished dies to produce coins with mirror-like fields and frosted devices.

These proof nickels were the last produced before Mint Director Eva Adams suspended proof coin production in 1965 as part of her response to the coin shortage — a suspension that lasted through 1967. That makes the 1964 proof set the last of its kind for four years.

Standard proof examples are readily available in grades up to PR69, making them accessible for most budgets. PCGS records show only 7 coins graded PR70, the highest possible grade, and the all-time auction record for that tier is $949 achieved in 2004. Most collector interest today centers on the Cameo and Deep Cameo designations rather than standard proofs.

Historical auction results chart the value progression of this proof issue over time.

Market dynamics illustrate how collectors engage with this widely available proof series.

 

1964 CAM Nickel Value

The Cameo (CAM) designation identifies proof nickels where the raised design elements — called “devices” — show light to moderate frosting against the coin’s mirror-like background fields. This contrast effect creates the look of a frosted cameo gemstone against a reflective background, hence the name.

In the 1960s, the Mint had not yet developed techniques to maintain die frost consistently. Cameo contrast was only achievable on the first few dozen coins struck from a fresh die — as the die was used more, friction from metal contact gradually wore away the frosted surface. These early-strike cameo specimens therefore represent a natural rarity within the proof mintage.

The highest recorded sale for a 1964 CAM nickel is $141, achieved by a PR69 example in 2012. Cameo-designated proofs are more visually appealing than standard proofs and command a meaningful premium, but remain far more accessible than Deep Cameo examples.

Sales data reveals the pricing trajectory for this contrast-enhanced variety over the years.

Numismatic interest in cameo-designated specimens reflects collector appreciation for distinctive contrast characteristics.

 

1964 DCAM Nickel Value

The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation — sometimes called Ultra Cameo (UCAM) by NGC — represents the highest tier of proof coin aesthetics. It requires strong, unbroken, deeply frosted devices on both sides of the coin, with dramatic contrast against the mirror-like fields remaining consistent across every part of the design.

Standard PR69 proof nickels from 1964 number in the thousands, but when the DCAM designation is added, the population drops to just a few hundred certified examples. PCGS records show just under 300 coins certified at PR69 DCAM — not rare in absolute terms, but significantly scarcer than standard proofs of the same grade.

A 1964 nickel graded PR69 DCAM realized $475 in an eBay sale in October 2021. For context, PCGS PR67 proof examples have recorded prices in the low thousands (around $2,750), with higher-grade DCAM specimens commanding the strongest premiums in the market.

Performance records from past auctions demonstrate how these exceptional contrast specimens have been valued.

Transaction patterns highlight the numismatic appeal of deeply frosted devices paired with mirror-like fields.

 

1964 SMS Special Strike Nickel Value

The 1964 SMS Special Strike Nickel is arguably the most mysterious coin in the entire Jefferson series. These coins feature a distinctive satin finish with sharp, squared-off rims and exceptionally clean fields — characteristics different from both standard business strikes and mirror-like proofs.

Their very existence was unknown to the numismatic community for nearly three decades after they were struck. The first known auction appearance was at Stack’s Public Auction Sale in January 1993, when a set consigned by numismatist Lester Merkin appeared as lot 693. Merkin is believed to have acquired the pieces directly from Eva Adams, the U.S. Mint Director from 1961 to 1969. The original auction catalog described them as possible experimental strikes “to determine the sort of finish the Mint would use from 1965 to 1967.”

PCGS has certified just 19 SMS nickels in its population database, with an additional 5 certified by NGC. PCGS expert Jaime Hernandez estimates approximately one or two dozen examples are known across all grades. Top-graded Full Steps specimens have commanded extraordinary prices. The SP68 FS example sold for $32,900 at Heritage Auctions in January 2016 — up from $8,625 when the same coin sold in 2009, a 280% appreciation. Another SP68 FS example brought $31,200 at Stack’s Bowers ANA auction in 2021.

Price trends across different market periods show how these specimens have performed at auction.

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

 

Rare 1964 Nickel Error List

Beyond regular issue nickels, collectors seek error varieties that escaped quality control during the 1964 minting process. The rushed, high-volume production environment created ideal conditions for a wider-than-usual range of errors. Here are the most significant ones to know.

1. 1964-D/D RPM FS-501 (Repunched Mint Mark)

The 1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) FS-501 is a Denver facility error where the “D” mint mark was punched into the die twice with slight misalignment, creating a visible doubling effect. Under magnification, collectors can see a secondary “D” impression offset slightly to the southeast of the primary mark.

This is the most sought-after die variety in the 1964 nickel series and one of the top-valued Jefferson nickel RPM errors overall. At auction, an MS66 specimen achieved $19,800 in July 2022, and an MS65+ example brought $9,000 in 2021. An MS65 example set a previous record of $4,015 in 2014, demonstrating a strong upward trend in value.

2. 1964 TDR FS-801 (Tripled Die Reverse)

The 1964 Tripled Die Reverse (TDR) FS-801 occurs when the die received three separate hub impressions during manufacturing, each slightly misaligned, permanently etching tripled design elements into the die itself. The tripling shows most prominently on reverse inscriptions like “MONTICELLO,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “FIVE CENTS.”

This error appears almost exclusively in proof strikes rather than business strikes, making it a specialty item for serious proof collectors. A PR67 specimen brought $855 at auction in July 2021.

3. 1964 Nickel Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Cent Planchet)

One of the most visually dramatic 1964 nickel errors is the coin struck on a Lincoln cent planchet instead of a nickel planchet. Since cent planchets are made of bronze (95% copper) rather than copper-nickel alloy, these coins have a distinctly copper or reddish color — looking like a penny-nickel hybrid.

The cent planchet weighs approximately 3.1 grams compared to the normal 5-gram nickel planchet, and the smaller diameter of the cent blank means the full nickel design cannot be struck correctly, creating softness around the edges. Both 1964 (Philadelphia) and 1964-D (Denver) versions of this error exist. Slabbed (professionally certified) examples have sold for approximately $400 or more at auction.

4. 1964 Nickel Off-Center Strike

Off-center strikes occur when the coin planchet is not properly positioned between the dies before the strike. The result is a coin with part of the design missing and a blank crescent of metal on one side. The value depends on the percentage of off-center and whether the date and mint mark are still visible.

Significant off-center 1964 nickels (50% or more) with the date still readable can sell for $100 to $500 or more depending on grade and the dramatic nature of the strike. Off-center errors that also carry the Full Steps designation on the remaining reverse design are particularly rare and valuable.

5. 1964 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

The Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) error happens when the die used to strike the obverse received its design from the hub in two slightly misaligned impressions, permanently doubling elements on that die. On 1964 nickels, the doubling appears most visibly on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date numerals.

Most 1964 DDO varieties show modest, machine-doubling-style displacement; strong, clearly separated doubling is the scarcer and more valuable type. Values for confirmed DDO examples range from $50 to over $500 depending on the strength of the doubling and the coin’s overall condition.

 

Where to Sell Your 1964 Nickel?

Having assessed your 1964 nickels, you might wonder where to sell them for the best return. I’ve created a detailed guide covering reputable online marketplaces, including their key features, strengths, and potential drawbacks to inform your choice.

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

 

1964 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1964 Nickel

1. What Makes a 1964 Nickel So Valuable?

Most circulated 1964 nickels are worth only face value — around $0.05 to $0.10. Value climbs significantly for uncirculated examples (those that never saw circulation), especially those with the Full Steps (FS) designation on the Monticello steps. An MS67 Full Steps example sold for $14,100 in 2014, and an MS67 FS Denver nickel sold for $9,900 in May 2025.

2. How Can You Tell If a 1964 Nickel Is a Special Strike (SMS)?

The 1964 SMS nickel has three key visual traits that set it apart: a satin-like finish (not mirror-like), extremely sharp squared-off rims, and a crisper overall strike than standard business coins. Only about 19 to 24 examples are known to exist across all grades. Any suspected SMS coin should be submitted to PCGS or NGC for professional authentication before selling, since counterfeits and altered coins exist.

3. How Do I Know If My 1964-D Nickel Is Worth Anything?

Start by examining the steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. If you can count five or six completely unbroken, fully separated steps, your coin may qualify for the Full Steps designation, which can multiply its value by 10 to 20 times compared to the same grade without FS. A 1964-D nickel with MS67 FS — the finest known example certified by PCGS — sold for $9,900 in May 2025.

4. Is There a Difference Between the PCGS MS67 and NGC MS67 Value for the 1964-D Nickel?

Yes — one of the most dramatic grading divergences in the Jefferson series. PCGS has certified only 7 examples of the 1964-D at MS67 and 2 at MS67+, while NGC lists 175 coins at MS67. As a result, PCGS MS67 examples of the 1964-D can sell for more than 20 times the price of an NGC MS67 example of the same coin. Always check the grading service before buying or selling.

5. Is a 1964 Nickel Silver?

No. The 1964 Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel — no silver at all. The only silver Jefferson nickels are the War Nickels struck from 1942 to 1945, which contain 35% silver and can be identified by a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse. A 1964 nickel has no precious metal content and its melt value is negligible.

6. What Is the All-Time Auction Record for a 1964 Nickel?

The record is $32,900, set at Heritage Auctions in January 2016 for a 1964 SMS nickel graded PCGS SP68 Full Steps. This is the same coin that sold in 2009 for $8,625, making it a 280% gain in seven years. The second-highest price is $31,200 for another SP68 FS example sold at Stack’s Bowers during the ANA convention in 2021.

7. Who Designed the Jefferson Nickel and When Were His Initials Added?

Felix Schlag, born in Frankfurt, Germany in 1891 and trained at the Munich University of Fine Arts, designed the Jefferson nickel after winning a 390-entry competition in 1938. His original reverse featured a three-quarter view of Monticello, which was changed to the straight-ahead frontal view by the Federal Commission of Fine Arts. Despite winning the design contest, Schlag’s initials were not added to the coin until 1966 — almost 28 years after production began.

8. What Is a 1964 Nickel Struck on a Cent Planchet Worth?

A 1964 nickel struck on a copper cent planchet is a genuine wrong-planchet error. These coins are copper-colored, weigh approximately 3.1 grams (compared to the normal 5 grams), and are smaller in diameter than a standard nickel. Both Philadelphia and Denver versions exist. Professionally slabbed (certified) examples have sold for around $400 or more — and values are higher for better-grade examples.

9. Why Were So Many 1964 Nickels Weakly Struck?

The mid-1960s coin shortage forced the Mint to push its presses to maximum capacity. Dies were used far beyond their normal service life before being replaced, and the rush to produce billions of coins meant quality control was sacrificed for quantity. Most 1964 nickels came off the press with soft, poorly defined detail — which is exactly why coins with sharp, full design detail (especially the Full Steps designation) are so much rarer and more valuable than the vast majority of survivors.

10. Were Any 1964 Nickels Struck After 1964?

Yes — the majority of them. Congress authorized a date freeze in response to the coin shortage, allowing the Mint to continue striking 1964-dated coins into 1965 and beyond. Of Denver’s 1,787,297,160 “1964-D” nickels, approximately 455 million were struck in calendar year 1964 itself, while the remaining 1.33 billion were struck in 1965 but still bear the 1964 date. For Philadelphia, about 683,700 coins were struck in 1965 with the 1964 date.