1970 Nickel Coin Value (Errors List, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1970 nickel value varies significantly based on a key design detail. Standard 1970 nickels typically range from $0.08 in Good condition to around $7.00 in Mint State.

However, coins with Full Steps designation command much higher prices. A 1970-D nickel with Full Steps can reach $1,534.62 in top grade. This premium exists because Monticello’s steps are notoriously difficult to strike cleanly. Most 1970 nickels show weak or incomplete steps.

Collectors prize examples with all five or six steps fully defined. This design element dramatically impacts value for Jefferson nickels across all years.

 

1970 Nickel Value By Variety

In 1970, Jefferson nickels were produced at the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints, with San Francisco also striking proof coins for collectors. The value of a 1970 nickel is determined by its mint mark, its grade, and any special designations or rare errors.

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 1970 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 1970 nickels showcase striking quality and preservation. The top position belongs to a 1970-S Full Steps coin graded MS-66, valued at $6,463. This exceptional price reflects both the Full Steps designation and superior condition.

San Francisco coins dominate this list, appearing in seven of ten spots. The second-place coin is a 1970-S Proof graded PR-64 at $1,725. Denver mint coins also show strong value when well-preserved. A 1970-D Full Steps example in MS-64 ranks third at $1,208.

Higher grades consistently command premium prices across all varieties. Notice how the 1970-D MS-67 reaches $719, while lower-grade examples drop significantly. Even circulated specimens can hold value when properly graded.

The list demonstrates that strike quality and condition are crucial factors. Collectors particularly seek coins with complete Monticello steps and minimal contact marks.

 

History Of The 1970 Nickel

The 1970 nickel belongs to the Jefferson Nickel series that debuted in 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel. The Treasury Department launched a design competition that attracted nearly 400 entries. German immigrant Felix Schlag won with his elegant portrayal of America’s third president.

Schlag’s original submission featured a three-quarter view of Monticello, but officials requested changes. He revised the design to show a formal front-facing perspective of Jefferson’s Virginia estate. The final design shows Jefferson facing left on the obverse, his hair tied back with a ribbon. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

By 1970, Philadelphia and Denver handled circulation production, while San Francisco struck proof coins. Denver’s mint alone produced over half a billion nickels that year. The design remained virtually unchanged from 1938 through 2003, though Schlag’s initials were added in 1966.

These coins circulated during the Vietnam War era. Today, most 1970 nickels hold modest value, but well-preserved examples remain popular with collectors as symbols of American numismatic heritage.

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

 

Is Your 1970 Nickel Rare?

Most 1970 nickels are common circulation coins. However, rarity depends on specific factors like mint mark, striking quality, and potential errors. Condition plays a crucial role in determining value. To assess your coin’s true rarity and current market value, use the CoinValueChecker App for accurate evaluation.

 

Key Features Of The 1970 Nickel

The 1970 nickel showcases Felix Schlag’s classic design from 1938. This coin displays distinctive characteristics on both sides. The composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Understanding these features helps collectors identify authentic specimens and assess their condition accurately.

The Obverse Of The 1970 Nickel

The obverse features President Thomas Jefferson in left-facing profile. German artist Felix Schlag created this design. Jefferson appears with his hair tied back in a colonial-era ribbon.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs clockwise on the left side. The word “LIBERTY” and year “1970” appear on the right. A five-pointed star separates these elements. The mint mark “D” or “S” sits below the date. Schlag’s initials “FS” appear below Jefferson’s shoulder.

The Reverse Of The 1970 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate mansion. The neoclassical building appears in frontal view. Officials at the Mint requested this conventional perspective.

They added the legend “MONTICELLO” below the image to avoid confusion. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears at the top. Below Monticello, “FIVE CENTS” curves gently. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs along the bottom edge. This layout accommodates all required elements clearly.

Other Features Of The 1970 Nickel

The coin measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter and weighs 5 grams. The edge is plain and smooth throughout. This matches specifications for all Jefferson nickels.

Coins with “Full Steps” designation are particularly scarce. This refers to complete, sharp steps on Monticello’s portico. These command significant premiums among collectors today.

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

 

1970 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1970 nickel mintage data reveals striking production disparities across facilities. Denver dominated output with over 515 million pieces, while San Francisco produced approximately 214 million circulation strikes.

Additionally, San Francisco struck 2.6 million proof coins in three categories: standard Proof, Cameo (CAM), and Deep Cameo (DCAM).

The survival distribution chart shows Deep Cameo proofs accounting for the overwhelming majority of preserved coins, with 1,118,944 survivors representing a 42.5% survival rate. This relatively high percentage reflects the careful preservation of proof coins by collectors.

In contrast, survival data for circulation strikes from both mints remains unknown, as does the survival information for standard Proof and Cameo varieties.

This gap highlights how circulated coins often disappear from the numismatic record, while premium collector pieces like Deep Cameo proofs maintain better documentation and preservation rates over time.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1970 Nickel Value

Determining your 1970 nickel’s value depends on several key factors. Mint mark location, coin condition, and striking quality all play crucial roles. Most circulated examples remain worth face value, but uncirculated specimens or those with full steps on Monticello command premiums.

Error varieties and exceptional preservation significantly increase worth. Professional assessment considers these multiple variables together.

Rather than guessing your coin’s value, get an accurate evaluation instantly with the CoinValueChecker App for precise, up-to-date market pricing.

 

1970 Nickel Value Guides

• 1970-D Nickel– Minted in Denver with over 515 million pieces produced, making it the most common variety. Values range from face value to $0.50 in circulated condition, with MS65 examples reaching $15-$30.
• 1970-S Nickel– San Francisco business strike with approximately 238 million minted. Circulated coins value at $0.10-$0.50, while MS65 specimens are worth $20-$40.
• 1970-S Proof– Special collector coins sold in proof sets featuring mirror-like surfaces. Standard proof examples (PR65-PR67) typically value between $1-$3.
• 1970-S CAM (Cameo)– Proof nickels with moderate contrast between frosted designs and mirror fields. PR65CAM specimens range from $8-$15 depending on quality.
• 1970-S DCAM (Deep Cameo)– The most sought-after proof variety with strong contrast and heavily frosted devices. High-grade examples (PR67-PR69) can command $25-$100 or more.

The 1970 nickel series offers collectors diverse options across multiple mint facilities and striking qualities.

Denver and San Francisco business strikes remain affordable for beginners. Proof versions present premium opportunities. Cameo and Deep Cameo designations are especially valuable.

Condition and eye appeal significantly impact value, with well-preserved examples commanding substantial premiums over worn circulated pieces.

 

1970-D Nickel Value

The 1970-D nickel presents a striking paradox in numismatics. While over 515 million pieces were produced, making it abundant in all grades, specimens showing Full Steps on Monticello’s entrance are extremely rare. The 1970-D ranks among the particularly difficult dates to find in gem condition with Full Steps.

Professional grading services have certified only three Full Steps examples, with the finest being a single MS65FS specimen. This extreme scarcity creates significant value disparity between regular strikes and Full Steps varieties.

The auction record for a 1970-D Full Steps nickel stands at $1,208 for an MS64 specimen sold in December 2004. Standard strikes without Full Steps designation remain considerably more affordable across all grade levels.

Auction records show steady price progression across different grade levels.

Market activity reflects varying collector interest throughout the year.

 

1970-S Nickel Value

The 1970-S nickel represents a turning point in strike quality for the San Francisco Mint. Unlike earlier years, this issue remains common in Mint State grades MS64 to MS65, with MS66 examples also available. Full Steps examples are scarce but represent one of the few mid-1960s to early 1970s dates with a decent population, producing nearly 200 certified Full Steps nickels.

The finest certified examples include a pair of MS66FS specimens. No examples grading higher than MS66 have been recorded for standard strikes. This ceiling in grading reflects production limitations of the era.

The auction record for a 1970-S Full Steps nickel stands at $6,462.50 for an MS66FS specimen sold in January 2016. Standard strikes without Full Steps designation remain affordable across most grade levels.

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

he 1970-S proof nickel was produced exclusively for collectors at the San Francisco Mint, with a total mintage of 2,632,810 specimens. Standard proof examples remain common across the series, representing one of the more accessible proof issues from this era. These coins were struck using specially prepared dies and planchets, creating sharp details and mirror-like surfaces.

Most examples grade well, with specimens up to PR68 being relatively common in the marketplace. Higher grades require more effort to locate but remain attainable for determined collectors seeking premium quality.

The auction record for a standard 1970-S proof nickel stands at $1,725 for a PR64 specimen sold in August 2010. This unusually high price reflects specific market conditions or exceptional eye appeal for that particular coin.

Auction records indicate steady values across most proof grade levels.

Market activity demonstrates consistent collector interest throughout the year.

 

1970-S CAM Nickel Value

The 1970-S Cameo proof nickel features moderate contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields. This designation falls between standard proofs and Deep Cameo specimens, offering enhanced visual appeal without reaching the intensity of DCAM examples.

The Cameo effect results from die preparation techniques creating partial frosting on raised portions of Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello’s details. As dies wore during production, the frosting effect diminished, making earlier strikes more likely to achieve Cameo designation. Both obverse and reverse must display adequate frosting to earn this classification.

The auction record for a 1970-S Cameo nickel stands at $265 for a PR69 specimen sold in November 2000 at Heritage Auctions. This moderate premium reflects the enhanced visual appeal Cameo proofs offer over standard examples.

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

The 1970-S Deep Cameo nickel represents the premium tier among proof nickels from this year, requiring intensely frosted devices with no reflective breaks on both sides. The striking contrast between frosted design elements and deeply mirrored fields creates a dramatic black-and-white visual effect highly prized by collectors.

Higher grade PR70 Deep Cameo examples prove considerably tougher to find, though sufficient quantities exist in the marketplace. The designation depends on die condition during striking, with earlier production runs more likely to achieve full Deep Cameo status.

The auction record for a 1970-S Deep Cameo nickel stands at $620 for a PR69DCAM specimen sold in January 2021 on eBay. This price reflects strong collector demand for premium-quality proof examples with maximum contrast.

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

While most 1970 nickels follow standard design and strike, several notable minting mistakes slipped through production and remain highly collectible today. As a modern issue, major errors are rare but highly collectible when found, including off-center strikes, wrong planchets, and doubled dies. These manufacturing flaws create unique variations that distinguish them from regular strikes.

1. Doubled Die Errors

Doubled die errors on nickels show clear duplication on obverse lettering, especially around “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY”.

These varieties result from hub doubling during die production, with Class II distorted hub doubling showing spreads toward the center on inscriptions. The doubling appears as distinct, raised secondary images rather than blurred impressions.

Market values depend heavily on visibility and preservation quality, with bolder doubling fetching substantial premiums. Professional certification enhances marketability for these varieties.

2. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is improperly positioned during the striking process, creating coins with partial designs and blank areas where the die missed the metal entirely.

The degree of misalignment determines collector value, with strikes showing 10-50% off-center being most desirable while still displaying the date and mintmark. Complete design elements visible on the struck portion increase appeal. These dramatic errors demonstrate the precision required in modern coin production.

3. Clipped Planchets

Clipped planchet errors happen when the metal strip from which planchets are punched overlaps during the blanking process, creating coins with missing sections.

This results in curved or straight clips along the edge before striking occurs. The size and shape of clips vary significantly, with curved clips being more common than straight clips.

The remaining design elements appear normal but incomplete due to the missing metal portion, making these errors easily identifiable.

4. Repunched Mintmarks

Repunched mintmark varieties show traces of initial mintmark impressions beneath or beside the final placement, resulting from manual application to individual working dies.

These RPM errors occurred during the period when mintmarks were hand-punched rather than part of the master hub. Multiple punch attempts created distinctive doubling or tripling of mint letters.

Collectors value these varieties for documenting historical mint production methods before automation standardized the process.

 

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

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

The mintmark on a 1970 nickel is located on the obverse (front) side, positioned directly below the date. All 1970 nickels feature either a “D” (Denver) or “S” (San Francisco) mintmark in this location.

Philadelphia did not produce nickels in 1970, so no coins from this year exist without a mintmark. The small letter appears just to the right of Jefferson’s portrait.

2. What is a 1970 nickel made of?

The 1970 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, and features a plain, smooth edge without any reeding.

3. How much is a 1970 nickel worth?

Most 1970 nickels in circulated condition are worth face value to around $0.50. However, uncirculated specimens can reach $15-$40 depending on mint mark and grade.

Full Steps examples command significantly higher premiums, with values ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The most valuable 1970 nickels include high-grade proofs and rare Full Steps varieties, with auction records reaching $6,463 for exceptional specimens.