1962 Jefferson Nickel Value and Price Chart

In general, a 1962 Jefferson nickel is worth between five and twenty cents in circulated condition. In uncirculated condition, the coin is worth between $7 and $350 depending on the grade and mint mark. Proof coins in PR 67 grade are worth $13, and in PR 69 grade, they are worth $35.

While it may not be as glamorous as collecting rare coins, there is something to be said for the humble nickel. For one thing, they are relatively easy to find, so it’s a good way to get started in coin collecting.

If you have old Jefferson nickels in your coin collection you’re probably wondering what their value is. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the value of 1962 Jefferson nickels. So if you’re curious to know how much your coins are worth, keep reading!

A Brief History of 1962 Jefferson Nickel

The Jefferson nickel has been a staple of American coinage since it was first introduced in 1938. Named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, the Jefferson nickel replaced the Buffalo nickel, which had been in circulation for 25 years. Designed by acclaimed American sculptor Felix Schlag, the Jefferson nickel featured a profile of Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello, Jefferson’s home, on the reverse.

The Jefferson nickel has been minted continuously since 1938, making it one of the longest-running coin series in American history. Millions of these coins are produced each year, and they circulate widely throughout the country.

1962 was a big year for Jefferson nickels which were minted in the Denver Mint and the Philadelphia Mint. With nearly 400,000,000 minted, they are one of the most common coins in circulation. However, due to their high circulation, you can quickly find these pieces even in the mint state.

Despite their commonality, 1962 Jefferson nickels are still popular with collectors due to their historic significance. So whether you’re a beginning collector or a seasoned pro, be sure to keep an eye out for these coins!

Are 1962 Jefferson Nickels Rare?

1962 Jefferson Nickel
Location	Year	Minted
Philadelphia	1962 P	110,602,019
Philadelphia	1962 (P) Proof	3,218,019
Denver	1962 D	280,195,720

Many people believe that the 1962 Jefferson Nickel is a rare coin, but this is simply not true. In fact, over 280 million of these coins were minted by the Denver Mint in 1962. Philadelphia also minted over 100 million of these coins in 1962, plus an additional 3 million proof coins.

So, what are proof coins? Proof coins are specially minted for collectors and usually have a much higher value than regular circulation coins.

What Does a 1962 Jefferson Nickel Look Like?

1962 Jefferson Nickel
Year	1962
EDGE	Plain
DIAMETER	21.20 millimeters
WEIGHT	5.00 grams
METAL	75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DESIGNER	Felix Schlag

The overall design of the 1962 Jefferson nickel is simple and understated, but it remains one of the most popular coins among collectors. The obverse, or front, of the 1962 nickel features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s most famous Presidents. The nickel also has the words “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and the date.

Many people are familiar with the image of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse of the nickel, but you might be surprised to know that the building featured on the reverse is actually his home, Monticello. The words “E Pluribus Unum” are also included on the reverse, along with the denomination (five cents) and “United States of America.”

It’s important to know that there were two different mints producing nickels in 1962. Nickels minted in Denver have a small “D” mint mark on the reverse side, to the right of Monticello. Nickels minted in Philadelphia do not have a mint mark. A mint mark is a small letter or symbol that indicates which mint produced a particular coin. Collectors often pay close attention to mint marks, as they can be used to identify rare and valuable coins.

The 1962 nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, and it weighs 5 grams. It is slightly larger than a standard nickel, with a diameter of 21.2 mm and a thickness of 1.95 mm. The coin also has a plain edge.

How Much is a 1962 Jefferson Nickel Worth?

Condition	1962 (P)	1962 D	1962 (P) proof
Circulated	$0.05-$0.20	$0.05-$0.20	/
Uncirculated MS 60	$7	$40-$50	/
Uncirculated MS 65	$11	$260-$338	/
Uncirculated MS 67	$350	/	/
PR 67	/	/	$13
PR 69	/	/	$35

1962 Jefferson nickel price chart

Most people don’t think twice about the five-cent piece in their pocket, but for collectors, a nickel can be worth a lot more than its face value. Nickel coin values depend on several factors, including its condition and mint mark.

A 1962 nickel no mint mark type is worth between five and twenty cents in circulated condition, making it a relatively affordable coin for collectors. However, the value jumps significantly for uncirculated coins. In MS 60 to MS 65 grade, an uncirculated 1962 Jefferson Nickel is worth $7 to $11, but in rare MS 67 grade, the same coin can be worth over 350 dollars.

In circulated condition, a 1962 D nickel is typically worth around $0.05 to $0.2. However, if the coin is in uncirculated condition, it can be worth much more. In MS 60 grade, an uncirculated 1962 D nickel is typically worth $40 to $50. In MS 65 grade, an uncirculated 1962 D nickel is typically worth $260 to $338.

While most circulation coins from this year are worth only a few cents, proof coins can be worth significantly more. In PR 67 grade, these coins are worth $13, and in PR 69 grade, they are worth $35. Proof coins are specially minted for collectors and generally have a much higher level of detail than circulation coins.

What is the Most Valuable 1962 Jefferson Nickel?

The most valuable 1962 Jefferson nickel is one that has been graded by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as being in Mint State 67 condition or higher. In 2013, a Jefferson nickel that had been graded as MS 67+ by PCGS sold for $21,150 at auction.

This particular coin is notable for its five-full-step strike on the reverse, which features a detailed image of Monticello. It is also the sole finest example of this issue that has been graded by PCGS. As such, it is a highly coveted coin among collectors and is likely to continue to appreciate in value over time.

How to Find the Value of Your Jefferson Nickel

If you have a Jefferson nickel that you are interested in finding the value of, there are a few things you can do. First, compare your coin to ones that have recently sold. This will give you an idea of what collectors are willing to pay for a coin like yours.

• A proof Jefferson nickel graded PR 67 by NGC managed to sell for only $0.99.
• A circulated 1962 D Jefferson nickel recently sold for $1.60.
• A 1962 proof Jefferson nickel graded PR 68 by PCGS sold for $19.
• Uncirculated 1962 nickel no mint mark type graded MS 66 by NGC sold for $63.

When comparing coin values online, have in mind the condition of your coin. A well-circulated coin will likely be worth less than a coin that is in pristine condition. However, even a well-worn coin can be valuable if it is rare. For example, the 1943 Jefferson nickel was minted with errors that make it highly sought-after by collectors.

Finally, consider any unique features your coin may have. For example, some 1955 Jefferson nickels were mistakenly struck with a doubled die reverse, which makes them especially valuable. So, if you think you may have a rare or valuable Jefferson nickel, it’s definitely worth getting it appraised by a professional numismatist. With a little bit of research, you can easily find out how much your coin is worth.

1962 Jefferson Nickel Error List and Rare Varieties

A handful of these nickels were struck with errors, resulting in some rare and valuable varieties. If you’re lucky enough to find any of these 1962 Jefferson Nickel errors or rare varieties, be sure to hold onto them!

1962 Jefferson Nickel Full Steps

What makes this particular coin so special is that it must have at least five full steps visible at the base of Monticello on the reverse. This feature is very rare on 1962 Jefferson nickels, and as a result, the coin can be worth thousands of dollars in extremely fine condition. Full steps are the most desired version of the Jefferson nickel.

1962 Jefferson Nickel Struck on a Wrong Planchet

A Jefferson nickel struck on a wrong planchet is a valuable error coin. How does this error occur? A coin blank (planchet) intended for another denomination may be left in the tote bin and fed into the coinage press by mistake.

These errors are extremely rare and thus highly coveted by collectors. For example, one nickel was struck on an Ethiopian 5 Cent planchetand sold for $373.75. Another was struck on a Silver Dime Planchet and sold for $575. And yet another was struck on a Cent Planchet and sold for $402.50.

There are a few ways to tell if a nickel has been struck on a wrong planchet. First, check the coin’s diameter. If it is significantly smaller or larger than a standard nickel, it is likely a wrong planchet. Also, check the weight of the coin. A standard nickel should weigh 5 grams. If your nickel weighs significantly less than this, it was probably struck on the wrong planchet.

1962 Double Die Reverse

The 1962 Double Die Reverse is a type of error coin that gets its name from the doubled text on the reverse side. This happens when the die used to stamp the coins is misaligned, resulting in a double image. Although these coins are relatively common, they can be valuable depending on their condition. For example, a circulated coin might be worth around $10, while an uncirculated coin could be worth upwards of $40.

1962 Nickel Off-Center Strike

A coin strike is considered “off-center” if the head (obverse) and/or tail (reverse) of the coin is not struck in the center of the die. This results in part of the image being missing on the coin. The value of this coin depends on how much of the image is missing. The most valuable off-center coins are those that have more than 50% of the design missing.

5 Most Valuable 1962 Jefferson Nickels Ever Sold

5 Most Valuable 1962 Jefferson Nickels
No.	Type	Condition	Sold Date	Price
1	1962 Nickel	MS67+	Aug 9, 2013	$21,150.00
2	1962 Nickel	MS67	Jan 10, 2019	$4,320.00
3	1962-D Jefferson Nickel	MS65	Jul 14, 2021	$2,640.00
4	1962 Jefferson Nickel Strike Rarity	MS67 Five Full Steps	Oct 16, 2020	$2,523.60
5	1962 Jefferson Nickel Strike Rarity	MS67 Five Full Steps	Feb 24, 2021	$2,223.60

1. 1962 Nickel, MS67+ Sold on Aug 9, 2013 for: $21,150.00

2. 1962 Nickel, MS67 Sold on Jan 10, 2019 for: $4,320.00

3. 1962-D Jefferson Nickel, MS65 Sold on Jul 14, 2021 for: $2,640.00

4. 1962 Jefferson Nickel Strike Rarity MS67 Five Full Steps Sold on Oct 16, 2020 for: $2,523.60

5. 1962 Jefferson Nickel Strike Rarity MS67 Five Full Steps Sold on Feb 24, 2021 for: $2,223.60

FAQ

Do 1962 nickels have silver in them?

No, a Jefferson nickel from 1962 doesn’t contain any silver. Only nickels minted between 1942 and 1945 are made of 35% silver. Because of this, many people believe that all nickels minted after 1945 must also contain silver. However, this is not the case. 1962 nickels are made of entirely copper and zinc.

What makes a 1962 nickel so valuable?

A 1962 nickel is valuable for a number of reasons. First, it is relatively old. Coins minted in 1962 are now over 50 years old, which makes them quite rare. Second, it is difficult to find coins from this era in pristine condition. Many 1962 nickels have been circulated extensively and show signs of wear and tear. While not being the most valuable coins out there, 1964 nickels are highly sought-after by collectors and can fetch a high price on the open market.

Is a 1962 D nickel worth anything?

A coin collector will oftentimes purchase a 1962 D nickel for its numismatic value rather than its intrinsic value. For this reason, the price of a 1962 D nickel can vary significantly depending on the condition of the coin and the current market conditions for similar coins.

A 1962 D nickel is worth around $0.05 to $0.2 in circulated condition. An uncirculated 1962 D nickel is typically worth $40 to $50. In MS 65 grade, it is typically worth $260 to $338.

Why are people hoarding nickels?

People have been hoarding nickels since the economic recession of 2008. The value of the nickel has steadily increased over the past few years, while the purchasing power of the dollar has declined. This has led people to believe that hoarding nickels is a way to protect their wealth.

Whether or not hoarding nickels is a wise investment strategy remains to be seen. However, there is no denying that the current craze for these coins is driven by a genuine fear of economic insecurity.

Final Thoughts

So, how much is a 1962 Jefferson nickel worth? In circulated condition, these coins are worth five to twenty cents each. In uncirculated condition, they are worth between $7 and $350, depending on the grade and mint mark. Proof coins in PR 67 grade are worth $13, and in PR 69 grade, they are worth $35. So, if you have a 1962 Jefferson nickel, it is definitely worth checking out its value! Thanks for reading!