1973 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

If you’ve found a 1973 nickel in your pocket change or an inherited collection, you might be wondering whether it’s worth more than five cents. The answer depends on several important factors.

While most 1973 nickels in circulated condition trade near their face value of $0.08 to $0.26, the 1973 nickel value can climb significantly for well-preserved examples. Uncirculated coins typically range from $8.67 to $15.50, and exceptional specimens with sharp architectural details have sold for hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction.

This guide walks you through everything you need to evaluate your coin, including how to identify different mint marks, what makes certain 1973 nickels valuable, and which errors to look for that can transform an ordinary nickel into a collectible treasure worth serious money.

 

1973 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart displays the values of 1973 nickels across different mint marks (No Mint Mark, D, and Proof DCAM) and condition grades (Good, Fine, AU, MS, and PR).

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 1973 Nickel Worth Money

The top 10 most valuable 1973 nickels display a price range from $5,550 to $145, reflecting a grade-stratified pricing system that rewards condition above all else.

The top-ranked 1973-S PR70 proof coin at $5,550 stems from the extreme scarcity of flawless specimens—perfect PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples are genuinely difficult to locate and command massive premiums over PR69DC examples. The second-place standard MS66 at $2,300 and third-place MS67 at $1,528 represent premium grades for circulation strikes, where condition rarity drives value regardless of the enormous original mintage.

The ranking reveals three key pricing factors. First, the PR70 proof coin tops the list due to its perfect grade standard, yet a standard PR69 proof is valued at only $155—a 35-fold price gap from a single grade increment. Second, for circulation strikes, the MS66–MS67 range represents genuinely scarce territory where combined PCGS and NGC populations are counted in single digits for Full Steps examples. Third, error coins and misplaced mint mark specimens appear alongside pristine MS examples, confirming that dramatic minting mistakes can override conventional grade-based pricing.

GreatCollections, one of the leading certified coin auction platforms, has sold 126 examples of the 1973 Jefferson Nickel Full Steps over the past 16 years, with prices ranging from $6 to $2,695 in grades MS63 through MS67. This sales history confirms steady, long-term collector demand across all grade levels.

 

History of the 1973 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel entered production in 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel after its 25-year run. In 1937, the United States Mint held a design competition, and German émigré Felix Oscar Schlag won against 390 other artists, receiving a $1,000 award.

Schlag’s design continued a trend toward featuring real historical figures on American coinage, joining the Lincoln cent and Washington quarter already in circulation. The original design was not fully accepted at first—Mint officials required Schlag to adjust the position of Monticello and alter the lettering style before the coin was approved.

Shortly after its introduction, World War II broke out. From 1942 through 1945, silver was substituted for nickel in the alloy because nickel was a critical war material. The wartime composition was 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These “war nickels” can be identified by the large mintmark placed above Monticello on the reverse—a placement unique to this era. Regular 75% copper / 25% nickel composition resumed in 1946.

Two key changes occurred before 1973. In 1966, Schlag’s initials “FS” were added to the obverse following advocacy by Coin World columnist Mort Reed. Then in 1968, the mintmark moved from the reverse to the obverse, appearing below the date on all branch mint issues.

An important but often overlooked detail: the San Francisco Mint used the “Tall” mintmark style (known as MMS-005) on proof coins from 1968 through 1973. After 1973, the Mint switched to the “Trumpet Tail” style (MMS-002). This makes 1973 the last year of the Tall S proof mintmark—a subtle variety point that appeals to advanced collectors who study die varieties. Numismatist Q. David Bowers documented these design changes in the second edition of A Guidebook of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels (2017).

By 1973, all nickels for circulation were being minted at Philadelphia and Denver. San Francisco had halted business-strike nickel production in 1971 and shifted exclusively to collector proof coinage. Philadelphia produced 384,396,000 coins without a mint mark, Denver minted 261,405,000 with a “D” mark, and San Francisco struck approximately 2,760,339 proof coins with an “S” mark.

Together, the three mints produced approximately 648 million Jefferson nickels in 1973. These coins circulated during one of the most turbulent eras in modern American history—the end of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. The “Full Steps” collecting movement—which prizes examples where five or six steps leading to Monticello’s entrance are sharply defined—grew popular among collectors during the 1970s, the very era these coins were being minted.

The Jefferson nickel design remained largely unchanged from 1938 until 2003. From 2004 through 2005, special bicentennial issues honored the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and in 2006 a new portrait of Jefferson by Jamie Franki debuted. The 1973 nickel stands as part of one of the longest-running continuous coin designs in American history, representing the final decades of the original Schlag era that defined American five-cent pieces for 66 years.

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

 

Is Your 1973 Nickel Rare?

The 1973 nickels rank as common coins in the Jefferson series in circulated and lower Mint State grades. However, rarity emerges sharply at the top of the grading scale—use the Coin Value Checker App to determine your coin’s exact value based on condition and mint mark.

Here is a quick rarity guide by grade: circulated examples (G through AU) are extremely common and worth face value to $0.50; MS60–MS65 examples are common from original rolls and mint sets worth $0.50–$15; MS65 Full Steps are moderately scarce, worth $15–$100; MS66 is scarce at both Philadelphia and Denver, with values jumping significantly; MS67 and MS67 Full Steps are genuinely rare—PCGS CoinFacts specifically describes the 1973-D at this level as “rare as few examples have been found”; and the PR70 DCAM San Francisco proof is a genuine rarity, with its auction record at $5,550.

 

Key Features of the 1973 Nickel

The 1973 nickel is part of the Jefferson nickel series designed by Felix Schlag. These coins feature the standard composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, maintaining the traditional alloy that had been restored after World War II ended.

One important thing beginners should know: the 1973 nickel contains no silver. Its silvery appearance comes entirely from the nickel content in the alloy. The only Jefferson nickels with silver are the wartime issues from 1942 through 1945, which are easily identified by the large mintmark above Monticello on the reverse. The 1973 nickel has no such marking and no precious metal content.

The Obverse of the 1973 Nickel

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson showing his head and shoulders, with the President wearing an enigmatic smile. The inscriptions include “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left side in front of the portrait, “LIBERTY” curving along the right rim, and the date “1973” positioned below the portrait.

The designer’s initials “FS” for Felix Schlag appear just below Jefferson’s shoulder near the rim—a feature added in 1966. The mintmark is positioned below the date on the obverse, where it has been located since 1968. No mark indicates Philadelphia, “D” indicates Denver, and “S” indicates San Francisco proof coins.

The Reverse of the 1973 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, shown in frontal perspective. The inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above the building, while “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear below.

The most important feature collectors examine is the staircase at Monticello’s entrance. Coins displaying the Full Steps (FS) designation—where five or six steps remain sharply defined with no merging or cuts—are highly prized and command premium values. NGC has distinguished between 5FS (five full steps) and 6FS (six full steps) since 2004, with 6FS examples commanding higher premiums. Examples with Full Steps become scarce at MS66 and are rare in MS67 or higher.

Other Features of the 1973 Nickel

The coin measures 21.20 millimeters in diameter, weighs 5.00 grams, and features a plain smooth edge with a thickness of 1.95 mm. Production included 384,396,000 pieces from Philadelphia, 261,405,000 from Denver, and approximately 2,760,339 proofs from San Francisco.

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

 

1973 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1973 Jefferson nickel production demonstrates the typical distribution pattern among the three U.S. Mint facilities during this era.

Philadelphia led production with 384,396,000 coins struck without a mint mark, followed by Denver’s 261,405,000 pieces bearing the “D” designation, while San Francisco produced 2,760,339 proof specimens marked with an “S.”

Survival rate data remains unknown for both Philadelphia and Denver circulation strikes, as these coins entered general circulation where tracking becomes impractical. Business strike coins typically show attrition rates exceeding 50% across all mints due to heavy circulation, with countless specimens lost, damaged, or worn beyond collectible condition over the past five decades.

In stark contrast, proof coins from San Francisco demonstrate a remarkably high survival rate, with approximately 2,235,874 pieces still in existence—representing an 81% survival rate. This reflects their collectible nature and protective storage by numismatists, as proof coins were never intended for circulation and were specially made for collectors. The contrast between the fate of 648 million business strikes and the carefully preserved proof mintage illustrates two entirely different collecting worlds within a single coin year.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1973 Nickel Value

Determining your 1973 nickel’s value follows a systematic process: identify the mint mark, assess the condition, check for Full Steps, and look for errors.

Start by locating the mintmark on the obverse below the date, near the ribbon tying Jefferson’s braid. No mark indicates Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” denotes San Francisco proof coins. Next, examine the coin’s condition by looking at wear on high points like Jefferson’s cheekbone and Monticello’s steps—less wear translates directly to higher value.

The most valuable specimens display the Full Steps (FS) designation, where five or six steps leading to Monticello’s entrance remain sharply defined without merging. PCGS and NGC both certify this designation—on coins graded since 2004, NGC further specifies 5FS or 6FS, with 6FS carrying a premium. Mint State (MS) examples must show no wear at all with complete original luster.

Also look closely for minting errors such as doubled lettering, repunched mintmarks, off-center strikes, or wrong planchet errors, all of which can dramatically increase value. Understanding exactly what you possess is vital, and the Coin Value Checker App simplifies this process by instantly identifying your coin type, mintmark, and estimated value just by snapping a photo.

 

1973 Nickel Value Guides

• 1973 No Mint Mark (Philadelphia)
• 1973-D (Denver)
• 1973-S Proof DCAM (San Francisco)

The 1973 Jefferson nickel presents three distinct collecting opportunities across its varieties.

Philadelphia and Denver circulation strikes remain abundant and affordable in typical grades, but their value escalates dramatically for pristine specimens displaying Full Steps designation. San Francisco proof coins, struck exclusively for collectors with mirror-like fields and frosted designs, command premiums in Deep Cameo finish. Most circulated examples trade near face value, but uncirculated specimens in MS66 or higher become increasingly scarce and valuable.

 

1973 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1973 Philadelphia nickel was produced during a period when U.S. Mint set prices increased to $6.00, contributing to a sales drop-off of nearly one million sets. Coins in these sets were pulled from regular production runs, resulting in widely varying quality—a key reason why pristine examples are harder to find than the massive mintage alone would suggest.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, the 1973-P nickel is “fairly easy to find” with Full Steps up to about MS65, but “begins to be scarce” at MS66 Full Steps and reaches the level of “very scarce to rare” in MS67 Full Steps or higher. The copper-nickel alloy composition shows contact marks readily, making pristine surfaces genuinely scarce at higher grades.

Circulated examples trade at $0.10 to $0.20. Uncirculated values range from $0.50 to $4–5 depending on grade, with rarer examples reaching several hundred dollars. Auction records include $300 for standard specimens, $1,528 for an MS67 Full Steps example in 2020, and $2,300 for an MS66 specimen achieved in 2010. GreatCollections has documented 1973 Jefferson Nickel Full Steps selling for up to $2,695 across 126 sales recorded over 16 years, confirming consistent collector interest in top-tier examples.

Historical auction results provide valuable insight into the market performance of these coins over time, showing consistent collector interest in top-tier examples.

Market activity for 1973 Philadelphia nickels remains steady, with regular transactions occurring across all grade levels as collectors continue building comprehensive Jefferson nickel sets.

 

1973-D Nickel Value

The 1973-D nickel’s primary collectible feature is the Full Steps (FS) designation—complete sharp definition of five or six steps on the Monticello building’s reverse. The copper-nickel alloy and extended die usage at the Denver Mint resulted in weak strikes, making coins with clear step separation uncommon even among uncirculated examples.

PCGS CoinFacts states the 1973-D “is scarce in MS66 condition” and “rare” in MS67 or higher with or without Full Steps, as “few examples have been found.” An NGC-certified MS67 5FS specimen has been listed as the “Finest Known Top Pop” for this date and mint, demonstrating how extreme the condition rarity becomes at the very top of the grading scale.

Value ranges from face value for circulated pieces to several hundred dollars for top-grade examples. Uncirculated coins typically trade between a few dollars and $50–100, while MS67 specimens with Full Steps command $2,500 or more. A standard 1973-D sold for $510 in August 2022 and a Full Steps example realized $552 in April 2021. An MS63 Full Steps example sold for $810 in June 2024 at Heritage Auctions. The coin offers an accessible starting point for collectors, with sufficient grade and feature variation to maintain long-term collecting interest.

The auction record chart tracks historical price data across different grades and dates.

Market activity data shows current collector demand and transaction frequency for this issue.

 

1973-S Proof DCAM Nickel Value

The 1973-S Proof nickel’s defining characteristic is the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation. DCAM means the coin displays strong contrast between heavily frosted design elements—like Jefferson’s portrait and the Monticello building—and deeply mirror-like fields. This effect is produced by early strikes from fresh, specially treated dies; as dies wear, the frosting diminishes and contrast fades.

The San Francisco Mint produced well-struck specimens in 1973, with most examples grading PR68 and PR69 Deep Cameo. This consistent quality resulted from specialized proof production techniques and fresh dies used exclusively for collector coins. The mintage of 2,760,339 pieces is substantial, but the distribution across grade levels creates distinct rarity tiers. PR69 DCAM examples are readily available and reflect the Mint’s improved striking capabilities during this period.

The rarity concentration occurs at the PR70 DCAM level. A perfect PR70 DCAM is valued at $5,550—the auction record from a June 2018 sale—while a PR69 DCAM is typically around $155, creating a striking 35-fold premium from a single grade point. Standard proof examples without DCAM designation trade from $3 at PR60 up to $15 at PR65, demonstrating the sharp value increase as cameo contrast and grade quality improve.

For collectors entering the proof Jefferson nickel series, the 1973-S DCAM offers accessible, high-quality examples at the PR69 level while PR70 DCAM specimens present a genuine challenge for advanced registry set builders.

The auction record chart provides historical pricing data across all proof grades and cameo designations.

Market activity metrics indicate current trading volume and collector interest levels for this issue.

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

 

Rare 1973 Nickel Error List

With over 648 million 1973 nickels produced across three mints, manufacturing errors inevitably occurred during high-volume production.

These minting anomalies transform ordinary circulation coins into collectible varieties, with values ranging from modest premiums to significant multiples of face value depending on error type and severity. Below are six documented error types for the 1973 nickel, including three not typically covered in standard guides.

1. 1973 Clipped Planchet Error

Clipped planchet errors occur when the metal blank is improperly cut from the metal strip before striking. The resulting coin shows a missing section along its edge—typically curved (when blanks were punched from overlapping positions) or straight (when the punch caught the edge of the metal strip).

The size and location of the clip determine value. Larger clips and those affecting design elements command higher prices. Circulated examples with minor clips typically sell for $10–30, while significant clips on uncirculated specimens can reach $50–100 or more.

2. 1973 Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strikes result when the planchet is not properly positioned between the dies during the striking process. The coin displays a partial design with a blank crescent area opposite the struck portion.

The percentage of displacement directly impacts value. Minor misalignments of 5–10% attract modest interest, while dramatic 30–50% off-center examples with the date still fully visible are highly collectible. Values for 1973 nickels range from $15 for slight misalignments to $100+ for specimens showing 40% or greater displacement with full date visibility.

3. 1973 Misplaced Mint Mark Error

The 1973-D nickel occasionally displays misplaced mint marks (MMM) where the “D” appears in an abnormal position. This error occurred when mint workers hand-punched the mintmark onto working dies, sometimes striking the punch in the wrong location or at an unusual angle.

A notable example—from the celebrated collection of error coin specialist Fred Weinberg—sold at Heritage Auctions’ May 2022 Central States Signature Sale, graded AU55 NGC, for $216. Circulated examples typically trade for $10–50, while well-preserved specimens with significant displacement can command $100–300 depending on grade and distinctiveness.

4. 1973 Die Clash Error

A die clash happens when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a planchet between them. The tremendous pressure transfers a faint mirror-image impression of each die’s design onto the opposing die. On Jefferson nickels, die clashes can produce ghostly impressions of Monticello’s columns behind Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse, or faint traces of Jefferson’s profile visible around the building on the reverse.

Values depend on the intensity of the clash. Minor examples bring $3–10 above face value, moderate clashes command $7–25, and dramatic cases with bold, clearly visible clash marks can reach $20 or more depending on the specimen’s grade and the visual impact.

5. 1973 Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) Error

Doubled die errors (DDO—Doubled Die Obverse) occur during the die-making process when the hub strikes the working die multiple times with slight misalignment. This permanently engraves a doubled design into the die itself, so every coin struck from that die shows the same doubling effect.

On Jefferson nickels, look for doubling on “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date, and Jefferson’s eye or hairline. Genuine hub doubling produces sharply raised doubling with rounded profiles—not the flat, shelf-like marks that come from die wear. Circulated examples with visible doubling typically sell for $25–75, while mint-state specimens with dramatic doubling command significantly more.

6. 1973 Wrong Planchet Error

Among the most dramatic and valuable 1973 nickel errors is the wrong planchet error, where a nickel design is struck on a blank intended for a different denomination—most commonly a copper cent blank. These errors occur when planchet bins become contaminated during production line operations or equipment changeovers.

A 1973 nickel struck on a cent blank is immediately recognizable by its copper color and lighter weight—approximately 3.1 grams versus the standard 5.0 grams for a normal nickel. The smaller planchet also means portions of the nickel design are cut off at the edges, creating an incomplete, dramatic-looking error coin. PCGS and NGC certify genuine examples, which typically sell for $400–900 or more depending on grade and visual appeal.

 

Where to Sell Your 1973 Nickel

Whether through online auction platforms, local coin dealers, or certified grading services that offer consignment options, selecting the right sales channel depends on your coin’s condition, error type, and your timeline for completing the transaction.

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

 

1973 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About the 1973 Nickel

1. How much is a 1973 nickel worth?

Circulated 1973 nickels are worth face value to about $0.20, while uncirculated examples range from $0.50 to $300+ depending on grade and mint mark. Coins with Full Steps designation or significant errors can command substantially higher premiums. The all-time auction record stands at $5,550 for a flawless 1973-S PR70 DCAM proof sold in June 2018.

2. What makes a 1973 nickel valuable?

The main value drivers are uncirculated condition, the Full Steps (FS) designation showing all five or six Monticello steps clearly defined, high grades of MS67 or above, and manufacturing errors such as clipped planchets, off-center strikes, or wrong planchet errors. The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation on proof coins is also a major premium factor, particularly at the PR70 level.

3. Does the 1973 nickel contain any silver?

No—all 1973 nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel with zero silver content. The only Jefferson nickels with silver are the wartime issues from 1942–1945, identifiable by the large mintmark placed above Monticello on the reverse. The 1973 nickel’s silvery appearance comes entirely from the nickel in the alloy, not any precious metal.

4. What is the Full Steps (FS) designation, and how do I check my coin?

Full Steps (FS) is a special designation awarded by PCGS and NGC when at least five of the six steps at Monticello’s entrance are fully defined with no breaks, merges, or weak areas. NGC distinguishes 5FS (five full steps) from 6FS (six full steps) on coins graded since 2004, with 6FS carrying a premium. To check your coin, examine the base of Monticello under good lighting with a magnifier—count the incuse (recessed) lines between the steps. Four complete unbroken lines equals five full steps; five complete lines equals six full steps.

5. What is the rarest 1973 nickel?

The rarest 1973 nickel in terms of auction value is the 1973-S PR70 DCAM proof, which sold for $5,550 in June 2018—the current all-time record for this date. Among business strikes, the 1973-D in MS67 Full Steps is the rarest, with PCGS CoinFacts describing it as “rare” with “few examples” known. An NGC MS67 5FS example has been listed as the “Finest Known Top Pop” for the 1973-D.

6. What is the 1973 nickel’s most valuable error?

The most dramatic 1973 nickel errors include the wrong planchet error (nickel design struck on a copper cent blank, worth $400–900+), significant off-center strikes with full date visible ($100+), and misplaced mintmark errors—such as the Fred Weinberg collection example that sold for $216 at Heritage Auctions’ May 2022 Central States Signature Sale. Die clash errors and doubled die varieties also carry premiums based on their visibility and grade.

7. What is the difference between CAM and DCAM on a proof nickel?

Both Cameo (CAM) and Deep Cameo (DCAM)—called Ultra Cameo (UCAM) by NGC—describe the contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields on proof coins. DCAM/UCAM indicates the strongest possible contrast, where devices appear brilliant white against deeply reflective black-mirror fields. CAM describes moderate contrast. DCAM coins are significantly more valuable: the 1973-S PR70 DCAM is worth $5,550 at auction, while a standard non-DCAM proof of the same grade trades at dramatically lower levels.

8. Is the 1973-D nickel worth more than the no-mint-mark 1973 nickel?

In most grades, both mint marks trade at similar values. However, at the very top of the grading scale—MS67 Full Steps—the 1973-D is specifically described by PCGS as rarer, potentially commanding higher prices than its Philadelphia counterpart. At typical circulated and lower uncirculated grades, the difference in value between the two mint marks is negligible.

9. Should I have my 1973 nickel professionally graded?

Consider submitting to PCGS or NGC only if your coin appears to grade MS65 or higher, shows Full Steps designation, or has a visible minting error. The grading fee is typically $30–$50 per coin, so it only makes financial sense when your coin’s potential certified value exceeds the cost by at least three to five times. Use the Coin Value Checker App to get a free preliminary evaluation before committing to professional grading.

10. Should I clean my 1973 nickel before selling it?

Never clean your 1973 nickel. Cleaning—even gentle wiping with a cloth—creates microscopic hairlines that destroy original luster. Grading services like PCGS and NGC assign “Improperly Cleaned” or “Details” grades to cleaned coins, eliminating the numismatic premium entirely. A coin that might grade MS65 uncleaned ($15+) can drop to a Details grade worth only $1–3 after cleaning. If your coin appears dirty or toned, leave it as-is and consult a professional numismatist before taking any action.