1979 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth

If you’ve found a 1979 nickel in your pocket change or collection, you might be surprised by what it could be worth. While most circulated examples are worth only their face value of five cents, understanding 1979 nickel value can reveal some genuinely exciting surprises.

Uncirculated specimens typically range from $0.30 to around $5 depending on their condition and mint mark. Special varieties — including proof coins, Full Steps (FS) strikes, and error specimens — can command prices from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

The key to unlocking your coin’s true value lies in three things: identifying its mint mark, assessing its condition, and checking for any errors or special characteristics. Whether you’ve never looked at a coin through a magnifier before or you’re a seasoned collector completing a Jefferson nickel registry set, this guide gives you everything you need.

 

1979 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart displays the different varieties of 1979 nickels categorized by mint mark (no mark, D, and S) 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 1979 Nickel Value Worth Money

This chart ranks 1979 Jefferson nickels by grade and mint variation based on auction records from 2004 to present.

The top-ranked specimen is a single 1979-D MS-67 Full Steps (FS) example that sold for $4,500 at auction in November 2022. According to PCGS CoinFacts, this is the only Denver-mint 1979 nickel ever certified at MS-67 with Full Steps, making it one of the scarcest issues in the entire modern Jefferson nickel series.

The proof varieties from San Francisco show distinct pricing tiers, with Type 2 featuring clearer mint marks commanding higher premiums than Type 1 specimens. The 1979-S Type 2 PR-70 Deep Cameo (DCAM — meaning the coin has frosted devices against mirror-like fields) achieved $2,530 at Heritage Auctions in January 2008, while Type 1 PR-70 DCAM examples top out around $80 today.

The price distribution across all varieties creates objective benchmarks for evaluating strike quality and condition. These auction-established values help collectors distinguish between coins that are merely well-preserved and those that represent genuine technical minting excellence.

 

1979 Nickel Value History and Design Origins

The 1979 nickel is part of the Jefferson nickel series that debuted in 1938, when Felix Schlag’s design was chosen from a field of 390 artists who submitted entries to a US Mint competition. Schlag’s winning design featured a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his iconic Monticello estate on the reverse, earning him a $1,000 prize.

By 1979, the series was firmly in its “workhorse era” — struck in enormous volumes purely to meet the nation’s commerce needs with no design changes or special minting programs planned. Philadelphia produced 463,188,000 nickels without mint marks, while Denver struck 325,867,672 pieces bearing the “D” designation.

San Francisco focused exclusively on proof coins for collectors, contributing 3,677,175 specimens in two distinct varieties distinguished by the clarity of their “S” mint mark. This division of labor had been in place since 1970, when San Francisco stopped striking circulation nickels and pivoted entirely to collector-focused proof production.

The 1979 proof sets introduced a historically significant mid-year change: the Type 1 “Filled S” mint mark — a blob-like “S” in use since approximately 1968 — was replaced by the sharper, better-defined Type 2 “Clear S” with rounder loops and distinct serifs. The Type 2 is estimated to represent only about 40% of total 1979-S proof production, contributing to its premium over the more common Type 1.

The 1979 issue also sits in a transitional moment for Jefferson nickel strike quality. Modifications to master hubs throughout the series’ history affected how sharply the reverse design transferred to coins. The 1979 issues fall between the generally weaker strikes of the 1950s–1960s and the crisper technical strikes of the later 1980s onward.

A useful reference for understanding the full depth of this series is Bernard Nagengast’s book, The Jefferson Nickel Analyst, widely recognized by specialists as the definitive guide to studying variety collecting and strike quality in the Jefferson series.

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

 

Is Your 1979 Nickel Value Higher Than You Think? Rarity Explained

Use the Coin Value Checker App to instantly identify your 1979 nickels, check their rarity rankings within the Jefferson Nickel series, and discover their current market values across different grades and varieties.

On paper, Philadelphia and Denver combined to strike nearly 789 million 1979 nickels — making this one of the most abundant years in the entire Jefferson series. However, rarity is not about mintage alone; it’s about how many coins survived in top condition with exceptional strike quality.

According to PCGS CoinFacts, fewer than 100 total examples of the 1979 Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) nickel have ever been certified with a Full Steps designation by PCGS — out of hundreds of millions struck. Only 2 examples have been graded at the MS-66 Full Steps level, with none graded higher.

The Denver issue is even more dramatic. PCGS reports that only 19 examples of the 1979-D have earned a MS-66 Full Steps rating, and just one single coin in the world exists at MS-67 Full Steps — the coin that sold for $4,500 in 2022. PCGS CoinFacts states that in Gem condition, the 1979-D is actually scarcer than some Jefferson nickels from the 1930s.

 

1979 Nickel Value Key Features and Specifications

The 1979 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 — not silver — with a smooth edge design.

It is worth noting that the only Jefferson nickels ever to contain silver are the “War Nickels” of 1942–1945, made of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel for the war effort. You can spot these by a large mint mark positioned above Monticello on the reverse, which does not appear on any 1979 nickel.

The 1979 nickel was minted at three locations: Philadelphia (no mint mark, 463,188,000 coins), Denver (D mint mark, 325,867,672 coins), and San Francisco (S mint mark, 3,677,175 proof coins only). The mint mark appears on the obverse side, just below the date.

The Obverse of the 1979 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 — these were added in 1966, after the original 1938 design omitted them.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” is written around the left side, while “LIBERTY” appears on the right, separated from the year “1979” by a five-pointed star.

The Reverse of the 1979 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate located in Albemarle County, Virginia, which Jefferson himself designed and which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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, and the denomination “FIVE CENTS” along with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appear around the bottom.

Other Features of the 1979 Nickel

Full Steps (FS) Designation: Full Steps — abbreviated FS — is a special grading designation awarded by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) to Jefferson nickels where at least five complete, uninterrupted horizontal lines are visible at the base of Monticello’s staircase. Even a single tiny bridge or interruption disqualifies the coin.

Proof Varieties: The 1979-S proof nickel has two distinct types distinguished by the sharpness of the S mint mark. Type 1 features a partially filled, indistinct S that appears blob-like, while Type 2 — introduced partway through 1979 — exhibits a clearly defined S with larger, rounded loops and distinct serifs. The Type 2 is significantly rarer, representing an estimated 40% of the total proof mintage.

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

 

1979 Nickel Value Mintage & Survival Data

The 1979 nickel production reflects the operational structure established by the United States Mint during the late 1970s. Philadelphia led production with 463,188,000 coins struck without mint marks, followed by Denver’s 325,867,672 pieces bearing the “D” designation.

San Francisco contributed exclusively to the collector market, producing 3,677,175 proof specimens across both Type 1 and Type 2 varieties. Proof coins, struck on specially prepared hand-polished blanks and struck at least twice to achieve mirror-like fields, were packaged directly into protective sets and tend to survive at far higher rates than circulation coins.

For circulation strikes, attrition rates vary significantly based on hoarding behavior, collector withdrawal, and natural loss. Estimates suggest common-date Jefferson nickels may retain 50% or less of their original mintage over time, while the 1979 issues — which attracted no significant collector hoarding at the time of issue — likely experienced standard circulation patterns.

High-grade Full Steps examples are dramatically rarer than mintage figures suggest, because the scarcity stems entirely from strike quality rather than how many coins were made. The PCGS population data confirms this: fewer than 100 examples from Philadelphia’s entire output have been certified with Full Steps designation, and only 2 have been graded MS-66 FS.

Late-1970s proof coins face a unique preservation challenge: the plastic packaging used in 1979 proof sets has been documented to cause haze and reduced contrast on the coin’s mirror fields over time. Collectors evaluating 1979-S proof specimens should specifically look for coins that have maintained full Deep Cameo contrast without the haze associated with decades inside original proof set packaging.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1979 Nickel Value

Determining the precise value of your 1979 nickel requires evaluating multiple factors that significantly impact market pricing.

The assessment begins with identifying the mint mark location below the date on the obverse, distinguishing between Philadelphia issues without mint marks, Denver specimens bearing a “D,” and San Francisco proof varieties marked with an “S.”

For San Francisco proofs specifically, collectors must differentiate between Type 1 coins featuring a filled, indistinct “S” and the scarcer Type 2 with its clearer mint mark. This distinction alone creates a substantial value difference, as Type 2 proofs represent only about 40% of the 1979-S proof production.

Condition grading follows the Sheldon Scale — a numeric system from 1 to 70, progressing from Poor through Circulated grades to Mint State (MS, meaning uncirculated). For proof coins, grades run from PR-60 to PR-70, with DCAM (Deep Cameo) indicating the strongest possible contrast between the frosted portrait and mirror-like fields.

For circulation strikes, the Full Steps designation is the most critical value driver. Fewer than 100 total Philadelphia examples have earned FS certification across the entire PCGS census — out of 463 million made — making the 1979-P FS a true condition rarity.

Beyond standard grading, error varieties such as off-center strikes, wrong planchet errors, and brockages can transform ordinary specimens into premium collectibles worth hundreds or thousands of dollars. The Coin Value Checker App provides instant identification, grade estimation, and value determination through advanced image recognition and comprehensive database integration, eliminating guesswork while delivering professional-level analysis directly from your mobile device.

 

1979 Nickel Value Guides

• 1979 No Mint Mark Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1979-D Nickel (Denver)
• 1979-S Type 1 Proof DCAM Nickel (San Francisco – Filled S)
• 1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Nickel (San Francisco – Clear S)

The 1979 Jefferson nickel series comprises four distinct categories differentiated by mint facility and production characteristics.

Philadelphia and Denver facilities struck circulation coins totaling nearly 789 million pieces, while San Francisco produced approximately 3.68 million proof specimens exclusively for collectors. The San Francisco proofs present a unique collecting challenge through their two varieties: Type 1 featuring a partially filled, indistinct “S” mint mark representing roughly 60% of production, and the scarcer Type 2 displaying a clearer, more defined “S” introduced through a mid-year die change and representing the remaining 40%.

Each category exhibits different rarity levels and value ranges based on grade, strike quality, and market demand. Proof varieties command premiums over circulation strikes in equivalent conditions.

 

1979 No Mint Mark Nickel Value (Philadelphia)

The 1979 No Mint Mark nickel presents one of the most striking examples of how mintage and true rarity can diverge completely. Philadelphia struck 463,188,000 pieces for circulation — among the highest-volume Jefferson nickels of the era — yet fewer than 100 examples have ever been certified with a Full Steps designation.

More remarkably, according to PCGS population data, only 2 examples of the 1979-P have been graded at the MS-66 FS level, with none graded higher — making a pristine example with complete Monticello step detail extraordinarily rare in the truest sense. For standard (non-FS) examples, the grade curve is much more forgiving: circulated specimens are worth face value, MS-65 coins trade in the $3–$5 range, and MS-66 examples command approximately $85.

A notable market data point: a 1979 Philadelphia MS-63 sold at Bowers & Merena for $1,898 on July 30, 2003 — a figure that has since corrected dramatically downward to approximately $6 at current prices as more coins were submitted for grading and the initial speculative premium normalized. One certified MS-66 FS specimen sold for $2,115, illustrating the enormous gap between common MS grades and the ultra-rare Full Steps tier.

The Philadelphia issue holds historical significance as the last generation of Jefferson nickels struck without a mint mark, since the “P” mint mark was added to all Philadelphia coins starting in 1980.

Historical auction results documented in the chart below illustrate how condition sensitivity drives pricing across the grading spectrum.

Market activity data shows continued collector interest in collectibles.

 

1979-D Nickel Value (Denver)

The 1979-D nickel from Denver’s 325,867,672-piece production run is a textbook case of a coin that is common in low grades but almost impossibly rare in top condition with Full Steps. PCGS CoinFacts states plainly that the 1979-D in Gem condition is scarcer than some Jefferson nickels from the 1930s — a remarkable statement for a coin struck in the hundreds of millions.

According to PCGS population data, only 19 examples of the 1979-D have earned the MS-66 Full Steps rating, and just one single specimen in the world has reached MS-67 Full Steps. That sole MS-67 FS coin sold for $4,500 at auction in November 2022, establishing the benchmark price for the finest known Denver strike from this year. Standard (non-FS) MS-66 coins are more accessible at approximately $42, based on around thirty certified examples.

The extreme scarcity of Full Steps examples from Denver reflects the particular characteristics of that facility’s striking process during 1979. Denver presses produced especially weak architectural detail on Monticello’s steps, meaning even coins that appear well-struck in hand often fail the rigorous step-definition test required for FS certification.

This issue is a priority for completion-minded collectors building date-and-mint sets — affordable in circulated grades but a genuine challenge at the gem Full Steps level that can anchor an advanced registry set.

The auction record chart presented below documents actual transaction prices across the condition spectrum, illustrating the steep value curve between common and exceptional specimens.

Market activity data indicates sustained collector focus on Full Steps varieties and top-tier grades where true scarcity exists.

 

1979-S Type 1 Proof DCAM Nickel Value (Filled S)

The 1979-S Type 1 Proof DCAM nickel represents the earlier of the two proof varieties struck at San Francisco in 1979. It was produced from hand-polished blanks fed individually into the press and struck at least twice to achieve the characteristic mirror-like fields and frosted portrait devices.

The Type 1 designation identifies specimens featuring a “Filled S” mint mark — the letter’s interior loops appear partially or fully obscured, creating a blob-like appearance rather than a crisp letter. This resulted from the die-preparation method in use at San Francisco since approximately 1968, where the “S” punch gradually degraded. Type 1 coins represent approximately 60% of the 1979-S proof production, making them the more common variety.

DCAM — Deep Cameo — is the highest-quality designation for proof coins, referring to the extreme visual contrast between frosty, white design elements and deeply mirrored fields. This effect is achieved through laser frosting technology that replaced older acid-wash methods around 1971, ensuring consistent quality across the production run.

Current market values reflect abundant high-grade availability: perfect PR-70 DCAM specimens command approximately $80 with over 350 certified examples, while PR-69 DCAM pieces trade around $15 with populations exceeding 10,000. The PR-70 DCAM price represents a significant correction from its $1,763 peak in 2013, as higher certification volumes normalized earlier speculative premiums.

The auction record chart below documents realized prices across different proof grades, illustrating how condition and population levels influence market performance.

Market activity data demonstrates steady collector interest with consistent monthly trading volumes throughout the period.

 

1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Nickel Value (Clear S)

The 1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Nickel is the scarcer of the two San Francisco proof varieties and carries a meaningful premium over the Type 1. The US Mint redesigned the “S” punch mid-year to improve proof coin quality, creating the Type 2 with a clearly defined “S” — rounded center loops and distinct serifs that sharply contrast with the blob-like appearance of the earlier Type 1.

The Type 2 was introduced beginning with lower-denomination coins first, which limited its production window and contributed to its relative scarcity. Estimates suggest the Type 2 represents only about 40% of total 1979-S proof mintage, explaining its consistent premium over Type 1 at equivalent grades.

Values reflect both the variety’s relative scarcity and its high-quality proof surfaces. PR-70 DCAM examples trade at approximately $250–$300 today, with the all-time record being $2,530 achieved at Heritage Auctions in January 2008. PR-69 DCAM pieces trade around $15 with over 7,500 professionally graded examples.

Collectors looking to acquire an original complete proof set containing Type 2 coins face an additional challenge: since the 1980s, many collectors have broken apart 1979 proof sets specifically to submit individual Type 2 coins for grading, making unbroken original sets with Type 2 nickels increasingly difficult to find.

The coin’s Auction Record Chart provides a clear view of how prices have evolved from early peaks to current stable levels.

Market Activity data shows the trading frequency and collector interest this variety continues to generate in today’s marketplace.

1979-S Type 2 FS-501 Proof DCAM Nickel Value

The 1979-S Type 2 FS-501 Proof DCAM Nickel demonstrates a distinctive value structure that reflects both its technical characteristics and market positioning.

The FS-501 designation comes from the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties, a widely used reference that catalogs documented mint mark and die variety events. Specifically, FS-501 documents the Clear-S versus Filled-S distinction that occurred during 1979 proof production, giving collectors a formal classification within major numismatic databases.

The price chart reveals a clear grade-sensitivity pattern. Lower grades (PR-1 to PR-40) trade near minimal premiums, reflecting the limited collector appeal of proof coins in circulated or damaged condition. The value curve begins its upward trajectory around PR-55–PR-60, where the coin’s preservation quality becomes relevant to serious buyers.

The value proposition for this variety lies in its documentation and organizational value rather than outright rarity. The FS-501 attribution provides a formal catalog reference within the Cherrypickers’ Guide framework, offering set-builders a clear identifier when building comprehensive variety collections across the Jefferson proof nickel series.

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

 

Rare 1979 Nickel Value Error List

The minting process involves multiple stages where errors can occur. Blanks are punched from metal strips, heated in an annealing furnace, then processed through washers and dryers before being struck. During any of these steps, mistakes can create error coins that differ significantly from standard strikes.

Modern production methods eliminate many errors through automated detection and quality control, but some still slip into circulation. These manufacturing anomalies range from mint mark varieties and planchet defects to dramatic striking problems — and they can transform a five-cent coin into a collectible worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

1. 1979-S Filled-S Nickel

The Filled-S variety occurred on San Francisco proof coins where the interior loops of the “S” mint mark were clogged or filled in, creating a blurry or blob-like appearance. This resulted from the die preparation method in use since the late 1960s, where the punch gradually wore down over repeated use.

The US Mint corrected this problem mid-year, introducing the sharper Type 2 Clear-S variety. The Filled-S coin is cataloged as Type 1 and as FS-501 in the Cherrypickers’ Guide. In PR-70 DCAM condition, these currently trade around $80 — a sharp drop from a peak of $1,763 in 2013 as population data expanded. To identify this variety, examine the obverse “S” mint mark: the interior spaces should appear partially or fully closed rather than cleanly open.

2. 1979 Triple Clipped Planchet Nickel

A triple clipped planchet displays three separate clips on a single coin, making it exceptionally rare among clipped planchet errors. Curved clips occur when blanking dies overlap previously punched holes in the metal strip, while straight clips come from punches at the strip’s edge or end.

Triple clips form when the feeding mechanism malfunctions three separate times during blank production, causing three distinct overlapping punch errors on a single planchet. This represents a compounded quality-control failure that is extraordinarily uncommon. Values depend heavily on the size and location of the clips, as well as the clarity of any visible design elements.

3. 1979 Off-Center Strike Nickel

An off-center strike occurs when the planchet fails to seat properly in the coin collar during striking, causing the dies to imprint the design off-center. This creates a coin with missing design elements on one side and blank planchet space visible on the other.

The off-center percentage describes how much surface area remained unstruck: a 60% off-center strike leaves 60% of the coin’s surface blank. Coins that retain a full, readable date are significantly more desirable to collectors than those with a missing or partial date. Values for 1979 off-center nickels range from $46 in MS-64 grade to $62 in MS-66 for moderate misalignments, with dramatic examples of 50% or more off-center commanding higher premiums.

4. 1979 Clipped Planchet Nickel

Clipped planchet errors are created when the planchet strip is not fed properly into the blanking press, or when there is a defect in the strip itself, resulting in missing metal from the coin’s edge. Three main types exist: curved clips from overlapping punches, straight clips with smooth edges from strip-end punches, and ragged clips from defective strip areas.

A coin missing 10–25% of its material is generally classified as a clipped planchet. To verify authenticity, look for the Blakesley Effect — a rim weakness or flattening at the point exactly 180° opposite the clip — and weigh the coin, as a genuine clip will be measurably lighter than the standard 5.00 grams.

5. 1979 Nickel Brockage Error

A brockage error is one of the most visually dramatic mistakes in American coinage. It occurs when an already-struck coin sticks to one of the dies and then acts as a die itself, impressing its design — in reverse and incuse (recessed) — into the next blank planchet fed into the press.

On 1979 Jefferson nickels, the most impressive brockages show a nearly complete mirror-image portrait of Jefferson pressed into what should be the reverse side of the coin. Major brockage errors from the Jefferson nickel series can command prices exceeding $10,000, depending on the completeness and clarity of the impressed image, with collector demand driven by the rarity and visual impact of these double-image strikes.

6. 1979 Wrong Planchet (Off-Metal) Nickel Error

Wrong planchet errors — also called off-metal errors — occur when a blank intended for one denomination accidentally enters the production stream for another. Collectors have documented 1979 nickels struck on Lincoln cent planchets, which consist of copper rather than the standard 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy.

These off-metal nickels will exhibit a distinctly reddish or bronze color, and they weigh approximately 3.1 grams rather than the normal 5.0 grams — a quick and reliable test using a digital scale. A 1979 nickel confirmed struck on a cent planchet is worth $500 or more depending on condition and the completeness of the design. Certification by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before purchasing or selling any off-metal error to ensure authenticity.

 

Where to Sell Your 1979 Nickel Value Coins

Whether you choose online auction platforms, coin dealers, or professional grading services, researching current market values and comparing offers from multiple buyers will help you get the best price for your 1979 nickel, especially if it contains rare errors or is in exceptional condition.

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

 

1979 Nickel Value Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About the 1979 Nickel Value

1. What is the 1979 nickel value for a regular circulated coin?

Most circulated 1979 nickels — from both Philadelphia and Denver — are worth only their face value of $0.05. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel with a melt value of approximately $0.06, so even the metal value barely exceeds face value. You need an uncirculated (MS grade) or error coin to see meaningful premiums.

2. What is the difference between the 1979-S Type 1 and Type 2 proof nickels?

In 1979, the San Francisco Mint struck proof nickels with two different “S” mint marks. Type 1 has a partially filled, blob-like “S” because the die punch had degraded over years of use, while Type 2 has a sharper, clearly defined “S” with distinct serifs introduced through a mid-year die change. Type 1 regularly sells for around $2–$3 in circulated proof grades and up to $80 in PR-70 DCAM; Type 2 — which represents only about 40% of production — commands around $5–$15 in lower grades and up to $250–$300 in PR-70 DCAM.

3. What does Full Steps (FS) mean on a 1979 Jefferson nickel?

Full Steps — abbreviated FS — is a special designation awarded by PCGS and NGC to Jefferson nickels where at least five complete, uninterrupted horizontal lines are visible at the base of Monticello’s steps on the reverse. Even a single tiny interruption or bridge caused by a die gouge or weak strike disqualifies the coin. For the 1979 issue, FS coins are extraordinarily rare: fewer than 100 total examples from Philadelphia have ever been certified FS, and only one 1979-D has ever reached MS-67 FS in the history of PCGS grading.

4. How much is the 1979-D MS-67 Full Steps nickel worth?

The sole known 1979-D nickel graded MS-67 Full Steps sold for $4,500 at auction in November 2022. PCGS CoinFacts notes that no other example has been graded higher, and that in Gem condition the 1979-D is scarcer than some Jefferson nickels from the 1930s — a remarkable fact for a coin minted in the hundreds of millions. At lower Full Steps grades like MS-66 FS, only 19 examples are known, trading around $135 each.

5. Does a 1979 nickel contain any silver?

No — the 1979 nickel contains zero silver. It is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the same alloy used for Jefferson nickels since the series began in 1938 (except during World War II). The only silver Jefferson nickels are the “War Nickels” of 1942–1945, which contain 35% silver and can be identified by a large mint mark placed above Monticello on the reverse — a feature that does not appear on any 1979 nickel.

6. What is a brockage error on a 1979 nickel and how much is it worth?

A brockage error occurs when an already-struck coin sticks to a die and impresses its design — in reverse and incuse (pushed inward) — into the next planchet. On 1979 Jefferson nickels, the most dramatic brockages show a nearly complete mirror-image of Jefferson’s portrait pressed into the reverse side of the coin. Major 1979 nickel brockage errors can exceed $10,000 in value, depending on the completeness and visual impact of the impressed image.

7. What is a 1979 nickel struck on a cent planchet worth?

A 1979 nickel struck on a Lincoln cent planchet is a rare off-metal (wrong planchet) error. These coins weigh approximately 3.1 grams instead of the normal 5.0 grams and show a distinctly reddish or bronze color due to the copper cent planchet. Verified examples are worth $500 or more depending on condition and design completeness, and PCGS or NGC certification is strongly recommended to establish authenticity before buying or selling.

8. Why are late-1970s 1979-S proof coins sometimes hazy or dull-looking?

The plastic packaging used in 1979 US Mint proof sets has been documented to cause haze, spotting, and reduced cameo contrast on proof coin surfaces over decades of storage. Many 1979-S proof nickels that spent years inside original government packaging show this surface degradation. Collectors should specifically look for fully deep cameo (DCAM) examples that have maintained complete contrast — and consider purchasing only certified examples to avoid coins with hidden haze issues.

9. What reference books do experts use to study 1979 Jefferson nickels?

The most respected specialist reference for the Jefferson nickel series is Bernard Nagengast’s The Jefferson Nickel Analyst, which covers strike quality, variety identification, and market analysis in depth. For die variety and mint mark classification, the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties (which catalogs the 1979-S FS-501 Type 1/Type 2 distinction) is essential. PCGS CoinFacts provides free online access to population data, auction records, and condition census information for all 1979 nickel varieties.

10. Should I submit my 1979 nickel to PCGS or NGC for grading?

Professional grading by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) is worth the cost only if your 1979 nickel appears to be worth $200 or more. Strong candidates include: uncirculated coins that appear to be MS-65 or higher, coins with visibly complete Monticello steps that could qualify for the Full Steps designation, confirmed error coins (off-center, wrong planchet, brockage), and the 1979-S Type 2 proof in high grade. For everything else, a free assessment through the Coin Value Checker App is a sensible first step before committing to grading fees.