1972 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

Understanding 1972 Nickel Value can help you determine whether that old nickel in your pocket change is worth keeping or spending.

While most circulated 1972 nickels are worth around $0.08 to $0.67 depending on their condition, certain specimens can be significantly more valuable. Uncirculated examples in mint state condition typically range from $5.20 to $19.83, and proof versions from San Francisco can fetch $1.50 to $4.00.

The value of your 1972 nickel depends on several factors including the mint mark (Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco), the coin’s grade and preservation, and whether it exhibits the desirable “Full Steps” feature on Monticello. Error coins—such as double strikes or wrong planchet errors—can be worth substantially more, sometimes reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.

Let’s explore what makes these nickels valuable and how to identify the key features that collectors look for.

 

1972 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart displays the market values of 1972 nickels across different mint marks (No Mint Mark, D, and S Proof varieties) and condition grades ranging from Good to PR (Proof).

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 1972 Nickel Worth Money

This chart documents the highest auction prices for 1972 nickels from 2001 to present, with the 1972-S PR 67 achieving $4,313 and nine other varieties ranging from $322 to $2,500.

The pricing structure reflects fundamental supply-demand dynamics in numismatics. The 1972-S proof nickels were produced at the San Francisco Mint with a mintage of approximately 3.2 million, significantly lower than the 202 million Philadelphia and 351 million Denver business strikes.

However, mintage figures alone do not determine value—condition census populations show fewer than 50-100 coins exist in PR 67 grade across all major grading services combined.

The presence of a non-proof 1972 nickel at $2,500 demonstrates the scarcity premium for business strikes in top condition. These coins entered circulation and experienced handling damage, making gem-quality survivors statistically rarer than proof counterparts despite higher initial production numbers. The grade distribution follows an exponential decay pattern, with each increment above MS 65 reducing population by approximately 40-60%.

Several technical factors influence these valuations. Strike quality varies significantly across production runs, affecting detail sharpness on Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello’s steps. Surface preservation determines grade, with contact marks, hairlines, and toning patterns differentiating adjacent grade levels.

These prices establish market benchmarks for insurance valuations, estate settlements, and collection planning. The data reveals that high-grade modern coins can achieve substantial premiums despite common dates, challenging traditional assumptions about age-based rarity. The price progression also indicates active collector demand across multiple grade tiers, supporting market liquidity for sellers.

 

History of the 1972 Nickel

The 1972 nickel emerged during one of the most transformative periods in American monetary history. Just one year earlier, in August 1971, President Nixon had announced the suspension of the dollar’s convertibility to gold, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system that had governed international finance since World War II.

This made the 1972 nickel one of the first coins minted after the United States completely severed its last link to the gold standard, marking the beginning of the modern fiat currency era.

The coin appeared at a critical juncture as the United States entered what would later be known as the “Great Inflation” period. Inflation, which had measured just 3.4% in 1972, would skyrocket to 12.2% by 1974. This dramatic acceleration resulted from three major shocks: rising food prices, surging energy costs, and the dismantling of Nixon’s wage-price control program.

The Federal Reserve found itself caught in a policy dilemma during this time. From August 1972 through September 1973, the FOMC raised the federal funds rate by 6 percentage points in an attempt to control inflation.

However, by late 1973, policymakers shifted their focus toward economic output concerns, a decision that monetary historians would later cite as a cautionary tale about abandoning the fight against inflation prematurely.

The purchasing power erosion during this era was dramatic. A dollar in 1972 would be worth approximately $7.76 in today’s currency, illustrating the profound monetary devaluation that began in this period. The 1972 nickel thus became a tangible witness to the declining purchasing power of American currency during the transition from the post-war gold-backed system to an unanchored paper money standard.

Meanwhile, the 1972 nickel continued the Jefferson nickel series that had begun in 1938, featuring Felix Schlag’s design which depicted Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse.

By 1970, the production pattern had shifted so that all circulation nickels were minted only in Philadelphia and Denver, with San Francisco producing only proof coins. The 1972 nickel represented this new minting framework, appearing during the middle years of a design that would remain largely unchanged until 2004.

Beyond its monetary significance, 1972 was a year marked by social and political upheaval, including the beginning of the Watergate scandal and the formal launch of NASA’s space program.

Against this backdrop of transformation and uncertainty, the ordinary five-cent piece continued to circulate in daily economic life, serving as a modest but enduring symbol of America’s transition from the post-war golden age into the challenging decade of the 1970s.

The 1972 nickel thus stands not merely as a common coin, but as a historical artifact documenting fundamental changes in American monetary policy, economic structure, and the relationship between currency and value.

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

 

Is your 1972 Nickel rare?

While most 1972 nickels are common, certain varieties and errors can be valuable—the CoinValueChecker App helps identify these potentially rare specimens.

 

Key Features of the 1972 Nickel

The 1972 Jefferson Nickel has a total mass of 5 grams, a diameter of 21.21 millimeters, and a thickness of 1.95 millimeters. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a smooth edge design.

The 1972 nickel was minted at three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark, 202,036,000 coins), Denver (D mint mark, 351,694,600 coins), and San Francisco (S mint mark, 3,260,996 proof coins only). The mint mark appears below the date on the obverse side of the coin.

The Obverse of the 1972 Nickel

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, with his long hair wrapped with a ribbon, all contained within a simple border. The designer’s initials “FS” (for Felix Schlag) appear below the shoulder truncation.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” is written around the left side, while “LIBERTY” appears on the right, separated from the year “1972” by a five-pointed star.

The Reverse of the 1972 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate located in Albemarle County, Virginia, which he designed himself. The building appears in the center, surrounded by a simple rim.

The word “MONTICELLO” appears below the building image. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of many, one”) is displayed above. The denomination “FIVE CENTS” and the legend “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are featured around the bottom in larger letters.

Other Features of the 1972 Nickel

Designer Information: The Jefferson nickel was designed by Felix Schlag, whose artwork was selected in a Mint-sponsored contest in 1938, winning him a $1,000 award.

Value and Collectibility: With a melt value of approximately $0.06, the intrinsic metal value barely exceeds the face value. The coin’s value comes from factors such as condition, errors, and provenance. High-grade specimens with “Full Steps” (clear, complete lines on the Monticello steps) are particularly valuable, with MS-67 Full Steps examples selling for as much as $4,800.

Error Varieties: The 1972 nickel is known for numerous error varieties, including coins struck on penny planchets (appearing copper-colored), die break errors, and double strike errors.

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

 

1972 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1972 Jefferson Nickel production reflects a period of substantial coinage output across multiple U.S. Mint facilities. The total mintage for 1972 included 202,036,000 coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint (no mint mark), 351,694,600 coins at the Denver Mint (D mint mark), and 3,260,996 proof coins at the San Francisco Mint (S mint mark).

As shown in the chart, the Denver Mint dominated production in 1972, producing nearly 352 million nickels and representing approximately 63% of total circulation strike production. The Philadelphia Mint contributed roughly 202 million pieces, accounting for about 36% of regular circulation coins. The San Francisco facility exclusively produced proof coins for collectors in 1972, with no circulation strikes bearing the “S” mint mark.

This production pattern was typical for the era, as since 1970, all Jefferson nickels for general circulation have been minted only at Philadelphia and Denver, with San Francisco continuing to produce proof coins for the collector market.

The chart reveals a striking disparity in survival data availability between circulation strikes and proof coins. For the high-mintage circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, survival numbers remain unknown—a common situation for modern coins produced in massive quantities.

These coins entered widespread circulation immediately upon release, making it virtually impossible to track how many remain in existence today versus those lost, damaged, or destroyed over the past five decades.

In contrast, the proof coins present a completely different story. The 1972-S Proof nickel shows a documented survival rate of 42.5%, with approximately 1,385,923 specimens remaining from the original mintage of 3,260,996.

This relatively high survival rate reflects the collector-focused nature of proof coins, which were sold in special sets and typically preserved in protective holders rather than spent in commerce.

The survival distribution pie chart, dominated by the green section representing S PR (San Francisco Proof), illustrates that proof coins constitute the only 1972 nickels with documented survival data, while the subcategories S PR CAM (Cameo) and S PR DCAM (Deep Cameo) represent coins with special visual characteristics—proof coins featuring frosted devices against mirror-like fields—though their specific survival rates remain undocumented.

The vast mintage numbers for circulation strikes mean that 1972 Philadelphia and Denver nickels remain common and easily obtainable today, even in uncirculated condition. Their value lies primarily in exceptional quality grades with Full Steps designation rather than rarity.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco proofs, despite their much lower mintage, maintain steady collector interest due to their superior strike quality and limited production numbers, making them the most collectible variety of 1972 nickels for serious numismatists.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1972 Nicke Value

Determining your 1972 nickel’s value doesn’t require advanced numismatic expertise. By following a few straightforward steps, you can assess whether your coin is worth face value or potentially much more.

The first thing to check is the mint mark, which appears below the date on the obverse (front) of your coin. If there’s no mint mark, your coin was minted in Philadelphia. A “D” indicates Denver, while an “S” denotes a San Francisco proof coin. This simple identification helps establish the baseline value, as mintage numbers vary significantly between facilities.

Once you’ve identified where your coin was made, the next consideration is its condition. The value of 1972 nickels comes primarily from the coin’s condition, provenance, and any errors present, since the intrinsic metal value barely exceeds face value.

Look for signs of wear, scratches, or discoloration. Coins in average circulated condition are typically worth around 30-40 cents, while uncirculated specimens in certified mint state can range from a few dollars to significantly more depending on grade.

A critical feature that can significantly impact value is what collectors call “Full Steps.” The “Full Steps” designation refers to whether all the lines on Monticello’s steps (on the reverse) are present and clearly defined. Full Steps specimens are significantly scarcer and command premium prices.

Use good lighting and, if possible, a magnifying glass to examine the building’s steps carefully. This single feature can be the difference between a coin worth a few dollars and one worth hundreds.

Another important aspect to examine is the presence of any minting errors. The 1972 nickel is known for numerous error varieties, including coins struck on penny planchets (appearing copper-colored), die break errors, and double strike errors.

These errors can dramatically increase a coin’s value, sometimes reaching hundreds or thousands of dollars. If your nickel looks unusual in any way—perhaps it has a copper appearance, shows doubling in the design, or has unusual blank areas—it may be an error coin worth further investigation.

The CoinValueChecker app offers a practical solution for collectors and enthusiasts. Simply photograph your coin, and the app provides instant value estimates, grade detection, and error identification.

 

1972 Nicke Value Guides

• 1972 Philadelphia Nickel (No Mint Mark)- Regular circulation strike from Philadelphia Mint
• 1972-D Denver Nickel- Regular circulation strike from Denver Mint
• 1972-S Proof Nickel- Special collector coins from San Francisco Mint
• 1972-S Proof Cameo (CAM)- Proof coins with frosted design elements against mirror-like fields
• 1972-S Proof Deep Cameo (DCAM)- Proof coins with enhanced contrast featuring deeply frosted devices

The 1972 Jefferson Nickel was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities: Philadelphia (bearing no mint mark), Denver (marked with “D”), and San Francisco (marked with “S”). The circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver represent coins intended for everyday use and remain the most common varieties, easily found in pocket change today.

In contrast, the San Francisco facility exclusively produced proof coins for collectors in 1972. These proof coins differ fundamentally from circulation strikes through their superior manufacturing process, which involves specially polished dies and multiple strikes to create sharper details and mirror-like surfaces.

Among proof coins, additional distinctions exist based on visual contrast. The Cameo designation identifies specimens where design elements appear frosted against mirror-like background fields, while Deep Cameo specimens exhibit even more dramatic contrast with deeply frosted devices.

 

1972 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1972 Philadelphia nickel, identifiable by its absence of a mint mark, circulated during a tumultuous year that saw the beginning of the Watergate scandal and significant economic shifts in the United States. As everyday pocket change, these coins witnessed the daily transactions of Americans navigating the early 1970s.

Most 1972 nickels without mint marks remain common and can still be found in pocket change, typically trading for around their face value to a few dollars. However, this accessibility creates an interesting dynamic for collectors.

The key differentiator lies in strike quality, specifically the “Full Steps” designation on Monticello’s facade. While typical examples sell for modest amounts, coins showing complete, well-defined steps on Monticello command significant premiums, with MS-67 Full Steps specimens reaching $4,800 at auction.

This dramatic value difference stems from the U.S. Mint’s persistent technical challenge in achieving sharp, complete strikes on Monticello’s architectural details—making truly crisp examples genuinely scarce despite the high production numbers.

The coin’s abundance makes it affordable for beginners, while Full Steps specimens and error varieties offer opportunities for advanced collectors. Error varieties including coins struck on penny planchets, die breaks, and double strikes can increase values into the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Finding circulated examples is effortless, but locating high-grade Full Steps coins requires patience, as most display the characteristic weakness in Monticello’s steps that plagued this era’s production.

The auction records for this variety illustrate how condition and strike quality create distinct value tiers within this common coin.

Market activity data reveals sustained collector interest, particularly for specimens exhibiting superior technical characteristics that elevate them above their abundant counterparts.

 

1972-D Nickel Value

The Denver Mint produced 351,694,600 nickels in 1972, making it the highest production total among all three minting facilities that year. This coin carries a small “D” mint mark below the date on the obverse, identifying its Denver origin. During this period, Denver operated at full capacity to meet the strong demand for circulating coinage as the American economy expanded throughout the early 1970s.

The massive production numbers have a direct impact on the coin’s availability and value today. With over 351 million examples struck for circulation, the 1972-D Jefferson Nickel is very common, with examples up to MS65 condition fairly easy to obtain.

Circulated specimens typically trade around 30 cents, while most uncirculated examples sell for approximately $3.54. This accessibility makes the 1972-D an affordable entry point for collectors building Jefferson nickel sets.

However, strike quality creates a significant value divide within this common issue. The critical factor is the “Full Steps” designation, which refers to the clarity of Monticello’s steps on the reverse. MS-65 Full Steps specimens are worth $15.15, while MS-66 Full Steps examples command $101-169.

Examples in MS66 condition are very difficult to find, especially with Full Steps characteristics, as there are not many known in MS66 Full Steps or higher. This scarcity in high grades stems from the U.S. Mint’s persistent technical challenges in achieving sharp, complete strikes on Monticello’s architectural details during this era.

For collectors and investors, the 1972-D presents a classic opportunity: common at lower grades but genuinely scarce in premium condition with full strike characteristics.

Finding circulated or typical uncirculated examples requires minimal effort, but locating high-grade Full Steps specimens demands patience and careful examination, as most examples display the characteristic weakness in Monticello’s steps that plagued this period’s production.

The auction records for this variety demonstrate the dramatic price escalation that accompanies superior strike quality and preservation.

Market activity data shows consistent collector demand, with the strongest interest concentrated on Full Steps examples that represent the technical pinnacle of this high-mintage issue.

 

1972-S Proof Nickel Value

The San Francisco Mint struck 3,260,996 proof nickels in 1972, produced exclusively for collectors through annual proof sets.

Unlike Philadelphia and Denver nickels made for everyday spending, these coins underwent a specialized manufacturing process. Specially polished dies struck carefully prepared planchets multiple times, creating the mirror-like surfaces and sharp details that distinguish proof coins from their circulation-strike counterparts.

Proof sets gained popularity during the early 1970s as coin collecting expanded beyond traditional enthusiasts. Buyers received their 1972-S proof nickels in protective clear plastic cases, preserving them in pristine condition from day one.

This careful handling from the start explains a key difference: while finding high-grade circulation strikes requires searching through countless worn coins, proof nickels typically remained well-preserved in their original packaging.

Most 1972-S proof nickels trade around $3.79, with lower-grade loose specimens selling for approximately 45 cents. The typical specimen grades between PR65 and PR68, showing excellent surfaces and sharp strike quality. These values reflect the coin’s collector-focused production and strong survival rates. The auction record stands at $4,313 for a PR67 specimen.

For collectors building Jefferson nickel sets, the 1972-S proof fills an important role. It offers noticeably superior visual appeal compared to circulation strikes, with guaranteed sharp details and reflective surfaces.

The combination of quality craftsmanship and accessible pricing makes it suitable for both beginning collectors and those assembling complete proof date runs. Collectors seeking the best examples focus on higher-grade specimens approaching PR68 and PR69, where surface preservation and eye appeal command appropriate premiums.

The auction records show steady collector interest over time.

Market activity confirms consistent demand for this San Francisco issue, with clear value tiers based on grade and overall preservation quality.

 

1972-S Proof CAM Nickel Value

The 1972-S Proof CAM Nickel carries forward the legacy of the Jefferson nickel series, which was introduced in 1938 through the artistry of Felix Schlag, a German immigrant.

What makes the “CAM” designation special? It signifies a “Cameo” effect—a striking visual contrast between the frosted design elements and mirror-like fields.

This distinctive appearance is achieved through sandblasting and polishing techniques applied to fresh dies. As dies wear down from repeated strikes, their ability to produce this cameo effect gradually diminishes, making CAM versions naturally limited in quantity.

The San Francisco Mint produced 3,260,996 proof coins in 1972. While regular Proof versions are relatively common, those exhibiting the Cameo characteristic show enhanced collectible value.

Proof coins from before the mid-1970s displaying full cameo devices are considerably scarcer and more valuable than their non-cameo counterparts. In today’s market, CAM versions range from a few dollars to several dozen dollars depending on grade.

For collectors, the 1972-S CAM Nickel occupies an interesting niche—it belongs to an era when achieving the cameo effect still required optimal conditions, yet it’s not as extremely rare as examples from the 1950s-60s.

Only at PR69 Deep Cameo grades or higher does this date become truly scarce. This makes it an approachable entry point for beginners while offering room for advanced collecting.

To see how this coin has performed over time, check out its Auction Record Chart, which traces the price trajectory across different grades and conditions.

Meanwhile, the Market Activity data provides insight into current collector interest and trading frequency for this particular coin.

 

1972-S Proof DCAM Nickel Value

The year 1972 holds special historical significance for the Jefferson Nickel, as it marked the 200th anniversary of Monticello’s completion. The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 3.26 million proof coins that year, a mintage figure consistent with the standard level of early 1970s production.

The value of the Deep Cameo version lies in its production craftsmanship. Between 1970-1971, the mint encountered technical challenges in achieving the deep cameo effect, with improper die replacement timing leading to inconsistent product quality.

This issue saw notable improvement in 1972. The stark contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields requires striking when dies are in optimal condition, which results in a relatively limited number of specimens that truly meet Deep Cameo standards.

In standard proof grades, the 1972-S is relatively common, but specimens achieving PR69 Deep Cameo or higher standards are considered scarce.

Professional grading census data shows approximately 400 registered pieces at the PR69 DCAM level, with no PR70 examples recorded to date. This distribution pattern indicates that while the base mintage was substantial, the stringent requirements of the production process limited the output of high-grade Deep Cameo versions.

Within the post-1965 Jefferson Nickel series, proof coins from the early 1970s with full cameo effects are relatively scarce, and the 1972-S DCAM occupies a pivotal position during this technical transition period.

The Auction Record Chart documents the historical sale prices of this variety across different grades, providing insight into market recognition for specimens at various levels.

Market Activity data reflects current transaction frequency and collector interest.

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

 

Rare 1972 Nickel Error List

The 1972 Jefferson Nickel is one of the years in U.S. Mint history with a high frequency of error coins. Nickels produced this year exhibited various minting defects, including double strikes, die breaks, off-center strikes, and other error types.

These manufacturing mistakes transformed ordinary five-cent nickels into treasures sought after by collectors, with some high-quality error coins fetching auction prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The number of error types in 1972 nickels is exceptionally large, with double strikes and die break errors being particularly common that year.

1. 1972 Double Strike Nickel

One of the most common error types in 1972 nickels is the double strike error. This error occurs when a coin is struck twice during the minting process, causing overlapping images on the design.

Records show a 1972-S proof nickel double strike error where the first strike was 5% off-center and the second strike was 35% off-center, with a 180-degree rotation between the two strikes.

These error coins are highly attractive, and depending on the degree of offset and condition, they can be worth hundreds of dollars. Even rarer triple strike errors may exist but are extremely scarce.

2. 1972 Wrong Planchet Nickel

A 1972-D nickel struck on a copper cent planchet has appeared at auction. This error occurs when a nickel die mistakenly strikes a metal planchet intended for a different denomination.

One 1972-D nickel struck on a Philippines 5 Sentimos planchet sold for $1,920 in 2023. Due to differences in metal composition and weight, these error coins are easily identifiable—their color, weight, and feel are noticeably different from normal nickels. These are among the most valuable types of error coins.

3. 1972 Off-Center Strike Nickel

Off-center strike errors occur when a coin is not properly aligned during minting, resulting in missing or displaced portions of the design. Off-center strike errors on 1972 nickels range from slight 5% misalignments to significant 35% or even greater displacements.

The greater the offset, the more obvious the error and the higher the collectible value. Completely off-center strikes may show only a partial date or partial Jefferson portrait. These extreme off-center errors often attract serious collector attention. Value depends on the degree of misalignment and the completeness of the remaining design.

4. 1972 Die Break Nickel

1972 nickels show a large number of errors caused by damaged dies. Die break errors were unusually prevalent in nickels from this year, appearing on both obverse and reverse sides. A 1972-D nickel with a split die error was even graded MS66 by NGC.

Die breaks create raised crack lines or metal protrusions on the coin’s surface. Severe breaks can cause parts of the design to become blurred or distorted. Collectors particularly seek error coins where the break location is unique or affects major design elements.

 

Where to Sell Your 1972 Nickel ?

Whether you choose online auction platforms, local coin dealers, or professional grading services for certified high-grade specimens, researching current market values and comparing offers from multiple buyers will help ensure you receive fair compensation for your 1972 nickel, especially if it features a valuable error or is in exceptional condition.

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

 

1972 Nickel Market Trend

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

FAQ about the 1972 Nickel

1. What does “Full Steps” (FS) mean on a 1972 nickel?

Full Steps refers to when five or six steps across the bottom of Monticello on the reverse are fully struck and show clear, uninterrupted detail. Full Steps is rare, and most examples don’t have that strong of a strike. Full Steps Jefferson nickels are significantly scarcer than examples showing softness in the strike, and some dates have no known examples above MS65.

2. What errors should I look for on 1972 nickels?

There are almost too many 1972 nickel errors to count. Major errors include: nickels struck on wrong planchets (such as copper cent planchets, which are easy to spot by their copper color and lighter weight), die break errors (showing cracks or blank areas on either the obverse or reverse), and double strike errors, which are particularly common in 1972. A 1972-D nickel struck on a Philippines 5 Sentimos planchet sold for $1,920 in March 2023.