1970 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

1970 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $6,463. Heritage Auctions sold a Grade 66 San Francisco mint example for that price back in January 2016. Upload yours below and you’ll have a quick value range before you know it. Scroll down to see what 1970 Nickels are actually selling for on eBay today.

 

1970 Nickel Value By Variety

Jefferson nickels came out of two mints in 1970 — Denver (D) and San Francisco (S). Philadelphia sat this year out entirely, so every 1970 nickel you find will have a “D” or “S” below the date. If you know the grade, check the exact price in the Value Guides section below.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1970 Nickel Worth Money

The king of 1970 nickels is a 1970-S Full Steps coin graded MS66FS. It sold for $6,463 at Heritage Auctions on January 6, 2016 — the confirmed auction record for this date according to PCGS CoinFacts. That’s a nickel worth more than most gold coins in your local shop’s case.

San Francisco coins own seven of the top ten spots. Denver shows up too when the coin is well-preserved — a 1970-D Full Steps MS64 brought $1,208 at Heritage Auctions on December 8, 2004, the all-time record for that variety. Even a 1970-D MS65FS sold through GreatCollections for $349.88. That’s still a massive premium on a five-cent coin. Also worth noting: a 1970-D MS67 without Full Steps hit $719, showing you don’t always need the FS label to do well.

 

History Of The 1970 Nickel

The Jefferson Nickel series launched in 1938 after a design competition that drew nearly 400 entries. Felix Schlag, a German-born sculptor who immigrated in 1929 after studying at the Munich University of Fine Arts, won with his portrait of America’s third president. The Mint rejected his original three-quarter view of Monticello and asked for a straight-on perspective instead.

Schlag’s obverse shows Jefferson in left-facing profile, hair tied back in a colonial ribbon, modeled closely on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1789 bust. Fun fact: Schlag’s initials “FS” didn’t appear on the coin until 1966 — 28 years after his design went into production. The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition is notoriously hard on dies, which is exactly why Full Steps coins are so scarce.

By 1970, Philadelphia had stopped making nickels. Denver carried the load with 515,485,380 pieces — over half a billion. Meanwhile, CoinWeek researchers Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker documented that the Jefferson Nickel proof master dies had become severely worn and lacked fine detail by late 1970. The Mint responded by creating entirely new master dies for 1971, re-engraving Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello while widening the rim slightly. That makes the 1970-S proof the last issue struck from the original worn die family.

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

 

Is Your 1970 Nickel Rare?

Most 1970 nickels? Worth a nickel. But here’s where it gets interesting.

The 1970-D with Full Steps is shockingly rare. PCGS has certified only three 1970-D Full Steps examples ever submitted. Three. That makes it one of the toughest conditional rarities in the entire Jefferson series. Greysheet author Bill Fivaz specifically called out the 1970-D as a “sleeper” FS date that top registry collectors actively compete for. If you think you’ve got sharp steps on a 1970-D, don’t ignore it. To assess your coin’s true rarity and current market value, use the Coin Identifier and Value App for accurate evaluation.

 

Key Features Of The 1970 Nickel

The 1970 nickel uses Felix Schlag’s classic 1938 design. It’s 75% copper and 25% nickel — silver-looking but containing zero silver. Here’s what to look for on each side.

The Obverse Of The 1970 Nickel

Jefferson faces left in profile, based on the Houdon bust. “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs along the left side. On the right you’ll see “LIBERTY” and “1970” separated by a five-pointed star. Look below the date for the mint mark — either “D” or “S.” Schlag’s initials “FS” sit below Jefferson’s shoulder, added in 1966 after being absent for 28 years.

The Reverse Of The 1970 Nickel

Flip it over and you’ll see Monticello head-on — the front-facing view the Mint demanded after rejecting Schlag’s original angle. “MONTICELLO” appears right below the building. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” runs across the top, “FIVE CENTS” curves underneath, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” lines the bottom edge. Now look at the base of the portico. Those six steps are what every serious collector examines first when judging strike quality and Full Steps eligibility.

Other Features Of The 1970 Nickel

The coin measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter and weighs exactly 5 grams. Plain, smooth edge — no reeding.

Full Steps (FS) coins are the prize. PCGS requires at least five complete, uninterrupted steps at Monticello’s base. NGC recognizes both 5FS (five full steps) and 6FS (six full steps), with 6FS being rarer and more valuable. Any break in those step lines — from a weak strike, planchet flaw, or bag mark — kills the designation. That’s why so few 1970 nickels earn it.

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

 

1970 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Denver crushed it with exactly 515,485,380 nickels — confirmed by PCGS CoinFacts. San Francisco made 214,464,814 circulation strikes plus 2,632,810 proofs across three categories: standard Proof, Cameo (CAM), and Deep Cameo (DCAM). CAM and DCAM proofs show frosted devices against mirror fields; DCAM coins have the heaviest frost and carry the biggest premiums.

Here’s a number that jumps out: Deep Cameo proofs show 1,118,944 documented survivors, a 42.5% survival rate. That sounds high, but proof coins live in cases and albums — not cash registers. Survival data for circulation strikes from both mints is mostly unknown since those coins spent decades bouncing around in pockets and piggy banks.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1970 Nickel Value

Your 1970 nickel’s value comes down to mint mark, condition, strike quality, and errors. Most circulated pieces are worth face value. But uncirculated coins or those with Full Steps on Monticello can bring serious money. Same goes for error varieties. Instead of guessing, get an accurate evaluation with the Coin Identifier and Value App for precise, up-to-date market pricing.

 

1970 Nickel Value Guides

• 1970-D Nickel — Minted in Denver with exactly 515,485,380 pieces produced, making it the most common 1970 variety by a wide margin. Values range from face value to $0.50 in circulated condition, with MS65 examples reaching $15–$30. MS67 specimens without Full Steps can reach $719 at auction.
• 1970-S Nickel — San Francisco business strike with 214,464,814 minted. Circulated coins value at $0.10–$0.50, while MS65 specimens are worth $20–$40. According to PCGS CoinFacts numismatist Ron Guth, the 1970-S is “very common in Mint State, especially in MS64 to MS65,” though nothing above MS66 has been documented.
• 1970-S Proof — Special collector coins struck from specially prepared dies and polished planchets, producing sharp details and mirror-like fields. Standard proof examples (PR65–PR67) typically value between $1–$3, though one PR64 achieved a surprising $1,725 at Heritage Auctions in August 2010.
• 1970-S CAM (Cameo) — Proof nickels with moderate contrast between frosted design elements and mirror background fields. CAM stands for “Cameo.” PR65CAM specimens range from $8–$15 depending on quality.
• 1970-S DCAM (Deep Cameo) — The most sought-after proof variety, requiring intensely frosted devices on both sides with deeply mirrored fields creating a dramatic black-and-white visual effect. DCAM stands for “Deep Cameo.” High-grade examples (PR67–PR69) can command $25–$100 or more, with the auction record standing at $620 for a PR69DCAM sold in January 2021.

The 1970 nickel series gives you plenty of options. Denver and San Francisco business strikes are affordable enough for beginners. Proof versions with Cameo and Deep Cameo designations are where the real money is — and they make great additions to any proof set collection.

 

1970-D Nickel Value

Over 515 million struck. Three certified with Full Steps. That’s the 1970-D nickel in a nutshell — one of the most common coins by mintage and one of the rarest by strike quality. The dies were used well past their prime, creating what numismatic author Bill Fivaz described as “mushy” features and an “orange peel” look in the fields.

PCGS CoinFacts confirms only three 1970-D Full Steps examples total, with the finest being a single MS65FS. The confirmed auction record for a 1970-D Full Steps nickel is $1,208 for an MS64FS specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on December 8, 2004. Without the Full Steps label, prices stay much more reasonable across all grades — but I think this is one of the most underappreciated dates in the series for cherrypicking potential.

Auction records show steady price progression across different grade levels.

Market activity reflects varying collector interest throughout the year.

 

1970-S Nickel Value

Think all late-1960s and early-1970s Jefferson nickels are hopeless for Full Steps? The 1970-S is the exception. It’s produced nearly 200 certified Full Steps examples — a completely different kind of rare compared to the 1970-D’s population of three.

PCGS CoinFacts numismatist Ron Guth notes that while the 1970-S is scarce with Full Steps, “this date is nowhere near as rare as many of the dates of the mid-1960s to early 1970s.” The top-pop coins are a pair of MS66FS specimens, and nothing above MS66 has been recorded for standard strikes. The confirmed auction record for a 1970-S Full Steps nickel is $6,463 at Heritage Auctions on January 6, 2016 (MS66FS). For regular non-FS business strikes, Heritage Auctions recorded $660 for an MS66+ specimen on August 26, 2020. That gap between $660 and $6,463 tells you exactly what those steps are worth.

Auction records demonstrate value growth as grades increase across the Mint State range.

Market activity shows fluctuating collector engagement throughout different periods.

 

1970-S Proof Nickel Value

Here’s a piece of history you can hold for a few bucks: the 1970-S proof is the last Jefferson nickel struck from the original worn master die family. By late 1970, those dies were so beat up the Mint had to commission entirely new masters for 1971. Total mintage was 2,632,810 specimens, all struck on polished planchets with specially prepared dies.

Most examples grade well through PR68 and stay affordable. The confirmed auction record for a standard 1970-S proof nickel is $1,725 for a PR64 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions on August 11, 2010. That’s a head-scratcher — a PR64 beating higher-graded coins. Likely came down to specific eye appeal or the right two bidders in the room that day.

Auction records indicate steady values across most proof grade levels.

Market activity demonstrates consistent collector interest throughout the year.

 

1970-S CAM Nickel Value

Can you tell a Cameo from a standard proof at a glance? You should be able to. CAM proofs show moderate frost on Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello’s details against mirror-like fields. It’s a noticeable step up from a standard proof but not as dramatic as Deep Cameo.

The frost comes from die preparation, and it fades as the die wears through a production run. Earlier strikes are more likely to earn the Cameo label. According to Greysheet, all proof Jefferson nickels struck before the mid-1970s with full cameo devices are considered relatively scarce compared to later issues. The confirmed auction record for a 1970-S CAM nickel is $265 for a PR69 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions in November 2000.

Auction records display steady pricing across certified grade levels for this variety.

Market activity shows moderate collector engagement throughout different periods.

 

1970-S DCAM Nickel Value

If you want the best-looking proof nickel from 1970, this is it. Deep Cameo means heavy, unbroken frost on both sides with deeply mirrored fields — that bold black-and-white contrast collectors love. Both obverse and reverse have to show the effect to qualify.

Everything depends on die condition at the moment of striking. Fresh dies produce the strongest frost, and it fades coin by coin. That’s why early strikes from a die run are the ones to look for. PR70 Deep Cameo examples are tough to track down, but enough exist in lower grades to keep the market active. The confirmed auction record for a 1970-S DCAM nickel is $620 for a PR69DCAM specimen sold on eBay in January 2021.

Auction records show progressive value increases across higher proof grade levels.

Market activity demonstrates steady collector interest throughout the tracking period.

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

 

Rare 1970 Nickel Error List

Most 1970 nickels came out normal. But several minting mistakes slipped through, and they’re worth hunting for. These range from doubled dies to coins struck on the completely wrong planchet.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error

This one happened during die production. The hub struck the working die more than once with slight misalignment, permanently etching doubled imagery into the die. Every coin from that die carries the same doubling — that’s how you know it’s the real deal.

Look at “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date, and the star below Jefferson’s portrait. The doubling should be raised and crisp, not blurry. It spreads consistently toward the coin’s center. Circulated DDO nickels typically bring $25–$75 depending on how visible the doubling is. Bold uncirculated examples can reach $150–$500. Certified coins with really prominent doubling have broken $1,000.

2. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) Error

Same hub-doubling mechanism, but on the Monticello side. The strongest spreading usually shows up on “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and especially the letters in “AMERICA” — that’s where you’ll see the boldest separation.

Circulated DDR business strikes sell for $30–$100. Uncirculated pieces with strong doubling can hit $150–$400 at major auctions. Proof versions with DDR errors are significantly rarer, commanding $300–$800 in higher grades. The most dramatic examples have crossed $1,000 at specialized sales.

3. Off-Center Strikes

These happen when the planchet isn’t seated properly during striking. You get a partial design with a blank crescent where the die missed entirely. More off-center means more dramatic — and usually more valuable.

The sweet spot is 10–50% off-center with the date and mint mark still fully visible. That combination of dramatic visual impact plus identifiable date is what drives the premium. You can spot these without any special equipment.

4. Clipped Planchet Error

When the blanking press punches overlapping holes in the metal strip, you get a planchet with a bite taken out of it. That clipped blank then gets struck normally, producing a coin with a missing section along the edge.

Clips can be curved (more common) or straight (scarcer). Bigger clips bring bigger premiums. The rest of the design looks normal — just incomplete where the metal is missing. These are great starter errors for new collectors since they’re easy to authenticate.

5. Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) Error

Back in 1970, mint marks were still hand-punched onto individual working dies with steel punches and mallets. If the punch landed slightly off on the first try, the engraver hit it again — leaving a ghost of the first impression beneath or beside the final “D” or “S.”

RPMs that you can see without magnification are worth the most. Ones that need a loupe still have value, just less. We think these are some of the most historically interesting errors because they document a production method that ended when automation took over in 1989.

6. Wrong Planchet Error (Struck on Cent Planchet)

This is the big one. A 1970 nickel struck on a copper Lincoln cent planchet is instantly recognizable — copper-gold color, lighter weight (approximately 3.1 grams instead of the standard 5 grams), and design cut off at the edges because the planchet is too small.

Heritage Auctions has sold certified examples from the Don Bonser Collection, including a 1970 Jefferson nickel struck on a clad dime planchet graded MS62 by PCGS. So both cent and dime planchet errors exist for this date. Wrong planchet errors for 1970 nickels typically sell for $2,000–$5,000 depending on grade and eye appeal. Higher-grade examples can push well beyond that.

 

Where To Sell Your 1970 Nickel?

Selling your 1970 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)

 

1970 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1970 Nickel Value

1. Where is the mint mark on a 1970 nickel?

Check the obverse, right below the date and to the right of Jefferson’s portrait. You’ll see either a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco). Philadelphia didn’t make nickels in 1970, so there’s no mint-mark-free version. If yours looks blank there, it’s probably just worn down — not a rare variety.

2. What is a 1970 nickel made of?

It’s 75% copper and 25% nickel — the standard cupro-nickel alloy used for Jefferson nickels from 1938 to present (except the 1942–1945 silver war nickels, which contained 35% silver). Looks silver but contains none.

The coin weighs exactly 5 grams, measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter, and has a plain, smooth edge with no reeding. That weight matters — a 1970 nickel struck on a cent planchet weighs only about 3.1 grams, so a kitchen scale can help you spot wrong planchet errors.

3. How much is a 1970 nickel worth?

Most circulated examples: face value to around $0.50. Uncirculated coins reach $15–$40 depending on mint mark and grade. Full Steps examples with PCGS or NGC certification are where it jumps — the 1970-S MS66FS holds the all-time record at $6,463, and the 1970-D MS64FS sold for $1,208, both at Heritage Auctions.

4. What does “Full Steps” mean on a 1970 nickel?

Full Steps (FS) means at least five complete, uninterrupted steps show at the base of Monticello’s portico on the reverse. Any break, nick, planchet flaw, or contact mark along those lines disqualifies the coin.

NGC distinguishes between 5FS (five full steps) and 6FS (six full steps), with 6FS being rarer and more valuable. PCGS awards a single “FS” designation for coins meeting the five-step minimum. The 1970 nickel series is notorious for weak strikes, so Full Steps coins are exceptionally rare.

5. Is a 1970 proof nickel worth anything?

Depends on the designation. Standard 1970-S proofs (PR65–PR67) run $1–$3. CAM (Cameo) proofs start around $8–$15 at PR65. DCAM (Deep Cameo) proofs with the strongest contrast are the most valuable — PR69DCAM examples have sold for up to $620. One oddball PR64 standard proof hit $1,725 at Heritage Auctions in 2010, but that’s not typical.

6. How do I tell if my 1970 nickel has a doubled die error?

Grab a 10x loupe and look at the obverse lettering. On a genuine DDO, you’ll see distinct, raised secondary images — not blurry smears. Focus on “LIBERTY” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” for clear doubling that spreads consistently toward the center.

A true doubled die is a die error. Every coin from that die shows the same doubling in the same direction. If what you see is a shallow “shelf” effect, that’s strike doubling — worth nothing extra.

7. Did Philadelphia make nickels in 1970?

No. Denver struck 515,485,380 pieces and San Francisco made 214,464,814 circulation strikes plus 2,632,810 proof coins. Philadelphia came back to nickel production in 1971.

8. What is the 1970 nickel struck on a wrong planchet worth?

These are the heavy hitters. A 1970 nickel on a copper cent planchet shows copper-gold color and weighs approximately 3.1 grams instead of the standard 5 grams.

Heritage Auctions has documented certified examples, including a 1970 Jefferson nickel struck on a clad dime planchet from the Don Bonser Collection (graded MS62 by PCGS). Wrong planchet errors for 1970 nickels typically sell for $2,000–$5,000 depending on grade, with higher-grade examples potentially commanding significantly more.

9. Why are Full Steps 1970-D nickels so rare?

Bad dies and tough metal. The 75%/25% copper-nickel composition chews through dies fast, and numismatic author Bill Fivaz has explained that the Mint was using dies well past their optimal lifespan during this period. By late 1970, even the proof master dies were so worn the Mint had to commission entirely new re-engraved masters for 1971.

PCGS has certified only three 1970-D Full Steps examples. That population count makes this one of the most elusive conditional rarities in the modern Jefferson nickel series.

10. Can I find a valuable 1970 nickel in circulation today?

Technically possible. Realistically? Very tough. The coins with premium value — Full Steps examples, dramatic errors, high-grade uncirculated pieces — were pulled from circulation decades ago by sharp-eyed collectors.

Your best shot is searching original unsearched bank rolls, picking through estate sale collections, or hitting coin shows where dealers sometimes have undergraded pieces. Any 1970 nickel you pull from pocket change today is almost certainly worth face value.