The 1964 Jefferson Nickel is a coin most people see often, but some of these coins have unique errors that make them much more valuable.
This article will help you understand which errors make a 1964 nickel worth more than its face value and how these mistakes can turn a common coin into a rare collectible.
What Makes the 1964 Nickel Special?
The 1964 Jefferson Nickel was produced in large numbers to deal with a coin shortage. Over 2 billion of these nickels were made at the Philadelphia and Denver mints.
They are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel and weigh 5 grams each. Even though most of these nickels are common and not worth much, some have rare errors that can make them very valuable.
Key Error Types to Look For
Full Steps (FS) Designation
Definition: The Full Steps (FS) designation means that the steps on Monticello, the building shown on the back of the coin, are clearly visible. A 1964 nickel with all five or six steps showing is rare. Value: A 1964 nickel with Full Steps can be worth between $20 and $15,000. For example, a 1964 FS Nickel graded MS67 sold for $14,100 in 2017.
1964 Nickel Struck on a 1C Planchet
Definition: This error happens when a nickel is mistakenly struck on a one-cent (1C) planchet, making the coin lighter and giving it a copper color. Value: A 1964 nickel with this error in an AU58 grade sold for about $180. Higher grades, such as MS62 RB, have sold for around $299.
Four Strikes and Three Off-Center Error
Definition: This rare error occurs when a coin is struck four times, with three of the strikes being off-center, leading to a misaligned design. Value: Coins with this error can be worth up to $1,200, depending on their condition.
Late Brockage Error
Definition: A late brockage error happens when a coin has irregularities on both sides due to a problem during the striking process. Value: A 1964 nickel with this error, graded MS62, was sold for around $400.
Nickel Struck on a Philippine 10-Centavo Planchet
Definition: Some nickels were mistakenly struck on planchets meant for Philippine 10-centavo coins during the time when the Philippines was under U.S. administration. Value: These coins are lighter than standard nickels and can be worth up to $1,000.
1964 Nickel Error Value Table
| Error Type | Description | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| Full Steps (FS) | Clear visibility of all steps on Monticello | $20 – $15,000 |
| Struck on 1C Planchet | Nickel struck on a one-cent planchet | $180 – $299 |
| Four Strikes and Three Off-Center | Four strikes with three off-center | Up to $1,200 |
| Late Brockage | Irregularity on both sides due to striking error | $400 |
| Struck on Philippine 10-Centavo Planchet | Nickel struck on a planchet meant for Philippine coins | Up to $1,000 |
Although the 1964 Jefferson Nickel is common, certain errors can make it extremely valuable. Collectors should be on the lookout for these rare varieties, as they can turn a simple five-cent coin into a treasure worth thousands.
What makes a 1964 Jefferson Nickel valuable?
A 1964 Jefferson Nickel can be valuable if it has certain rare minting errors, such as Full Steps (FS), being struck on a one-cent planchet, or having off-center strikes. These errors can make a common nickel worth significantly more than its face value.
How can I tell if my 1964 nickel has the Full Steps error?
To check for Full Steps (FS), look at the reverse side of the nickel where Monticello is depicted. If you can see all five or six steps clearly without any wear or damage, your nickel might have the FS designation and could be valuable.
What is the difference between a nickel struck on a 1C planchet and a normal nickel?
A nickel struck on a 1C (one-cent) planchet is lighter and has a distinct copper color compared to a regular nickel. This happens when a nickel is mistakenly struck on a planchet intended for pennies.
How much can a 1964 nickel with multiple strikes or off-center errors be worth?
A 1964 nickel with four strikes or off-center errors can be worth up to $1,200, depending on its condition. These rare errors occur when a coin is struck multiple times, leading to a misaligned design.
Why are some 1964 nickels struck on Philippine planchets valuable?
During a period when the Philippines was under U.S. administration, some 1964 nickels were mistakenly struck on planchets meant for Philippine 10-centavo coins. These coins are lighter and can be worth up to $1,000 due to their rarity.
