1969 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” Mint Mark Worth)

Most 1969 nickels are worth just five cents, but specific varieties can command dramatically different prices. A typical uncirculated 1969-D nickel averages around $23.50 in MS condition based on market trends, while proof specimens range from $1.50 to $8.38 depending on their designation.

The true outlier is the 1969-D Full Steps variety—only one specimen has been certified, which sold for $33,600 in 2021. Understanding 1969 nickel value requires examining mint marks, strike quality, and condition, as these factors create a price spectrum spanning from pocket change to four-figure rarities.

This guide breaks down each variety, explains what makes certain 1969 nickels valuable, and shows you how to identify potential treasures in your collection.

 

1969 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart provides the current market values for 1969 nickels across different mint marks and coin grades, ranging from circulated conditions (Good, Fine, AU) to uncirculated and proof specimens (MS and PR).

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 1969 Nickel Worth Money

The chart shows that for 1969 circulation nickels, strike quality is far more important than numerical grade. The 1969-D MS65 Full Steps nickel sold for $33,600, and despite being two grades lower than MS67, its price is more than ten times that of the MS67 version ($3,120). The reason for such a massive gap is that among over 202 million Denver strikes, this MS65 FS is the only specimen to receive Full Steps certification.

Compared to the rarity of Full Steps, proof nickels have surprisingly modest values. The highest-grade proof nickel currently (1969-S PR67, priced at $1,725) is approximately 95% lower in price than the MS65 FS, indicating that collectors value strike sharpness more than the refined finish of proof nickels. Even premium Deep Cameo proof nickels (PR69, priced at $1,116) cannot compare with circulation nickels possessing exceptional step clarity.

Error varieties like RPM FS-501 occupy a mid-tier price point at $600, providing a more accessible option for collectors unable to acquire the single Full Steps specimen. This pricing structure reflects a reality: in this series, scarcity caused by condition criteria determines value more than absolute grade numbers.

 

History Of The 1969 Nickel

The 1969 Jefferson nickel represents a transitional period in U.S. Mint operations. By this year, Felix Schlag’s design had been in continuous production since 1938, serving the nation for over three decades with minimal changes. The most recent modification came in 1966 when the designer’s initials “FS” were added below Jefferson’s portrait.

What makes 1969 unique is the absence of Philadelphia Mint production. For this year and the following 1970, the U.S. Mint allocated all nickel production exclusively to Denver and San Francisco facilities.

This marked a departure from traditional practices where Philadelphia served as the primary production center. The decision likely reflected operational adjustments as the mint system adapted to changing demands and facility capabilities. 

San Francisco’s role expanded during this period. After resuming proof production in 1968 following the 1965-1967 Special Mint Set era, the facility produced both circulation strikes and proof specimens in 1969. The proof sets, priced at $5.00 each, contained five denominations and found ready acceptance among collectors.

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

 

Is Your 1969 Nickel Rare?

 

Want to know if your 1969 nickel is rare? Download the free CoinValueChecker app to instantly check your coin’s rarity ranking, current market value, and detailed grading information. Simply snap a photo to get expert-level analysis in seconds.

 

Key Features Of The 1969 Nickel

Understanding the design elements and physical characteristics of the 1969 nickel helps identify authentic specimens and assess their condition accurately. Felix Schlag’s design, unchanged since 1938 except for minor modifications, features distinctive details on both obverse and reverse that collectors use for authentication and grading purposes. The following sections examine each aspect of the coin’s appearance and specifications.

The Obverse Of The 1969 Nickel

The obverse displays a left-facing profile of President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson’s head nearly touches the rim at the top, with minimal truncation visible at the shoulder.

The national motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs along the left side, beginning at Jefferson’s chest and extending to his hairline. The inscription “LIBERTY” appears on the right side above the date. A small five-pointed star separates “LIBERTY” from the year “1969.”

The mint mark, when present, sits directly below the date—either “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco. The designer’s initials “FS” appear below the bust truncation, a feature added in 1966 to credit Felix Schlag’s work.

The Reverse Of The 1969 Nickel

The reverse features a frontal elevation view of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s neoclassical home near Charlottesville, Virginia. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” curves along the top rim.

Directly beneath the building, the name “MONTICELLO” appears in a straight horizontal line. Below that, “FIVE CENTS” forms a gentle arc. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the bottom edge.

The building’s base displays a series of steps leading to the portico—the feature most critical for determining Full Steps designation. When all five or six horizontal lines appear complete and unbroken, the coin earns this valuable classification.

Other Features Of The 1969 Nickel

The 1969 nickel measures 21.20 millimeters in diameter with a thickness of 1.95 millimeters and weighs exactly 5.00 grams. The edge remains plain and smooth, lacking any reeding or inscriptions. The coin’s composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it the characteristic silvery appearance despite containing no silver.

This copper-nickel alloy, while durable, created production challenges—the metal’s hardness made achieving sharp strikes difficult, particularly on the intricate Monticello steps. This technical limitation explains why Full Steps examples remain so scarce across the entire 1969 production.

The alloy also contributes to the coin’s melt value remaining essentially equal to face value, as neither component metal carries significant precious metal premiums. 

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

 

1969 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Based on the 1969 Nickel Mintage & Survival Chart, production was dominated by circulation strikes from two mints. The Denver mint produced approximately 202.8 million pieces, while San Francisco contributed about 123 million coins, making these two types the backbone of 1969 nickel availability.

In contrast, special collector versions were produced in much smaller quantities. Three proof variants (S Proof, S CAM, and S DCAM) each had mintages of roughly 2.93 million pieces, representing a tiny fraction compared to circulation strikes.

Survival data remains largely unknown for most varieties, likely due to the difficulty of tracking such common coins over decades. Only the S DCAM has documented survival figures, with 1,247,218 coins confirmed to exist today. This remarkably high percentage reflects the careful preservation typical of premium proof specimens purchased specifically by collectors.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1969 Nickel Value

Determining your 1969 nickel’s true value traditionally requires consulting multiple price guides, studying grading standards, and identifying mint marks under magnification. This process can be time-consuming and confusing for beginners.

The CoinValueChecker App simplifies everything instantly. Just snap a photo of your coin, and our advanced AI technology identifies the type, grade, and current market value in seconds.

 

1969 Nickel Value Guides

The 1969 Jefferson nickel was produced in two mint locations with distinct variations. Here are the five main types you’ll find in today’s market:

• 1969-D Nickel
• 1969-S Nickel
• 1969-S Proof Nickel
• 1969-S CAM Nickel
• 1969-S DCAM Nickel

Denver produced over 202 million circulation strikes marked with “D,” while San Francisco contributed approximately 120 million business strikes for general circulation.

The San Francisco Mint also created approximately 2.9 million proof specimens for collectors, with CAM (Cameo) and DCAM (Deep Cameo) designations identifying coins with superior contrast between frosted designs and mirror-like fields.

 

1969-D Nickel Value

The Denver Mint struck 202,807,500 nickels in 1969, making them common in circulation. Most circulated examples are worth face value, while typical uncirculated pieces in MS65 grade around $24.

The defining feature involves the steps on Monticello’s base. Due to production techniques that prioritized die longevity over detail sharpness, the vast majority of 1969-D nickels show weak or incomplete step definition.

To date, only one coin has earned PCGS certification as “Full Steps” (FS), requiring five complete, unbroken horizontal lines. This single MS65 FS specimen first sold for $30,550 at Stack’s Bowers auction in August 2016, then resold for $33,600 in August 2021, establishing the current PCGS auction record.

But an MS67 ordinary nickel coin was only sold for $3,120. The massive price difference underscores how strike quality impacts value for this date.

Below you’ll find historical auction results showing how this coin has performed at major numismatic sales.

Recent sales activity indicates sustained attention from numismatists seeking quality examples of this date.

 

1969-S Nickel Value

San Francisco Mint produced 120,165,000 circulation strikes in 1969 alongside their proof program. These business strikes were released into general commerce. The mint mark “S” appears on the reverse, right of Monticello.

Most examples grade MS64 to MS65 when submitted for certification. MS66 specimens are somewhat scarcer, primarily due to limited submission numbers rather than absolute rarity. PCGS has certified only three example at MS67, representing the finest known grade.

Quality issues exist across the mint’s nickels. Full-step nickels are almost nonexistent, and no 1969 S nickel has ever been certified with full steps.

This nickel is not a key-date or high-value coin. Its significance lies more in demonstrating the widespread quality issues of the late 1960s than in its scarcity. The highest auction price recorded is $432 for an MS62 coin dated 2024.

Understanding theoretical values is helpful, but real-world auction results reveal what collectors actually pay for 1969 S nickels.

Auction records tell only part of the story—tracking market activity over time reveals broader trends in collector interest and pricing patterns.

 

1969-S Proof Nickel Value

The 1969-S proof set had a mintage of 2,934,631 units, with each set containing 5 coins and sold at $5, including the Jefferson nickel. These proof coins were struck by the San Francisco Mint using polished dies and specially prepared planchets, exclusively for the numismatic market.

Standard proof specimens without contrast designations are readily accessible. Most surviving proof coins grade between PR65 and PR67. Higher-grade proof coins such as PR68 and PR69 exist in decent numbers, with modest premiums. 

A PR67 example sold for $1,725 at Heritage Auctions in May 2007, reflecting the accessibility of this grade coin. The relatively affordable pricing makes it suitable for beginners in proof set collecting or those assembling sets.

Past auction results provide insight into typical market values for different proof grades of this date.

This proof nickel maintains stable demand among collectors building Jefferson nickel sets or studying San Francisco Mint production from this era.

 

1969-S CAM Nickel value

The 1969-S CAM designation identifies proof specimens displaying moderate contrast between frosted design elements and polished fields. This visual enhancement falls between standard proofs and Deep Cameo examples, offering improved eye appeal without reaching the intensity of DCAM specimens.

The Cameo finish results from die preparation techniques that create partial frosting on raised portions while maintaining mirror surfaces in background areas. These coins represent a middle tier within the proof hierarchy. A PR68 CAM specimen achieved $1,265 at Heritage Auctions in August 2010, establishing the auction record for this 1969-S CAM.

For budget-conscious collectors seeking enhanced visual appeal, CAM proofs offer reasonable value and they provide noticeable contrast improvements over standard proofs.

Historical sales data illustrates pricing trends for this contrast designation across different proof grades.

Cameo proofs from this era attract collectors who appreciate visual quality but prioritize affordability in their proof set acquisitions.

 

1969-S DCAM Nickel value

The 1969-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) represents the highest quality finish among proof specimens, featuring heavily frosted design elements against deeply mirrored fields.

This strongest visual contrast distinguishes these pieces from standard proofs and regular Cameo designations. Only early coins struck from new dies will retain a strong frosted contrast effect, as this effect will diminish as the dies age.

Based on available data, this nickel becomes scarce starting at the PR68 DCAM grade while remaining obtainable at modest premiums. The real challenge emerges at PR69 DCAM level, with fewer than 200 examples certified at PR69 DCAM. A PR69 DCAM example realized $1,116 at Heritage Auctions in June 2013, establishing the current PCGS auction record.

For collectors pursuing the finest available examples, DCAM specimens offer the most visually appealing option within the 1969-S proof nickel series. They remain accessible compared to many other premium Jefferson nickel rarities, making them worthwhile additions for quality-focused collectors.

Sales records demonstrate pricing patterns for Deep Cameo proofs across the grading spectrum.

Deep Cameo specimens maintain consistent collector interest among those building high-grade proof sets and registry collections.

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

 

Rare 1969 Nickel Error List

Production errors occasionally occur during the minting process, creating collectible varieties that appeal to error coin specialists. This repunched mintmark error provides insight into the manual production methods used during this era, when mint marks were individually hand-punched into each working die—a process that inevitably led to occasional misalignments and doubled impressions.

1969-S RPM FS-501

The 1969-S RPM FS-501 represents a repunched mintmark variety found exclusively on San Francisco proof specimens. This error type results from the manual process used to apply mintmarks before 1990, when technicians hand-punched each “S” into individual working dies using steel punches and mallets.

The repunching occurred when the initial mintmark impression was misaligned, incomplete, or struck at an improper angle. Rather than abrading and repolishing the die, technicians applied a second punch, creating overlapping impressions. 

The doubled “S” mintmark appears on the reverse to the right of Monticello. Examination under 5x-10x magnification reveals the secondary impression slightly offset from the primary mark. The visibility varies between specimens—some show clear separation while others display subtle thickening of the mintmark edges.

While not extremely scarce, the 1969-S RPM FS-501 remains less common than standard proof strikes. A PR67 specimen realized $600 at eBay auction in July 2021, establishing a documented price point.

 

Where To Sell Your 1969 Nickel?

Now that you understand your 1969 nickel value, the next step is finding the right marketplace. Below is a curated list of trusted online platforms, complete with detailed reviews of their features, advantages, and limitations.

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

 

1969 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1969 Nickel    

1. Is the 1969 nickel rare?

No, the 1969 nickel is not considered rare in general circulation. Denver Mint produced 202,807,500 nickels while San Francisco struck 120,165,000 business strikes plus 2,934,631 proof specimens. With such high mintage figures, these coins remain readily available today.

The 1969-D Full Steps designation is exceptionally rare—only one specimen has been certified by PCGS to date, which sold for $33,600 in 2021. High-grade uncirculated examples without Full Steps typically range from 50 cents to a few dollars depending on condition and preservation quality.

2. How much is a circulated 1969 nickel worth?

Circulated 1969 nickels from both Denver and San Francisco typically trade at face value of five cents. After more than 50 years in circulation, most examples show moderate to heavy wear on Jefferson’s hair details and Monticello’s architectural features. The coin’s composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel gives it a melt value essentially equal to face value, providing no intrinsic metal premium.

Exceptions exist for coins with notable errors such as off-center strikes, repunched mintmarks, or die cracks. Minor off-center strikes (5-10%) can add $10-30 to value, while more dramatic examples command higher premiums. Unless your circulated 1969 nickel displays obvious minting errors or varieties, it remains a common coin worth spending or saving at face value only.

3. What does “Full Steps” mean on a 1969 nickel?

Full Steps refers to the clarity of Monticello’s stairway on the coin’s reverse. To earn this designation, the steps at the base of Monticello must display at least five complete, unbroken horizontal lines without any weakness or blending between steps. This detail depends on strike quality, die condition, and striking pressure during production.

The 1969-D is particularly notable because only one Full Steps example exists in certified populations. For 1969-S business strikes, no Full Steps specimens have been certified by PCGS.

The designation only applies to uncirculated coins—any circulation wear automatically disqualifies a coin from Full Steps consideration. Collectors value these pieces significantly higher because proper step definition was difficult to achieve with the dies and production methods used during this era.