1979 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & No Mint Mark Worth)

If you’ve come across a 1979 nickel in your pocket change or collection, you might be wondering about its value. While most circulated 1979 nickels are worth their face value of five cents, understanding 1979 nickel value can reveal some pleasant surprises.

Uncirculated examples typically range from $0.30 to around $5, depending on their condition and mint mark. Special varieties like proof coins and error specimens can command even higher premiums. The key to determining your coin’s worth lies in examining its condition, identifying its mint mark, and checking for any unique characteristics or errors.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply curious about that nickel you found, this guide will help you understand what makes certain 1979 nickels more valuable than others and how to identify the coins worth keeping.

 

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 Worth Money

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

The top-ranked 1979-D MS67 specimen achieved $4,500 at auction in November 2022, reflecting the intersection of multiple scarcity factors: the Denver mint coins in this grade level remain extremely rare, and achieving complete architectural detail through proper die striking proves exceptionally difficult in production.

The proof varieties from San Francisco show distinct pricing tiers, with Type 2 featuring clearer mint marks commanding higher premiums than Type 1 specimens. This differentiation stems from production variables during the striking process and relative survival rates across different manufacturing batches.

The price distribution pattern establishes objective benchmarks for strike quality assessment, enabling collectors to distinguish between surface preservation and technical minting excellence.

These auction-established valuations create liquidity references for the broader Jefferson nickel market, particularly for dates where high-grade specimens with proper striking characteristics remain scarce relative to total mintage figures.

 

History of the 1979 Nickel

The 1979 nickel represents a continuation of the Jefferson nickel series that originated in 1938, when Felix Schlag’s design replaced the Buffalo nickel. By the late 1970s, the United States Mint had established a stable production pattern, with Philadelphia and Denver facilities striking circulation coins while San Francisco focused exclusively on proof specimens for collectors.

This division of labor reflected operational changes implemented after 1970, when San Francisco ceased regular nickel production for circulation and concentrated solely on proof coin manufacture.

In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint produced 463,188,000 nickels without mint marks, while Denver struck 325,867,672 pieces bearing the “D” designation. These production volumes aligned with typical late-1970s output levels, serving the nation’s commerce requirements during a period of economic transition.

The composition remained the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy that had been used since the series inception, except during the wartime silver nickel period of 1942-1945.

The San Francisco facility introduced a significant variety during 1979 proof production when it transitioned from Type 1 to Type 2 mint marks mid-year. The Type 1 proof featured an indistinct, blob-like “S” mint mark that had been in use since approximately 1968, while the Type 2 exhibited larger, more defined serifs and rounder center loops.

This die change occurred as part of ongoing efforts to improve proof coin quality and definition, though the exact timing and relative quantities of each type produced remain subjects of numismatic research.

The 1979 production year occurred during a transitional period for Jefferson nickel manufacturing quality. Modifications to master hubs throughout the series history affected strike quality and detail preservation, with coins from the late 1980s onward typically featuring lower relief but sharper overall details due to improved die longevity.

The 1979 issues therefore represent a middle phase, after the generally weaker strikes common to 1950s-1960s production but before the technical improvements that would characterize later decades.

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

 

Is your 1979 Nickel rare?

Use the CoinValueChecker 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.

 

Key Features of the 1979 Nickel

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, with a smooth edge design.

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.

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 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 1979 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 $4,500.

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. Type 2 exhibits a clearer S mint mark with larger bulbous serifs and rounder center loops, introduced later in 1979.

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

 

1979 Nickel 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 output of 325,867,672 pieces bearing the “D” designation.

San Francisco contributed exclusively to the collector market, producing 3,677,175 proof specimens in both Type 1 and Type 2 varieties, distinguished by the clarity of their mint marks.

Despite these documented mintage figures, precise survival data remains undetermined for all 1979 varieties. Unlike earlier Jefferson nickel dates that benefit from decades of professional grading and census accumulation, the 1979 issue presents challenges in survival rate estimation, though circulation strikes remain readily available in grades from MS60 to MS65.

The vast majority of Philadelphia and Denver production entered commercial channels and experienced typical circulation attrition through loss, damage, and wear.

Attrition rates for Jefferson nickels in circulation vary significantly based on factors including hoarding behavior, collector removal, and natural loss, with estimates suggesting survival rates may reach 50% or lower for common dates, while key dates subject to early hoarding can retain 90% or more of original mintage.

The 1979 nickel, lacking key-date status or widespread collector attention at the time of issue, likely experienced standard circulation patterns without significant early preservation efforts.

The proof mintage presents different survival characteristics. Proof coins intended for collectors typically maintain higher survival rates due to immediate preservation in protective packaging. However, the distribution between Type 1 and Type 2 varieties within the total San Francisco production remains a subject of numismatic research, as the mid-year die transition occurred without separate recording of quantities.

This uncertainty affects market assessment and variety identification, though both types remain accessible to collectors through the secondary market.

High-grade specimens with Full Steps designation prove significantly more challenging to locate, representing a small fraction of surviving examples, as striking quality rather than mintage determines rarity at premium grade levels.

The absence of comprehensive survival data underscores the ongoing nature of census building through professional grading submissions, which continues to refine understanding of true rarity within the 1979 Jefferson nickel series.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1979 Nicke 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, as this distinction alone creates substantial value differences.

Condition grading follows the Sheldon Scale from 1 to 70, progressing from Poor to Mint State, with an additional qualifier called Strike that describes the clarity of the Monticello steps on the reverse.

This Full Steps designation proves critical for value determination, as fewer than one hundred examples from the Philadelphia Mint’s hundreds of millions of 1979 nickels have been certified with Full Steps details, making this feature extraordinarily scarce.

Beyond standard grading considerations, error varieties including off-center strikes, wrong planchet errors, and die breaks can transform ordinary specimens into premium collectibles commanding prices far exceeding typical ranges.

The CoinValueChecker 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 Nicke 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 the majority of production, and Type 2 displaying a clearer, more defined “S” introduced through a mid-year die change.

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

 

1979 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1979 No Mint Mark nickel presents a compelling study in the contrast between production volume and preservation rarity. Philadelphia struck 463,188,000 pieces for circulation, making this one of the highest-mintage Jefferson nickels of the era, yet fewer than one hundred examples have achieved Full Steps certification, with approximately a dozen reaching MS-66 grade and none grading higher.

This extraordinary disparity reflects the reality that proper die alignment and striking pressure necessary to render complete Monticello architectural detail occurred rarely during high-speed production runs.

Value ranges demonstrate this scarcity premium, with circulated specimens worth face value while MS-66 examples command $85, the single MS-66+ specimen reaches $115, and Full Steps coins at MS-66 approach $950.

The coin occupies an accessible position within Jefferson nickel collecting, offering entry-level collectors affordable circulated examples while challenging advanced specialists to locate premium-grade specimens with complete strike characteristics.

Market correction over two decades saw MS-63 values decline from $1,898 in 2003 to approximately $6 currently, reflecting more accurate population data as certification volumes increased and initial speculative premiums normalized. This Philadelphia issue represents the traditional production standard before mint marks became universal on all denominations, making it the last generation of unmarked nickels from this facility.

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 

The 1979-D nickel from Denver’s 325,867,672-piece production run demonstrates exceptional condition rarity that rivals classic Jefferson issues from earlier decades.

While lower grades remain accessible to collectors, the Denver issue becomes genuinely scarce at MS-66, with fewer than one hundred Full Steps examples certified at this level and only a single specimen reaching MS-67 Full Steps—making it one of the most elusive modern Jefferson nickels in premium condition.

This unique MS-67 Full Steps piece achieved $4,500 at auction in November 2022, establishing a benchmark for the finest known Denver strike from this year. The value structure reveals dramatic grade sensitivity, with standard MS-66 examples commanding $42 based on thirty certified pieces, while MS-66 Full Steps specimens reach $135 with approximately seventy known.

Lower-grade Full Steps coins at MS-65, despite over 150 certifications, maintain modest $20 valuations, demonstrating how the highest grades concentrate premium demand. The Denver facility’s striking characteristics during 1979 production resulted in particularly weak architectural detail on Monticello, making properly rendered step definition extraordinarily rare and creating a specialized collecting niche within the Jefferson series.

This issue occupies an important position for completion-minded collectors building date-and-mint sets, offering both affordability in circulated grades and significant challenge at gem levels.

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

The 1979-S Type 1 Proof DCAM nickel represents San Francisco’s specialized collector production, struck from meticulously hand-polished blanks that were individually fed into presses and struck at least twice to achieve mirror-like surfaces with frosted design details.

The Type 1 designation identifies specimens featuring a filled “S” mint mark where the letter’s interior loops appear partially obscured or blob-like, resulting from die preparation techniques during the minting process. Production totaled 3,677,175 proof nickels, though the exact proportion bearing the filled mint mark remains uncertain.

Deep Cameo contrast—the extreme visual separation between frosted design elements and mirror fields—became standard on these proofs due to laser frosting technology that replaced earlier acid-wash methods.

This technical advancement ensured consistent quality across the production run, enabling widespread survival in premium condition. Current values reflect abundant high-grade availability, with perfect PR-70 DCAM specimens commanding approximately $80 despite over 350 certified examples, while PR-69 DCAM pieces maintain $15 valuations with populations exceeding 10,000.

Market dynamics reveal significant value correction, with PR-70 DCAM examples declining from $1,763 in 2013 to present levels as certification volumes expanded and initial premiums normalized. This accessible proof variety appeals primarily to type set collectors and Jefferson nickel specialists seeking mint mark completion.

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

1979 marked a significant period in American numismatics, with proof set sales exceeding 3.6 million sets. The 1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Nickel emerged during this active collecting environment.

The coin’s distinguishing feature lies in its mintmark transition: the San Francisco Mint redesigned the “S” mintmark mid-year, creating the Type 2 version with a clear, well-defined “S” that contrasts with the earlier Type 1’s filled, less distinct appearance. The Type 2 mintmark was introduced partway through the year, starting with lower denominations first, which limited its production window.

The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation reflects the laser frosting technology that creates contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields. This technique, introduced around 1971, allows nearly every proof coin to achieve this effect consistently.

In terms of market value, the highest grade PR70 DCAM examples reached $2,530 at auction in January 2008, though as nearly 200 specimens have been certified, current market prices have stabilized around $300. The PR69 DCAM grade trades around $15, with over 7,500 examples professionally graded.

Regarding rarity, this coin isn’t extremely scarce, but its status as a variety piece adds collecting interest. During the late 1970s coin market boom, when up to 15,000 dealers operated nationwide, minor varieties in newly released proof sets quickly gained attention and promotional support.

The primary collecting challenge for Type 2 pieces involves mintmark identification—collectors must examine whether the “S” letter shows clearly separated serifs, which requires some experience to distinguish accurately.

Since the 1980s, many collectors have broken apart proof sets to submit individual Type 2 coins for grading, making complete original sets increasingly harder to find.

As a variety within the proof nickel series, the 1979-S Type 2 Proof DCAM Nickel documents a specific moment in U.S. Minting practice refinement and reflects the collecting dynamics of that active market period.

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 represents a Cherrypickers’ Guide classification for mintmark varieties, specifically documenting the Clear-S versus Filled-S distinction that occurred during 1979 proof production.

The price chart reveals a clear grade-sensitivity pattern. Lower grades (PR1-PR40) trade near minimal premiums, reflecting the reality that proof coins in circulated or damaged condition offer limited collector appeal. The value curve begins its upward trajectory around PR55-PR60, where prices stabilize around $2-3, indicating the threshold where preservation quality becomes collectibly relevant.

The special nature of this variety lies in its documentation value rather than extraordinary rarity. The FS-501 classification encompasses both Type 1 Filled-S and Type 2 Clear-S varieties, representing a documented mintmark variation event.

For collectors building systematic variety collections or registry sets, the FS-501 attribution provides formal cataloging within the Cherrypickers’ Guide framework, offering organizational consistency across numismatic databases.

The value proposition ultimately reflects accessible collecting rather than rarified investment opportunity. With thousands of examples certified across multiple grades, this variety serves collectors seeking documented mintmark varieties with clear visual distinctions, priced at levels that support set-building rather than speculative positioning.

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

 

Rare 1979 Nickel Error List

The minting process involves multiple stages where errors can occur. Blanks are punched from metal sheets, heated in an annealing furnace, then processed through washers and dryers. During these production steps, various mistakes create error coins that differ from standard strikes.

Modern production methods eliminate many errors and automated counters effectively remove error coins, but some are inadvertently released into circulation. These manufacturing anomalies range from die variety issues to planchet defects and striking problems.

1. 1979-S Filled-S Nickel

The Filled-S variety occurred on San Francisco proof coins where the loops of the S mintmark were filled in, creating a blurry and solid appearance. This resulted from the die-making process where acid-wash proof dies would gradually wear down.

The mint later corrected this issue, introducing the Clear-S Type 2 version later in 1979. The Filled-S is designated as Type 1 or FS-501 in numismatic references. A PR 70 DCAM specimen currently values around $80, though prices have declined from a 2013 high of $1,763.

Collectors can identify this error by examining the S mintmark on the obverse—the interior spaces should appear partially or completely closed rather than clearly defined.

2. 1979 Triple Clipped 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-out holes in the metal strip, while straight clips result from punches overlapping the front, sides, or end of the planchet strip. Triple clips form when the feeding mechanism malfunctions multiple times during blank production, causing three distinct overlapping punch errors on one planchet.

The value depends on the size and location of the clips. This error type represents a compounded malfunction where normal quality control procedures failed three separate times on a single blank.

3. 1979 Off-Center Strike Nickel

An off-center coin is produced when the coin is struck once, albeit off center, with the punch hitting the edge rather than the center. This creates a coin where part of the design is missing and blank planchet space remains visible. The off-center percentage describes how much of the surface stayed blank—for example, a 60% off-center strike leaves 60% of the lower obverse and upper reverse unmarked.

Coins with full dates are more desirable than coins without a date or missing digits. Values range from $46 in MS 64 grade to $62 in MS 66 grade for moderate off-center strikes. The degree of misalignment directly affects collector appeal and market value.

4. 1979 Clipped Planchet Nickel

Clipped planchets are created when either the planchet strip is not fed properly into a blanking press or there is a defect in the planchet strip itself, resulting in missing metal from a coin’s edge area. 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.

According to standard references, a coin missing 10-25% of its material is classified as a clipped planchet. Clips in Mint State grades with good eye-appeal and easily visible clips are popular with collectors. Genuine mint error clips show signs of metal flowing into the clipped area, while fake clips have sharp edges.

 

Where to Sell Your 1979 Nickel ?

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 Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1979 Nickel

1. What is the composition of a 1979 nickel?

The 1979 Jefferson nickel comprises 75% copper and 25% nickel, has a mass of 5.00 grams, a diameter of 21.21 mm, and is 1.95 mm thick. These nickels do not contain silver, unlike the “war nickels” produced from 1942 to 1945.

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

In 1979, the U.S. Mint struck proof nickels with two different mint marks—the Type 1 has a less clear, filled-in S mint mark, while the Type 2 has a clearer S mint mark. Type 1 coins regularly sell for $2.33 or more, while Type 2 coins, being more rare, usually sell for about $5.84.