1971 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Collecting 1971 nickels offers unique opportunities that affect their market worth. New master dies created that year to restore worn design details resulted in multiple varieties, including distinctive obverse and reverse characteristics that appeal to variety collectors.

However, finding high-grade specimens with minimal contact marks and strong strikes remains difficult, making condition crucial to determining 1971 nickel value.

Most circulated examples bring only face value, while mint state pieces can reach $6.40 to $14.33. Proof versions with special finishes like cameo or deep cameo are valued up to $6.25.

 

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) 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, designed by Felix Schlag in 1938, continued into 1971 with some notable changes. 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.

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. Philadelphia Mint mistakenly sent an incomplete die lacking the “S” mintmark to San Francisco, and approximately 1,655 proof nickels were struck and released before the error was discovered.

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 CoinValueChecker 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.

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.

The Reverse of the 1971 Nickel

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

At the top appears the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” 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 on Monticello’s portico also increases value for well-struck examples.

Our CoinValueChecker 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 pieces especially desirable to collectors.

This emphasis on quality is reflected in auction results, where MS67 specimens featuring Full Steps have reached $5,560. Such prices demonstrate how condition and strike characteristics can transform a common date into a premium collectible.

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 common on 1971-D nickels than in 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 at professional grading services, reflecting their widespread availability. Higher-grade pieces command more attention, though values remain affordable for most collectors.

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 cameo designation identifies 1971-S proof nickels displaying a distinctive visual quality that collectors find appealing. These pieces feature frosted design elements that contrast with mirror-like fields, an effect resulting from the proof striking process where fresh dies initially produce strong contrast.

Cameo proofs show Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello’s architectural details appearing raised and frosted against reflective backgrounds. The degree of contrast can vary between individual specimens, with some examples displaying more pronounced frosting than others depending on when they were struck from the dies.

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 proofs represent the highest level of visual contrast achievable in 1971-S nickels. Finding very nice examples with deep cameo surfaces from proof sets proves challenging, especially in PR69 DC grade.

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.

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

The 1971 “No S” Jefferson nickel represents the only variety in the entire Jefferson nickel series struck without its intended mintmark, with U.S. Mint officials estimating that 1,655 examples were accidentally released in 1971 proof sets.

This error occurred when Philadelphia Mint mistakenly sent an incomplete die lacking the “S” mintmark to San Francisco, where it was used briefly before discovery.

These error pieces exist in three finishes: standard proof, cameo, and deep cameo, with surface quality dramatically affecting value. Low-grade examples typically sell for $700 to $800, while higher-grade specimens between PR67 and PR68+ regularly achieve $1,000 to $1,500.

The auction record reached $8,100 for a PR69DCAM specimen sold in 2023. Collectors must examine 1971 proof sets to find these rarities, as proof coins never entered circulation.

2. 1971-S DDR FS-801

The 1971-S doubled die reverse FS-801 is one of several dozen doubled die varieties from that year. The 1971-S nickel has 34 documented doubled die reverses for the San Francisco Mint, created during the redesign process when new master dies were cut.

This error results from multiple misaligned hub impressions during die production, causing visible doubling on the reverse inscriptions. The doubling appears particularly 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

1. What makes a 1971 Nickel rare?

The rarest 1971 nickel is the “No S” proof variety, with only 1,655 examples accidentally released when Philadelphia Mint sent an incomplete die lacking the mintmark to San Francisco.

Rarity also depends on condition and strike quality. High-grade specimens with Full Steps designation are challenging to find, as most circulation strikes show weakness on Monticello’s portico steps. Deep cameo proof finishes are scarcer than standard proofs due to die wear during production.

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 $700 to $1,500 in most grades and an auction record of $8,100 for a PR69 deep cameo specimen. Doubled die varieties like the FS-801 bring modest premiums, with a PR66 example selling for $138.

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

Identifying valuable 1971 nickels requires examining several key characteristics. If you have a 1971-S proof from a proof set, carefully check whether the “S” mintmark appears below the date—missing mintmarks indicate the rare “No S” error worth hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Grade and surface quality significantly impact value across all varieties. Coins with sharp, complete details on Monticello’s steps (Full Steps designation) command substantial premiums over weakly struck examples.

For proof coins, the contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields determines whether specimens qualify as standard proof, cameo, or the more valuable deep cameo finish.