1971 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

1971 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $8,100. A near-perfect Grade 69 No S proof example sold at Heritage Auctions in May 2023 to claim that record. If yours happens to be a No S variety, it could be worth serious money — upload a photo below to find out. Scroll down to see what 1971 Nickels are fetching on eBay right now.

 

1971 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart provides a comprehensive overview of 1971 nickel value across different varieties and grade levels. 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 1971 Nickel Worth Money

The chart clearly demonstrates that the 1971 “No S” proof variety dominates the most valuable positions, with top-grade specimens leading the market.

This mintmark error occurred when an incomplete die lacking the “S” was mistakenly used at the San Francisco Mint, creating one of the most sought-after modern nickel varieties.

Grade quality plays a crucial role in determining value within this error variety. Prices range from around $1,939 for PR67 examples to over $8,000 for the finest PR69DCAM specimens, showing how condition significantly affects worth.

A regular 1971 nickel in exceptionally high grade (MS67FS — meaning Mint State grade 67 with Full Steps on Monticello’s portico) also appears on the list at $5,560, demonstrating that outstanding quality can bring strong value even without the “No S” error.

For collectors interested in these valuable varieties, professional grading and careful examination of coin characteristics remain essential to identifying and authenticating high-value specimens.

 

History of the 1971 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel series was designed by Felix Schlag, a German-born sculptor who moved to the United States in 1929 after studying at the Munich University of Fine Arts. He won a 1937 design competition against 390 other artists, earning a $1,000 prize, and his portrait of Jefferson has graced the nickel since 1938.

By late 1970, the Jefferson nickel proof master dies had severely worn and lacked fine detail, prompting the U.S. Mint to create new master dies to restore the original design. This redesign process touched up both Jefferson’s portrait and the Monticello image on the reverse — and also slightly widened the coin’s rim, a subtle but measurable change documented by CoinWeek researchers Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker.

In 1971, the San Francisco Mint halted production of nickels for circulation, making the 1971-S the first five-cent piece since 1878 to be produced in proof finish only. Since then, all San Francisco nickels have been proof coins sold directly to collectors. Philadelphia and Denver continued striking circulation nickels, with Philadelphia producing coins without mint marks and Denver marking theirs with a “D.”

The most significant event of 1971 was the accidental creation of the “No S” proof variety. At that time, mintmarks were punched onto proof dies by hand — a manual process that created risk for human error. The engraving department at the Philadelphia Mint forgot to apply the “S” mintmark to one obverse proof die before shipping it to San Francisco. Approximately 1,655 proof nickels were struck and released before the error was discovered on December 29, 1971, when the first example was found in a proof set. The U.S. Mint confirmed its authenticity after numismatic experts inquired — making this the only Jefferson nickel ever struck without its intended mintmark.

Notably, the 1971 No S was not an isolated incident. Similar “No S” proof errors occurred on dimes in 1968, 1970, 1975, and 1983, and later on the 1990 Lincoln cent. All were products of the era when mintmarks were hand-punched onto individual proof dies.

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

 

Is Your 1971 Nickel Rare?

Check your 1971 nickel’s rarity and potential value instantly with our Coin Identifier and Value App to discover if you own one of the sought-after varieties.

 

Key Features of the 1971 Nickel

The 1971 Jefferson nickel represents a pivotal year in the series, marked by the introduction of refreshed master dies that created several distinct die varieties not present in earlier years.

The Obverse of the 1971 Nickel

The obverse displays a left-facing bust of President Thomas Jefferson, featuring a colonial-era pigtail that closely resembles Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1789 bust. Jefferson’s portrait dominates the coin, with his head nearly touching the top rim.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs clockwise along the left side, extending from Jefferson’s chest to his hairline. On the right side, the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1971” appear, separated by a small five-pointed star. The mint mark, when present, appears below the date near the end of Jefferson’s ponytail. Felix Schlag’s initials “FS” — added to all Jefferson nickels beginning in 1966 — also appear on the lower right of the obverse near Jefferson’s shoulder.

One 1971-specific die variety to know: the ODV-021 variety, where the letters “TR” in the word “TRUST” are slightly thinner than normal. This variety resulted from the re-engraving process that year and is sought by specialist collectors.

The Reverse of the 1971 Nickel

The reverse features a front view of Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, which he designed himself based on Italian Renaissance architectural principles. The building’s distinctive dome and portico are clearly rendered.

The 1971 redesign also produced two distinct reverse varieties: RDV-005, on which Monticello’s rooftop railings appear in low relief, and RDV-006, on which those same railings are rendered much more strongly. At the top appears the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “Out of Many, One”), while “MONTICELLO” sits in a straight line directly beneath the building. Below that is “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” runs counterclockwise along the bottom rim.

Other Features of the 1971 Nickel

The coin has a smooth edge and is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Its specifications include a mass of 5 grams, a diameter of 21.20 mm, and a thickness of approximately 1.95 mm.

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

 

1971 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The chart reveals significant production differences across the three minting facilities in 1971. Denver led production with 316,144,800 circulation strikes, while Philadelphia resumed nickel production after a three-year hiatus, striking 106,884,000 pieces without mint marks.

San Francisco produced 3,220,733 proof nickels, a much smaller figure compared to the hundreds of millions struck for everyday commerce at the other two mints.

The survival data provides insight into preservation patterns. While survival numbers remain unknown for most circulation strikes and standard proof varieties, the deep cameo proofs show a documented survival of 1,368,811 pieces, representing a 42.5% survival rate.

This reflects the careful handling these collector-oriented coins typically received, as they were sold in protective packaging rather than released into circulation where they would experience normal wear and potential loss.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1971 Nickel Value

Checking the mint mark is your starting point for evaluating a 1971 nickel. The mint mark location appears below the date, near the end of Jefferson’s ponytail on the obverse.

Condition plays the most significant role in determining worth, as circulated examples typically bring only face value while pristine specimens command premium prices.

Proof coins show enhanced detail with mirror-like backgrounds and sharper design elements. The presence of Full Steps (FS) on Monticello’s portico also dramatically increases value for well-struck examples — PCGS requires at least five fully separated, uninterrupted steps at the base of Monticello to award this designation, and NGC grades nickels as either 5FS (five full steps) or 6FS (six full steps).

Our Coin Identifier and Value App instantly analyzes your 1971 nickel’s grade and variety, providing accurate value estimates based on current market data.

 

1971 Nickel Value Guides

The 1971 Jefferson nickel series includes several distinct types, each produced with specific purposes and characteristics. Understanding these variations helps collectors identify what they own and assess potential value accordingly.

Main Types:

• 1971 No Mint Mark Nickel – Struck at Philadelphia for circulation
• 1971-D Nickel – Produced at Denver for circulation
• 1971-S Proof Nickel – Collector coins from San Francisco
• 1971-S CAM Nickel – Proofs with cameo contrast
• 1971-S DCAM Nickel – Proofs with deep cameo finishes

Each type represents a different minting approach, from mass-produced circulation strikes to carefully crafted collector pieces. The proof varieties, particularly those with cameo or deep cameo finishes, were made specifically for numismatic purposes and show superior quality compared to their circulation counterparts.

 

1971 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

Philadelphia struck over 106 million no mint mark nickels in 1971 for everyday circulation use. While abundant in lower grades, these coins become notably scarce when found in pristine mint state condition with sharp, well-defined details throughout the design.

Strike quality plays a crucial role in determining value, particularly the visibility of Monticello’s portico steps. Most examples show some weakness in this area due to the striking process, making well-executed Full Steps pieces especially desirable to collectors.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, only six examples of the 1971 no mint mark nickel have been certified at the MS67FS level — the top known grade — making this one of the great conditional rarities in the entire Jefferson series. This extreme scarcity at the top grade explains why MS67FS specimens have reached $5,560 at auction.

The auction record chart illustrates the range of prices achieved across different grade levels.

Market activity for high-grade 1971 no mint mark nickels reflects collectors’ focus on quality and strike characteristics.

 

1971-D Nickel Value

Denver’s 1971 nickel production served the nation’s commerce needs with coins struck for everyday circulation. The U.S. Mint cut new, sharper master die hubs for the first time in decades, making Full Steps examples more achievable on 1971-D nickels than in many previous years.

Despite this improvement in overall strike quality, truly exceptional specimens with complete step definition and minimal contact marks remain attractive to collectors. According to auction records, MS67 Full Steps specimens have achieved $863, demonstrating the premium placed on superior strike quality and preservation.

This price level reflects both the technical difficulty of maintaining pristine surfaces and the specific appeal of well-executed architectural details on Monticello.

Past auction results demonstrate the price trajectory for various condition levels of this Denver issue.

Trading patterns for 1971-D nickels highlight the demand for pieces combining sharp strikes with exceptional surface preservation.

 

1971-S Proof Nickel Value

San Francisco focused exclusively on proof production in 1971, creating specially struck nickels for collectors rather than circulation. These pieces were made using polished dies and planchets, resulting in coins with mirror-like fields and frosted design elements that distinguish them from regular strikes.

Most 1971-S proof nickels grade between PR65 and PR67 when found in undisturbed proof sets. Standard proof examples at PR65 typically sell for 50 cents to $1, reflecting their widespread availability. According to CoinWeek’s research, PCGS has certified just one example at the all-time top grade of PR70, while NGC has yet to certify a single PR70 — making that level an extreme rarity.

The PR66 level represents a common grade for well-preserved examples, with auction records showing specimens reaching $92. While not commanding the premiums of the rarest varieties, these proofs offer collectors an accessible way to own a San Francisco product from this transitional year in nickel production.

Historical sales data illustrates the pricing structure across various preservation levels for this proof issue.

Collector engagement with 1971-S proofs reflects the broader numismatic appreciation for well-made pieces from the early 1970s.

 

1971-S CAM Nickel Value

The CAM (cameo) designation identifies 1971-S proof nickels displaying a distinctive visual quality that collectors find appealing. These pieces feature frosted design elements — Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello — contrasting sharply against mirror-like fields, an effect resulting from the proof striking process where fresh dies initially produce strong contrast.

It’s important to know that deep cameo features did not become the standard norm for U.S. proof coins until the late 1970s and early 1980s. That means on 1971 nickels, cameo examples are the exception rather than the rule, and they carry a genuine premium.

According to auction records, a PR68 cameo specimen achieved $161 in 2001. While this represents a premium over basic proof examples, the pricing remains accessible for collectors seeking enhanced visual characteristics without pursuing the highest designations.

Sales records across multiple years show how collector demand responds to different combinations of grade level and surface quality.

Market engagement with 1971-S cameo nickels demonstrates consistent participation from collectors valuing the balance between visual enhancement and affordability.

 

1971-S DCAM Nickel Value

Deep cameo (DCAM) proofs represent the highest level of visual contrast achievable in 1971-S nickels. These pieces display heavily frosted design elements against deeply mirrored fields, creating a dramatic three-dimensional effect that immediately catches the eye.

The deep cameo designation requires both sides of the coin to exhibit maximum contrast — a condition that becomes progressively rarer as dies wear during production. Recent market data from CoinWeek shows PCGS-certified PR69DCAM examples selling for $129.95 to $200 on eBay in 2024–2025, while NGC PF69UCAM examples have sold for $84 to $115. The top certified population at NGC stands at 183 PF69UCAM examples as of September 2025.

According to auction records, a PR69 deep cameo specimen achieved $1,553 in 2003. This premium pricing reflects both the technical difficulty of achieving deep cameo surfaces and the strong collector demand for specimens showing exceptional visual characteristics.

Price performance across different years provides valuable context for evaluating deep cameo examples at various grade levels.

Collector activity surrounding 1971-S DCAM nickels shows focused attention on pieces delivering maximum visual impact through superior surface contrast.

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

 

Rare 1971 Nickel Error List

Minting errors create some of the most sought-after varieties in the 1971 nickel series. These production mistakes range from missing mintmarks to doubled design elements, with values varying significantly based on the type and visibility of the error.

1. 1971 No S (FS-501)

The 1971 “No S” Jefferson nickel, cataloged as FS-501, represents the only variety in the entire Jefferson nickel series struck without its intended mintmark. U.S. Mint officials confirmed that 1,655 examples were accidentally released in 1971 proof sets after the error was discovered on December 29, 1971.

This error occurred because the Philadelphia Mint’s engraving department forgot to punch the “S” mintmark onto one obverse proof die before sending it to San Francisco. At the time, mintmarks were applied to proof dies by hand — a manual step that left the process vulnerable to human oversight.

These error pieces exist in three finishes: standard proof, cameo, and deep cameo, with surface quality dramatically affecting value. For standard proof examples, low-grade specimens (PR63) start around $800, and PCGS notes there are possibly several hundred examples known across all finish levels. Higher-grade specimens between PR67 and PR68+ regularly achieve $1,000 to $1,500.

The auction record reached $8,100 for a PCGS PR69DCAM specimen sold through Heritage Auctions in May 2023. An earlier record of $7,637.50 was set at Heritage in 2016 for another PR69DCAM. A PCGS PR68 example also sold on eBay as recently as September 1, 2025 for $940, confirming continued strong collector demand. Collectors must examine 1971 proof sets to find these rarities, as proof coins never entered circulation.

2. 1971-S DDR FS-801 (Doubled Die Reverse)

A Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) error occurs during die production when the hub — the master tool that stamps the coin’s design onto a working die — makes multiple misaligned impressions. The result is visible doubling on the reverse inscriptions.

The 1971-S DDR FS-801 is one of no fewer than 34 documented doubled die reverses for the 1971-S nickel — an unusually large number that directly resulted from the redesign process, when new master dies were cut and multiple die varieties emerged. The doubling on FS-801 appears most prominently on “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

According to auction records, a PR66 specimen achieved $138 on eBay in 2022, demonstrating the modest premiums these varieties command compared to the significantly rarer “No S” error.

 

Where to Sell Your 1971 Nickel?

After learning about 1971 nickel values and varieties, you might be wondering about the best places to buy or sell these coins. We’ve researched the top online marketplaces for numismatic transactions, complete with detailed insights into their advantages and potential drawbacks.

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

 

1971 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About the 1971 Nickel Value

1. What makes a 1971 Nickel rare?

The rarest 1971 nickel is the “No S” proof variety (FS-501), with only 1,655 examples accidentally released. It is the only coin in the entire Jefferson nickel series struck without its intended mintmark, making it irreplaceable in that context.

Rarity also depends on condition and strike quality. Only 6 examples of the 1971 no mint mark nickel have been certified at MS67FS by PCGS, and PCGS has awarded the top grade of PR70 to just a single 1971-S proof, while NGC has yet to certify any at that level.

2. How much is a 1971 Nickel worth today?

Most circulated 1971 nickels are worth face value, while mint state examples range from $6.40 to $14.33 depending on grade and Full Steps designation. Standard 1971-S proof nickels at PR65 typically sell for 50 cents to $1, reflecting their widespread availability.

The “No S” error variety commands significantly higher prices, with examples selling for $800 to $1,500 in most grades and an auction record of $8,100 for a PR69DCAM specimen at Heritage Auctions in 2023.

3. How do I tell if my 1971 Nickel is valuable?

Start by checking the mint mark below the date on the obverse. If you have a 1971-S proof from a proof set, examine carefully whether the “S” appears — a missing mintmark signals the rare No S error worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.

For circulation strikes, look at the steps at the base of Monticello’s portico on the reverse. Five or more fully separated, uninterrupted step lines earn the valuable Full Steps (FS) designation from PCGS or the 5FS/6FS designation from NGC.

4. What are the known die varieties of the 1971 nickel?

The 1971 redesign produced several documented die varieties. On the obverse, the ODV-021 variety features “TR” in TRUST that is slightly thinner than normal. On the reverse, RDV-005 shows Monticello’s rooftop railings in low relief, while RDV-006 has a more strongly defined roofline.

Additionally, the 1971-S proof has 34 documented doubled die reverses cataloged by specialists, with FS-801 being the most widely traded. These varieties resulted directly from the re-engraving and new master die process that year.

5. What is the Full Steps (FS) designation and why does it matter for 1971 nickel value?

Full Steps (FS) is a special designation awarded by grading services PCGS and NGC to Jefferson nickels showing at least five fully separated, uninterrupted steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. PCGS requires five complete steps for “FS,” while NGC distinguishes between 5FS (five steps) and 6FS (six steps).

The designation matters enormously for value. A 1971 no mint mark nickel in MS66 without FS may be worth just a few dollars, while an MS66FS example can be worth many times more. At MS67FS — the finest known grade — PCGS has certified only six examples, and one sold for $5,560.

6. How many 1971 “No S” nickels are known to exist?

The U.S. Mint officially stated that 1,655 examples were struck before the error was caught. This precise figure is actually unusual — most no-mintmark proof errors from this era have estimated, not confirmed, populations.

Of those 1,655 coins, only a fraction have been certified by PCGS and NGC. Many remain undiscovered in original, unopened 1971 proof sets sitting in attics, basements, and dealer inventory. Authentication by a major grading service is essential before buying or selling any No S specimen.

7. What proof grades are common for the 1971-S nickel?

Most 1971-S proofs found in original undisturbed sets will grade between PR65 and PR67. PR65 examples sell for 50 cents to $1, while PR69 DCAM examples certified by PCGS have sold on eBay for roughly $130 to $200 in 2024–2025.

At NGC, the top reported population for 1971-S nickels stands at 183 coins at the PF69UCAM level as of September 2025. PCGS has certified only one example at the absolute top grade of PR70, making that a genuine rarity worth seeking.

8. How can I tell a 1971 “No S” nickel apart from a normal 1971 Philadelphia nickel?

This is a critical distinction. Both the No S proof and the regular Philadelphia circulation nickel lack an “S” mintmark — but they look completely different. The No S is a proof coin: it will have mirror-like, deeply reflective fields, squared rims, and exceptional sharpness characteristic of proof striking.

A regular Philadelphia circulation nickel has satin or business-strike surfaces, lacks mirror-like reflectivity, and shows none of the proof finishing. If in doubt, submit the coin to PCGS, NGC, or CACG for authentication. Buying a No S coin without third-party certification is risky.

9. Is a 1971 nickel made of silver?

No. The 1971 nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel — no silver. U.S. silver war nickels were minted only from 1942 through 1945 and can be identified by the large mintmark above Monticello’s dome on the reverse. All regular-issue Jefferson nickels from 1946 onward, including all 1971 examples, are the standard copper-nickel composition.

The metal melt value of a 1971 nickel is essentially equal to its face value of five cents.

10. Who designed the 1971 nickel and what is its historical significance?

Felix Schlag, a German-born sculptor who immigrated to the United States in 1929, designed the Jefferson nickel. He won a 1937 open competition against 390 other artists, receiving a $1,000 prize. His portrait of Thomas Jefferson and depiction of Monticello have appeared on the nickel since 1938 — though his initials “FS” were not added to the coin until 1966.

The 1971 nickel is historically significant as the first year San Francisco produced only proof nickels, a practice that continues to this day. It is also the year in which the accidental No S error — the only missing-mintmark variety in the entire Jefferson series — was created and discovered.