1975 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1975 nickel value largely depends on condition and mint mark, though most examples remain common finds in circulation today. These Jefferson nickels were produced in large quantities and typically trade at face value when worn, but collectors should understand the grading distinctions that affect worth.

Standard 1975 nickels in Good condition start at $0.08, while Mint State examples can reach $8.50. The 1975-D from Denver and the Philadelphia issue are particularly abundant, making premium specimens notable primarily for their preservation rather than scarcity.

Knowing these baseline values helps you assess whether a coin merits closer examination or professional grading.

 

1975 Nickel Value By Variety

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1975 Nickel Worth Money

While most 1975 nickels circulate at face value, exceptional specimens and error varieties achieve substantially higher prices at auction.

The recorded sales show how condition and variety determine value across different mint marks and designations. The 1975-S PR 70, representing the highest proof grade possible, sold for $5,640. A business strike 1975 MS 67 brought $4,560, indicating strong collector demand for well-preserved examples.

Error varieties command significant premiums regardless of grade. Two 1975-D “High D” error coins graded at only 40 sold for $1,080 and $750 respectively. These prices reflect the rarity and collector interest in this mint mark positioning error. The price difference between the two likely reflects variations in the degree of the error and overall eye appeal.

Regular Denver mint issues in higher grades appear further down the list, with a 1975-D MS 66 at $204 and a 1975-D MS 67 at $115, demonstrating how error varieties can outvalue coins in significantly better condition.

The auction results confirm that for these common-date nickels, variety and error status can supersede grade as the primary value determinant. For 1975-D nickels specifically, collectors should examine the mint mark position carefully, as the “High D” variety represents a good premium opportunity even in lower grades.

 

History of The 1975 Nickel

The 1975 Jefferson nickel was produced during an economic recession marked by stagflation, with unemployment reaching 9% by May 1975. This year marked the first full production cycle following designer Felix Schlag’s death in March 1974, making the 1975 issue a transition point in the series’ history.

It remained one of only three denominations—along with the cent and dime—to carry the standard year date, while other coins featured the dual 1776-1976 Bicentennial date. Production quality presented consistent challenges for the denomination.

Mint workers still hand-punched mintmarks onto individual working dies during this period, a manual process that occasionally resulted in placement errors. Die condition, striking pressure, and contact between coins all influenced whether the steps on Monticello would appear fully defined.

Among 1970s Denver Mint issues, the 1975-D ranked as moderately difficult to find with Full Steps, reflecting the striking challenges common to the era. While circulated examples were abundant and easily found in everyday transactions, coins achieving grades of MS67 or higher became increasingly scarce.

The combination of high production volume and typical circulation wear means most surviving 1975 nickels show evidence of their decades in commerce, making well-preserved specimens particularly valued by collectors today.

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

 

Is You 1975 Nickel Rare?

Want to know if your 1975 nickel is rare or just another common coin? Download the CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify valuable varieties, check current market prices, and discover if you’re holding a hidden treasure.

 

Key Features of The 1975 Nickel

The 1975 Jefferson nickel continues the design by Felix Schlag that the US Mint has produced since 1938, featuring America’s third president Thomas Jefferson.

The Obverse Of The 1975 Nickel

On the 1975 Jefferson nickel’s obverse side, you can see the left-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson. To the right corner of Jefferson’s portrait are the designer’s initials, FS (Felix Schlag).

The word LIBERTY appears along the right edge of the coin, with the date 1975 positioned below Jefferson’s bust. The motto IN GOD WE TRUST is inscribed before Jefferson’s portrait, arching along the left of the coin.

The Reverse Of The 1975 Nickel

The 1975 nickel reverse features a front-facing view of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic Virginia home. The word MONTICELLO is engraved below the building’s image.

At the coin’s top is E PLURIBUS UNUM (meaning “Out of many, one”), while UNITED STATES OF AMERICA curves along the bottom rim. The denomination FIVE CENTS appears at the bottom of the coin, below Monticello.

Other Features Of The 1975 Nickel

The 1975 nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams with a diameter of 21.21mm. It has a smooth edge without reeding.

The coin was minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark for proof coins). The mint mark, when present, appears on the obverse to the right of Monticello.

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

 

1975 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1975 Nickel mintage data reveals significant differences across the three mint facilities. The Denver Mint led with 401,875,300 coins, more than double the Philadelphia facility’s 181,772,000 pieces. The San Francisco Mint struck 2,845,450 proof coins in Deep Cameo (DCAM) finish, representing less than 1% of total mintage.

The bar chart clearly illustrates this disparity, with Denver’s total dwarfing the other two facilities. This pattern reflects typical distribution across U.S. Mint locations during this period.

Survival information is only available for the S DCAM variety, with 2,304,814 coins documented, yielding an 81% survival rate. Its high survival rate reflects the careful preservation of these proof coins by collectors, contrasting sharply with circulated pieces that experienced decades of handling and wear.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1975 Nickel Value

Want to know what your 1975 nickel is worth? The CoinValueChecker App makes it simple. Just snap a photo of your coin, and our advanced recognition technology instantly identifies the mint mark, grade, and provides accurate market values based on real-time data. Whether you have a common circulation piece or a valuable proof coin, get professional-level appraisals in seconds—right from your phone.

 

1975 Nickel Value Guides

Types of 1975 Jefferson Nickels:

• 1975 No Mint Mark Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1975-D Nickel (Denver)
• 1975-S DCAM Nickel (San Francisco Proof)

The 1975 Jefferson nickel series consists of three main varieties produced at different U.S. Mints. The Philadelphia and Denver issues are business strikes commonly found in circulation, with values typically ranging from face value to modest premiums in circulated condition. High-grade mint state examples become significantly scarcer and more valuable, particularly at MS67 and above.

The San Francisco mint produced proof coins exclusively for collectors, with Deep Cameo examples in PR70 grade being particularly rare and highly sought after by numismatists. Regular circulated examples remain common and affordable for beginning collectors.

 

1975 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1975 no mint mark nickel, produced at the Philadelphia Mint, stands as a common circulation coin that becomes noteworthy in higher grades. Examples are scarce only in MS67 and above, where condition makes the critical difference. And the “Full Steps” designation transforms an ordinary coin into a sought-after specimen, with MS66 Full Steps examples being particularly hard to find.

For collectors evaluating these nickels, circulated examples typically hold only face value of 5 cents, while uncirculated pieces average 20 to 50 cents. Higher-grade specimens in uncirculated condition can reach $0.61 to $3.58 or more. Those seeking premium examples should focus on pieces with sharp strikes and minimal contact marks, as the copper-nickel alloy tends to show surface imperfections readily.

Here is a record of auction results that reveal the price trajectory of the 1975 no mint mark issue.

A market activity chart tracking recent demands demonstrates consistent collector interest.

 

1975-D Nickel Value

The 1975-D nickel presents an appealing opportunity for collectors focused on strike quality. It is the third hardest Denver issue of the 1970s to find with Full Steps, after the 1970-D and 1976-D. Full Steps refers to five or six clear, unbroken lines on Monticello’s steps—proof of strong dies and precise striking. These well-defined examples elevate an otherwise common coin into a prized collectible.

Value correlates directly with step definition and overall grade. MS66 Full Steps examples command approximately $225, while MS65 Full Steps pieces average around $32. Standard strikes without this sharpness remain accessible through mint sets and bank rolls, where enthusiasts can examine coins at minimal cost.

When evaluating candidates, inspect the reverse between Monticello’s foundation and columned entrance—each step should appear distinct without merging or weakness. For those building date-and-mintmark collections, this Denver issue offers both affordability and the potential for upgrading.

Here you’ll find a full list of recorded auction results for the 1975-D nickel.

The next section shows how its market performance has shifted over the past year.

 

1975-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 1975-S DCAM proof coins are an accessible entry point for collectors interested in mid-1970s proof sets. These pieces were struck in sufficient quantities at the San Francisco Mint, with examples graded up to PR69 Deep Cameo being relatively easy to obtain in today’s market, while anything grading above PR69 becomes very scarce to rare.

Auction records show one PR70 example achieved $5,640 in 2015, while a specimen was sold at $75 in PR69 condition in 2014.

The coins’ consistent strike quality and widespread availability in high grades make authentication straightforward, as genuine pieces exhibit the characteristic deep contrast between frosted devices and mirror backgrounds.

For storage, proper handling is essential to preserve the delicate cameo finish—coins should be kept in their original holders or acid-free capsules to prevent fingerprints and environmental damage that could diminish the visual appeal.

The 1975-S DCAM’s past auction results provide a detailed view of its trading history and collector attention.

Recent market activity shows a gradual rise in demand for this variety as more collectors recognize its scarcity and visual appeal.

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

 

Rare 1975 Nickel Error List

The minting process for 1975 nickels produced several notable errors that have become highly sought after by numismatists. While most 1975 Jefferson nickels are worth only their face value, specific production mistakes can transform these common coins into pieces worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

1. 1975-D High D Mintmark Errors

The High D variety stands as the most documented and valuable 1975 nickel error. This anomaly occurred when the “D” mintmark was punched into the working die at an abnormally elevated position, appearing to the left of the “5” numeral in the date rather than below it. Prior to the early 1990s, mint workers hand-punched mintmarks onto individual dies, and occasional positioning errors resulted in such varieties.

Discovering this error requires close examination of the mintmark’s vertical and horizontal placement compared to standard 1975-D specimens. The rarity becomes evident through collector reports of searching millions of nickels with minimal finds.

A coin graded Extremely Fine-40 by Numismatic Guaranty Company realized $1,080 at a May 2022 auction, establishing a documented price benchmark for this variety.

2. Doubled Mintmark Errors

Multiple 1975-D nickels have surfaced with doubled “D” mintmarks, sometimes described as having a “filled D” appearance. This error type results from repunched mintmarks, where the initial punch created an incomplete or misaligned impression, requiring a second strike. The overlapping impressions create visible doubling or fill the interior spaces of the letter with raised metal.

Authentication involves examining the mintmark under magnification to identify the characteristic doubled outline or filled areas that distinguish genuine repunched mintmarks from circulation damage or mechanical doubling.

These varieties appear in the collector market with some frequency, though specific valuations for 1975-D doubled mintmark specimens vary based on the doubling’s prominence and the coin’s overall condition. Examples circulate through online marketplaces and coin shows at modest premiums above face value.

3. Embedded Copper Layer Errors

An unusual planchet error documented on 1975 nickels involves copper material embedded within or on the surface of the standard copper-nickel alloy. One confirmed example from 2022 displayed this anomaly on the reverse, creating visible copper-colored areas contrasting with the coin’s typical silvery appearance.

The copper contamination likely originated from cent production, where copper planchets or copper-plated zinc strips processed in the same facility contaminated nickel planchet stock during rolling or preparation stages.

The recorded 2022 sale of a 1975 specimen with this error achieved $305, establishing market interest in these unusual planchet compositions. The survival rate remains uncertain, though mint quality control typically caught most contaminated planchets before striking, making released examples noteworthy collectibles.

 

Where To Sell Your 1975 Nickel?

Choosing the right marketplace can help you get a fair price and reach more potential buyers.

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

 

1975 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About 1975 Nickel

1. Are all 1975-D nickels valuable?

No, the vast majority of 1975-D nickels are common coins worth only face value. Over 401 million were produced at the Denver Mint, making them readily available in circulation.

Only the rare 1975-D High D mintmark error variety—where the “D” appears abnormally elevated near the date—is valuable, potentially worth $50 to $1,000 depending on condition.

2. Is my 1975 nickel made of silver?

No, 1975 nickels contain no silver. They are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving them a silvery appearance. The only Jefferson nickels containing silver are wartime issues from mid-1942 through 1945, which were made with 35% silver. These wartime nickels display large mintmarks above Monticello on the reverse.

3. What does “Full Steps” mean on Jefferson nickels?

“Full Steps” refers to the architectural detail on Monticello’s entrance shown on the reverse. A Jefferson nickel earns this designation when at least five or six horizontal steps are completely visible and sharply defined without weakness or merging. Full Steps specimens are significantly scarcer and command substantial premiums, as most coins show softness in this area.

4. Where can I find the mintmark on a 1975 nickel?

The mintmark appears on the obverse (front) below the date, near Jefferson’s shoulder. A “D” indicates Denver Mint production, “S” denotes San Francisco (proof coins only), while no mintmark means the coin was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Philadelphia produced over 181 million nickels in 1975 without mintmarks, making them common.