1968 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1968 nickel value holds special significance in American coinage history. This year marked the return of mintmarks to the obverse after their three-year absence from 1965-1967.

Regular 1968 nickels in circulated condition average around $0.08 to $0.26, while uncirculated specimens reach $9.00 or more. The coveted Full Steps varieties command substantially higher prices, with 1968-D examples averaging up to $1,183.68 in top grades.

Collectors prize these coins for their historical importance and the challenging Monticello steps detail that defines premium specimens.

 

1968 Nickel Value By Variety

The 1968 nickel comes in several varieties from Denver and San Francisco Mints, each with distinct values ranging from a few cents for circulated coins to thousands of dollars for rare Full Steps and premium proof specimens.

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 1968 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 1968 nickels showcase significant price variation based on grade and special characteristics. The top position belongs to a 1968-S Full Step specimen graded G6, valued at $4,140. This demonstrates the premium collectors place on well-struck Monticello steps.

The second-ranked coin is a 1968-S RPM variety with Full Steps designation, reaching $1,705 in G7 grade. Denver mint nickels also appear prominently, with 1968-D examples achieving $1,140 and $1,058 in higher grades.

San Francisco mint coins dominate the remaining positions, with values ranging from $306 to $588. Notably, the ninth-ranked 1968-S G8 at $490 features DCAM (Deep Cameo) contrast. This proof finish creates striking visual appeal through frosted devices against mirror-like fields.

The list illustrates how condition, mint location, and special designations like Full Steps or DCAM significantly influence 1968 nickel values in today’s collecting market.

 

History Of The 1968 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel series began in 1938, featuring Felix Schlag’s winning design. His artwork depicted Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse. This classic design had served American coinage for three decades by 1968.

The early 1960s brought a significant coin shortage across the United States. Rising silver prices and increased demand created challenges for the U.S. Mint. In response, mint officials removed mintmarks from all coins between 1965 and 1967. This decision aimed to discourage collecting activity and focus on production needs.

The year 1968 marked a pivotal moment in American numismatic history. Mintmarks returned to circulation after their three-year absence. However, they appeared in a new location on the obverse side. Previously, mintmarks had been placed on the reverse of nickels.

No Philadelphia Mint nickels were produced in 1968. Only Denver and San Francisco facilities struck nickels this year. Denver produced 91,227,880 nickels while San Francisco struck 103,437,510 business strikes. Additionally, San Francisco minted 3,041,506 proof specimens.

Proof production itself underwent major changes in 1968. The San Francisco Mint assumed responsibility for creating proof coins. These proofs came in new hard plastic cases, replacing earlier cellophane packaging. The Jefferson nickel maintained its composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel throughout.

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

 

Is Your 1968 Nickel Rare?

Most 1968 nickels remain common in circulated condition. However, certain varieties command premium prices among collectors.

Full Steps designations and high-grade specimens significantly increase rarity. Mint location also affects scarcity, with some mintmark combinations being harder to find.

To quickly assess your specific coin’s rarity and current market value, use the CoinValueChecker App for instant evaluation.

 

Key Features Of The 1968 Nickel

The 1968 Jefferson nickel features Felix Schlag’s classic design from 1938. This year introduced a significant change with mintmarks relocating to the obverse. The coin maintained its traditional copper-nickel composition and standard specifications throughout production.

The Obverse Of The 1968 Nickel

The obverse displays Thomas Jefferson’s left-facing portrait as the central element. The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in block letters along the left rim. The word “LIBERTY” is positioned on the right side above the date. Below “LIBERTY,” the year 1968 is clearly stamped on the coin.

The mintmark appears below the date, marking the first time this position was used. This placement became standard for all future Jefferson nickels. Felix Schlag originally created this enduring portrait design in 1938. The obverse layout remains clean and balanced with well-proportioned text elements.

The Reverse Of The 1968 Nickel

The reverse features Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s famous Virginia estate, as its centerpiece. This architectural rendering shows the front elevation of the historic mansion.

The word “MONTICELLO” appears in block letters directly below the building. The denomination “FIVE CENTS” curves below the mansion’s name. Along the upper rim, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed in capital letters. The phrase “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” follows the lower rim’s curve.

Collectors particularly value coins showing Full Steps designation on Monticello’s entrance. At least five complete, unbroken steps must be visible for this designation. Most 1968 nickels show weak strikes on these steps due to production issues.

Other Features Of The 1968 Nickel

The 1968 nickel maintains the standard Jefferson nickel specifications established decades earlier. The coin weighs exactly 5 grams with precise consistency across all specimens.

Its diameter measures 21.2 millimeters, while thickness reaches 1.95 millimeters. The composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel throughout the coin. This cupro-nickel alloy gives the coin its distinctive silver-like appearance. The edge remains plain and smooth without any reeding or decoration.

All 1968 nickels carry either D or S mintmarks. No Philadelphia Mint examples exist for this year, making it unique in the series.

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

 

1968 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1968 nickel production data reveals substantial output from both operating mint facilities. San Francisco produced 103,437,510 business strikes, surpassing Denver’s 91,227,880 coins. This marked an uncommon situation where San Francisco exceeded Denver’s production volume for nickels.

San Francisco also struck 3,041,506 proof coins specifically for collectors. These proofs are categorized into three distinct finish types: regular proof, Cameo (CAM), and Deep Cameo (DCAM). All three categories share the same base mintage figure, as CAM and DCAM represent quality designations within the total proof production.

Only Deep Cameo specimens have documented survival data. Approximately 1,292,640 DCAM examples exist today from the original proof mintage, yielding a 42.5% survival rate. This relatively high percentage demonstrates how collectors preserved these premium proof coins.

Business strikes from Denver and San Francisco lack precise survival records, though their high mintages ensure circulated examples remain common today.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1968 Nickel Value

Determining your 1968 nickel’s value requires examining several key factors. First, identify the mintmark located below the date on the obverse. Check the coin’s condition by assessing wear on Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello’s details.

Look for Full Steps designation on the building’s entrance, as this significantly increases value. Examine the surfaces for any unusual errors or varieties that collectors seek.

Professional grading provides the most accurate assessment for high-grade specimens. For a quick and reliable valuation of your specific coin, download the CoinValueChecker App for instant results.

 

1968 Nickel Value Guides

• 1968-D Nickel: Denver business strike with 91,227,880 minted. Circulated examples worth face value, while uncirculated coins range from modest premiums to significant values in high grades, especially with Full Steps designation.
• 1968-S Nickel: San Francisco business strike with 103,437,510 produced. Common in circulated condition, but high-grade uncirculated specimens command premiums. Full Steps examples are particularly scarce and valuable.
• 1968-S Proof: Regular proof strikes from San Francisco with 3,041,506 minted. These collector coins feature sharp details and mirror-like surfaces. Values increase significantly in higher proof grades.
• 1968-S CAM (Cameo): Proof coins showing moderate contrast between frosted design elements and mirrored fields. These offer superior visual appeal over regular proofs at accessible price points for collectors.
• 1968-S DCAM (Deep Cameo): Premium proof coins with pronounced contrast between frosted devices and deeply mirrored backgrounds. These represent the highest quality proof finish and command the strongest premiums.

The 1968 nickel series comprises two main categories: business strikes and proof coins. Business strikes from Denver and San Francisco served everyday commerce and remain common in circulated grades. Their value increases substantially in high uncirculated conditions, particularly with Full Steps designation.

Proof coins offer three distinct quality levels. Regular proofs provide sharp details for collectors. Cameo varieties add visual drama through moderate contrast effects. Deep Cameo specimens deliver the most striking appearance with maximum contrast.

Each category serves different collector preferences and budget levels, creating a diverse market for these historic transitional-year nickels.

 

1968-D Nickel Value

The 1968-D nickel shows a striking contrast between availability and rarity. This Denver issue remains common across all grades, including gem mint state conditions. Over 91 million pieces were struck, ensuring plentiful availability today.

However, specimens showing Full Steps on Monticello’s entrance are extremely rare. Poor strike quality throughout 1968 production created this scarcity, making well-struck examples highly sought after.

Grading services have certified only a single Full Steps example at MS64. This extreme rarity stands in sharp contrast to the coin’s overall abundance in regular strikes.

For standard strikes without Full Steps designation, a top-grade MS68 specimen achieved $1,140 at auction in September 2022. The lone certified Full Steps example sold for $2,695 in MS64 grade, demonstrating how strike quality dramatically affects value for this otherwise common-date issue.

Auction records demonstrate steady value appreciation as coin grades improve from lower to higher mint state levels.

Market activity reflects consistent collector interest, with trading volume concentrated in commonly available circulated and uncirculated grades.

 

1968-S Nickel Value

The 1968-S nickel marks the return of San Francisco Mint production after a four-year absence. This coin was widely hoarded by collectors due to the novelty of the restored “S” mintmark.

San Francisco produced over 103 million business strikes, making circulated examples readily available. The facility delivered better strike quality than Denver for this year. However, Full Steps specimens remain scarce due to contact marks during production.

Population data shows limited numbers of certified Full Steps examples across all grades. The highest certified grade reaches MS66, with only small quantities achieving this level.

Standard strike 1968-S nickels without Full Steps designation peaked at $588 for an MS64 specimen. Full Steps examples command substantially higher prices, with an MS66FS specimen achieving $4,140 at auction, reflecting the significant premium collectors place on well-struck examples.

Auction records reveal consistent value growth as specimens achieve higher grades in the mint state range.

Market activity displays fluctuating collector interest over time, with trading volumes varying across different months.

 

1968-S Proof Nickel Value

 

The 1968-S proof nickel marks a significant milestone in American numismatic history. This year saw proof production transfer from Philadelphia Mint to San Francisco for the first time.

The San Francisco facility assumed responsibility for all proof coinage, establishing a pattern that would continue for decades. A total of 3,041,506 proof nickels were struck exclusively for collectors. Each coin displays the “S” mintmark below the date on the obverse.

Production quality involved multiple strikes on polished planchets using specially prepared dies. However, dies were often over-polished to create brilliant mirror surfaces. This process occasionally softened some finer design details, though collectors eagerly ordered maximum quantities regardless.

Regular proof specimens without Cameo designation achieved $259 for a PR68 example in January 2023. These proofs remain accessible across multiple grade levels for collectors today.

Auction records show progressive value increases as proof specimens achieve higher quality grade levels.

Market activity shows varying collector engagement across different months throughout the tracking period.

 

1968-S CAM Nickel Value

The 1968-S Cameo nickel features moderate contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields. This effect results from specialized die preparation techniques used during proof production. The frosted devices create visual distinction against deeply reflective backgrounds. This contrast diminished as dies wore during production, making earlier strikes more likely to achieve Cameo designation.

However, Cameo contrast represents a middle grade between standard proofs and Deep Cameo examples. Both obverse and reverse must display adequate frosting to earn this designation.

A PR69 Cameo specimen achieved $49 in February 2018. These coins offer collectors enhanced visual appeal over regular proofs at accessible price points.

Auction records show price variations influenced by grade levels, with higher grades achieving stronger results.

Market activity demonstrates fluctuating collector interest throughout the year, with trading volumes varying across monthly periods.

 

1968-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 1968-S Deep Cameo nickel represents the premium tier of proof coinage from this year. This designation requires intensely frosted devices on both sides with no reflective breaks. The contrast against deeply mirrored fields creates a striking black-and-white visual effect that collectors highly prize.

San Francisco’s inaugural proof year delivered strong strikes. Deep Cameo examples remain accessible in PR65-67 grades, while PR68 specimens require more effort. PR69 examples, numbering in the hundreds, balance scarcity with reasonable availability.

A PR68 Deep Cameo specimen achieved $490 at Heritage Auctions in September 2006. This represents the documented auction record for this variety, reflecting strong collector demand for premium-quality examples.

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

 

Rare 1968 Nickel Error List

While 1968 nickels generally lack widespread major errors, several notable die varieties exist that attract collector attention. These errors primarily involve repunched mintmarks on San Francisco proof coins. Such varieties resulted from manual mintmark application processes used during this period, creating opportunities for misalignment and multiple strikes.

1968-S RPM FS-501 (FS-038)

The 1968-S Repunched Mintmark variety features the “S” mintmark struck multiple times in slightly different positions. This error occurs during die preparation when the mintmark punch was applied more than once without perfect alignment. Repunched mintmarks on proof coins remain uncommon due to enhanced quality control during die production.

This variety appears across different proof finishes, including regular Proof, Cameo, and Deep Cameo designations. Professional grading services have certified very few examples, making this a scarce variety for Jefferson nickel specialists.

The error bypassed normal inspection procedures, creating a collectible die variety valued by error coin enthusiasts. A PR67 example achieved $1,705 at Great Collections in April 2014, demonstrating the significant premium this rare variety commands over standard proof nickels.

 

Where To Sell Your 1968 Nickel?

Selling your 1968 nickel requires choosing the right marketplace to maximize value. Whether you own common circulated examples or rare varieties like Full Steps specimens, selecting an appropriate venue matters significantly. We’ve compiled comprehensive information on the best places to sell coins online, including detailed pros and cons for each platform to help you make informed decisions.

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

 

1968 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1968 Nickel

1. Where is the mint mark on a 1968 nickel?

The mintmark on a 1968 nickel is located on the obverse (front) side, positioned directly below the date. This marked a significant change, as 1968 was the first year mintmarks appeared in this location after returning from their three-year absence (1965-1967).

All 1968 nickels feature either a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mintmark, as no Philadelphia coins were produced that year.

2. What is a 1968 nickel made of?

The 1968 nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, maintaining the standard cupro-nickel alloy used throughout the Jefferson nickel series.

This composition gives the coin its distinctive silver-like appearance. The coin weighs exactly 5 grams, measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter, has a thickness of 1.95 millimeters, and features a plain, smooth edge without any reeding.

3. What is a 1868 nickel worth?

Regular 1968 nickels in circulated condition are worth approximately $0.08 to $0.26, while uncirculated specimens can reach $9.00 or more. However, values increase dramatically for special varieties.

Full Steps examples command substantial premiums, with top-grade specimens reaching over $1,000. The most valuable 1968 nickels include high-grade proof coins and rare varieties, with auction records showing prices up to $4,140 for exceptional examples.