1964 Nickel Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Understanding 1964 nickel value starts with recognizing that while circulated examples are common, uncirculated specimens in excellent condition hold the real numismatic and investment interest. A coin’s state of preservation significantly affects its worth.

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 can be worth over $9,000.

The main factors behind these higher values are the quality of the strike, particularly the presence of “Full Steps,” and whether the coin comes from the scarce 1964 Special Mint Set.

 

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 SP68FS, valued at an impressive $32,900, followed by the 1964 SMS SP67FS at $22,800.

The chart also includes the Repunched Mint Mark (D/D RPM) FS-501 error variety at different grades, with the MS66 specimen commanding $19,800 and the MS65+ example valued at $9,000.

Regular 1964 nickels range from $3,840 to $14,100, with values determined by multiple factors including grade (condition rating), mint mark, special designations like FS (Full Steps), and variety types.

These valuations reflect the significant premium that collectors place on rarity, minting errors, and exceptional preservation grades. The substantial price differences between grades highlight how critical coin condition is in determining numismatic value.

 

History of the 1964 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel was first introduced in 1938, designed by Felix Schlag to honor America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson. By the early 1960s, the United States faced a serious nationwide coin shortage driven by increased demand from a growing economy.

The U.S. Mint responded to this crisis by dramatically increasing coin production, and 1964 was no exception. In the rush to meet public demand, quality control suffered, resulting in many weakly struck coins from worn dies. Despite the massive production, high-quality specimens with sharp details remain surprisingly scarce today.

The 1964 Jefferson nickel was among the last currencies to bear a mint mark until the Mint reintroduced them in 1968. From 1965 to 1967, the U.S. Mint stopped placing mint marks on coins to discourage hoarding and speculation.

Without mint marks, collectors couldn’t identify where coins originated, which aimed to minimize the practice of saving coins with specific mint marks.

The enormous production numbers make 1964 nickels very easy to find in circulation today, though premium examples remain valuable to collectors.

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

 

Is Your 1964 Nickel Rare?

Use the CoinValueChecker 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 a nationwide coin shortage that affected the United States in the early 1960s. Designed by Felix Schlag in 1938, this coin maintains the classic design elements that have made the Jefferson series iconic among collectors.

The Obverse of the 1964 Nickel

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, closely modeled after Jean-Antoine Houdon’s renowned 1789 bust. Jefferson’s portrait displays a distinctive colonial-era style with his hair tied back in a pigtail, with his head nearly touching the upper rim.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” curves clockwise along the left rim, starting from Jefferson’s chest and extending to his hairline. 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 showcases a frontal view of Monticello. The coin’s design clearly displays Monticello’s distinctive dome and columned portico.

Above the structure appears the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Below Monticello, the estate’s name “MONTICELLO” is inscribed in a straight line, with “FIVE CENTS” indicating the denomination beneath it. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the lower rim of the coin.

The mint mark, when present, appears to the right of Monticello on the reverse. Philadelphia-minted coins bear no mint mark, while Denver-produced coins display a “D” in this location.

Other Features of the 1964 Nickel

The 1964 Jefferson nickel is a round coin with a plain, reeded edge. It has an official weight of 5 grams and is composed of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). The coin measures 21.20 mm in diameter with a thickness of approximately 1.95 mm.

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

 

1964 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1964 Jefferson nickel holds the record for the highest combined mintage in the series, with nearly 2.8 billion coins produced between the Philadelphia and Denver mints.

Philadelphia struck over 1 billion nickels, while Denver produced approximately 1.79 billion, marking the highest single-mint total for any nickel to date.

Production of 1964-dated nickels actually extended into 1965 as the U.S. Mint worked to address a nationwide coin shortage. Despite this massive mintage, survival rates remain high at around 80% for both regular strikes, meaning hundreds of millions of these coins still exist today.

The story changes for collector versions. Proof nickels had a mintage of 3,950,762, but only about 42% survive in proof condition, with even lower survival rates for Cameo at 23% and Deep Cameo at 14%. The rarest are the Special Mint Set coins, with only an estimated 50 examples known to collectors.

This data helps explain why most circulated 1964 nickels remain common and inexpensive, while high-grade specimens and special strikes command significant premiums in the collector market.

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. Count the steps at Monticello’s base – coins showing 5 or 6 clear steps are valuable “Full Steps” specimens.

Sharp details and minimal wear indicate higher grades worth premium prices. Look for unusual characteristics like off-center strikes or doubled images, as error coins attract serious collector interest.

While most circulated examples stay at face value, exceptional mint-condition coins with full steps can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Get an instant, accurate grade assessment using our CoinValueChecker App.

 

1964 Nickel Value Guides

The 1964 Jefferson nickel comes in several distinct varieties that collectors actively seek. Each type represents different minting processes and 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 different varieties can show significant value differences depending on their rarity and condition.

 

1964 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The Philadelphia Mint produced over 1 billion 1964 nickels without any mint mark designation. Despite this massive mintage, finding examples in exceptional condition remains challenging due to the rush production during the 1960s coin shortage.

Regular mint state examples show modest values in circulated grades, while uncirculated specimens in higher mint state grades command premium prices. The Full Steps designation requires 5 or 6 clearly defined and unbroken steps on Monticello, significantly enhancing a coin’s value.

Full Steps examples in MS64 grade are valued around $65, while MS67 Full Steps specimens can reach approximately $5,000. According to records, a 1964 no mint mark nickel with Full Steps graded MS67 achieved $14,100 in 2014.

This rarity stems from production conditions during the coin shortage era, when dies wore quickly and striking quality varied considerably.

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 1964-D nickel bears Denver’s “D” mint mark on the reverse, positioned to the right of Monticello. This date presents a unique challenge for collectors seeking premium examples, as high-grade specimens remain notably scarce in today’s marketplace.

Certification data reveals the rarity at top levels, with only 7 examples graded MS67 and just 2 achieving MS67+ in regular strike format. The scarcity becomes even more pronounced for Full Steps designations, where only 1 specimen has been certified at MS67 FS, representing the finest known example.

A 1964-D nickel graded MS67 FS achieved $9,900 in May 2025, demonstrating the premium collectors pay for exceptional quality. The combination of sharp Monticello steps and superior surface preservation makes such coins highly desirable among Jefferson nickel specialists.

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 1964 proof nickels specifically for collectors using meticulously hand-polished coin blanks that were individually fed into the press and struck at least twice.

This specialized process resulted in coins with mirror-like surfaces and frosted details that distinguish them from regular circulation strikes.

These proof nickels were struck in high quality, with examples easily found in PR68 grades and lower, and even PR69 specimens remain abundant.

A 1964 proof nickel graded PR70, representing the highest possible grade, achieved $949 in 2004. The superior striking quality and careful production methods make these coins appealing additions to Jefferson nickel collections.

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 designation identifies proof nickels where all devices exhibit light to moderate frosting on both obverse and reverse sides, creating attractive visual contrast with mirror-like fields.

During the 1960s, cameo contrast could only be achieved on the first few dozen coins struck from fresh dies, as the frosted effect gradually faded due to die wear from repeated strikes.

These early-strike specimens with cameo characteristics represent a transitional period in proof production. The recorded auction ceiling for a 1964 CAM nickel reached $141 for a PR69 specimen in 2012.

Cameo-designated proofs offer enhanced visual appeal compared to brilliant proofs, though they remain more accessible than their deep cameo counterparts.

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 designation requires strong and unbroken frosted devices on both obverse and reverse, with robust contrast between mirrored fields and frosted devices that remains consistent and undiminished across all areas.

Brilliant proofs earning this designation display deep, even frosting on the devices of both sides, creating the most dramatic visual impact among proof coins.

Standard PR69 examples number in the thousands, but the population drops to just hundreds when the Deep Cameo designation is added, making PR69DCAM specimens significantly scarcer though not truly rare in absolute terms.

A 1964 nickel graded PR69DCAM realized $475 at an eBay sale in October 2021, reflecting collector demand for this superior contrast designation.

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 a scarce variety within the Jefferson Nickel 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.

With only an estimated 50 examples known to collectors across all grades, these Special Mint Set nickels remain genuinely scarce.

Top-graded Full Steps specimens have commanded strong prices at auction. An SP68 FS example achieved $32,900 in 2016, while another brought $31,200 in 2021. SP67+ Full Steps examples have also crossed the five-figure threshold, demonstrating sustained collector demand for these special strikes.

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

Trading activity reflects the level of collector engagement when these scarce nickels become available.

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 emerged during the 1964 minting process. These production anomalies occurred when dies were improperly prepared or mintmarks were punched with misalignment, creating distinctive characteristics that make certain specimens particularly desirable.

1. 1964-D/D RPM FS-501

The 1964-D/D Repunched Mint Mark represents a Denver facility error where the “D” mintmark was punched into the die twice with slight misalignment. This created a visible doubling effect on the mintmark, which collectors can identify with magnification.

The repunching typically appears as a secondary “D” impression offset slightly to the southeast of the primary mark. Because the doubling becomes less distinct in later die states, authentication can be challenging without expertise.

At auction, a specimen graded MS66 achieved $19,800 in July 2022, while an MS65+ example brought $9,000 in 2021, demonstrating how condition significantly affects value for this variety.

2. 1964 TDR FS-801

The 1964 Tripled Die Reverse occurs when the die received three impressions from the hub during manufacturing, each slightly misaligned.

This tripling effect appears most prominently on reverse elements like “MONTICELLO,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “FIVE CENTS,” where careful examination reveals layered design details.

This error appears primarily in proof strikes rather than business strikes, making it a specialty item for proof collectors. At auction, a PR67 specimen brought $855 in July 2021.

 

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?

In circulated condition, a 1964 nickel is not as valuable and is more or less its face value of $0.10 to $0.20. That said, 1964 Jefferson nickels in mint state, with proof-like features and full steps, can be highly valuable.

Check that the coin has a clean, mirror-like finish with accentuated details. A 1964 nickel with such features is extremely rare and highly valuable.

2. How Can You Tell If A 1964 Nickel Is A Special Strike?

There are very few examples of special strike 1964 nickels. It is unknown why the Mint produced special strike nickels dated 1964. In fact, their existence was unknown until they appeared at an auction in 1993. You can identify these rare coins by their satin-like finish, sharp strike, and squared rim edges.

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

First, you should look at the features of the coin’s reverse. Specifically, you should assess the stairs leading up to Monticello. The more full steps you can identify, the better—this means the coin is likely to be valuable and worth more than its face value.

A Jefferson nickel with five or six full steps is considered a high-value coin that could fetch hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on its condition.