1964 Jefferson Nickel Complete Value Chart
The table below provides current market values for all major 1964 nickel varieties across all grades. Brown (BN), Red-Brown (RB), and Red (RD) designations apply to copper-alloy coins and are awarded by PCGS or NGC for uncirculated coins based on remaining original mint color.
| Variety | Grade | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 (Philadelphia) | G-4 to VF-30 | Face value ($0.05) |
| 1964 (Philadelphia) | MS-63 to MS-64 | $1 – $5 |
| 1964 (Philadelphia) | MS-65 | $8 – $20 |
| 1964 (Philadelphia) | MS-65 FS (Full Steps) | $75 – $200 |
| 1964 (Philadelphia) | MS-66 FS | $200 – $600 |
| 1964-D (Denver) | G-4 to VF-30 | Face value ($0.05) |
| 1964-D (Denver) | MS-63 to MS-64 | $1 – $5 |
| 1964-D (Denver) | MS-65 | $8 – $20 |
| 1964-D (Denver) | MS-65 FS | $75 – $200 |
| 1964-D (Denver) | MS-67 FS | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 1964 SMS (Special) | SP-63 to SP-65 | $8,000 – $32,000 |
| 1964 Proof | PR-65 | $4 – $8 |
| 1964 Proof | PR-67 to PR-68 | $25 – $100 |
1964 Nickel: Proof Coins
The U.S. Mint produced 3,950,762 proof 1964 Jefferson nickels for collector sets in 1964. These proof coins were struck on polished planchets with specially prepared dies to create mirror-like fields and frosted devices. They were packaged in individual cellophane sleeves as part of the 1964 Proof Set, which sold for $2.10 at the time of issue.
Today, 1964 proof nickels in PR-65 are worth $4 to $8 — not much more than the original issue price in nominal terms, though substantially more in real terms. The most valuable proof examples are those grading PR-68 or higher by PCGS or NGC, which can bring $50 to $200, and the elusive PR-68 with Cameo (CAM) or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation that enhances the contrast between the frosted portrait and mirror fields.
For a comprehensive guide to all Jefferson nickel values across every year, our complete most valuable Jefferson nickels guide covers the entire series with key date tables, Full Steps explanations, and error variety listings.
1964 SMS Nickel: The Special Mint Set Mystery
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Jefferson Nickel is one of the most controversial and valuable coins in the Jefferson nickel series. These coins were struck on specially prepared planchets with a highly polished finish that falls between a regular business strike and a proof coin. Their origin is debated — they appear to have been struck as prototypes for a Special Mint Set program that the U.S. Mint was planning for 1965 and beyond.
Only a handful of 1964 SMS nickels are confirmed, and their value is extraordinary. Examples have sold at auction for $8,000 to $32,900 depending on grade and eye appeal. The SMS coins are identifiable by their sharply struck, satiny surfaces with squared-off rim edges — characteristics that distinguish them from ordinary 1964 circulation strikes.
1964-D Jefferson Nickel: Denver Mint Production
The Denver Mint produced 1,787,297,160 Jefferson Nickels in 1964 — a mind-boggling number that makes common examples essentially worthless above face value. However, the same principles apply: high-grade Full Steps examples and any error coins found within this enormous mintage can be quite valuable.
The 1964-D nickel with Full Steps designation in MS-65 or higher typically sells for $150 to $500, depending on the specific grade and eye appeal. In MS-67 FS, examples can reach $2,000 to $5,000. These coins represent a significant value jump from the MS-65 grade because finding coins with six full steps on the Monticello reverse that also grade MS-67 is extremely challenging given the enormous production volume and typical handling quality of the era.
How to Check If Your 1964 Nickel Has Full Steps
Examining a 1964 Jefferson nickel for Full Steps requires a 5x or 10x loupe and decent lighting. On the reverse of the coin, look at Monticello — specifically the steps leading up to the building’s entrance. Jefferson nickels can show anywhere from three to six full, complete steps. The Full Steps designation requires five or six complete, uninterrupted steps with no breaks, nicks, or incomplete strikes.
The steps are located at the bottom of the Monticello building, just above the coin’s rim. Use the loupe to examine whether each step is fully struck with clear separation between each step. Even a single nick, planchet flaw, or weak strike area that crosses a step disqualifies the coin from Full Steps designation. This is why FS coins command such premiums — even in uncirculated rolls, most 1964 nickels show some weakness or bag marks on the steps.
Selling Your 1964 Nickel
For common-date 1964 nickels in circulated condition, there’s essentially no market above face value unless you have them in uncirculated rolls. For uncirculated examples with potential Full Steps, consider submitting to PCGS or NGC if you believe the coin grades MS-65 FS or better — the submission fee will more than pay for itself if the coin grades out.
For SMS specimens or error coins, always get them authenticated before selling. The 1964 SMS nickel in particular is controversial enough that buyers will insist on third-party certification. List authenticated examples through Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or Stack’s Bowers for maximum exposure to the collectors willing to pay premium prices.
For more on Jefferson nickel values across all dates, see our complete guide to the most valuable Jefferson nickels.
| Detail | 1964 (Philadelphia) | 1964-D (Denver) |
|---|---|---|
| Mintage | 1,024,672,000 | 1,787,297,160 |
| Composition | 75% copper / 25% nickel | 75% copper / 25% nickel |
| Designer | Felix Schlag | Felix Schlag |
| Face Value | 5 cents | 5 cents |
| Circulated Value | $0.05 – $0.10 | $0.05 – $0.10 |
| MS-65 Value | $15 – $40 | $15 – $35 |
| MS-65 Full Steps Value | $200 – $5,000+ | $100 – $2,000+ |
1964 Nickel Value: What’s Yours Worth?
The vast majority of 1964 nickels are worth face value (5 cents) in circulated condition. Even in average uncirculated grades (MS-60 to MS-63), they’re only worth $2–$10. The value jumps significantly in two scenarios:
- Full Steps (FS) designation: 1964 nickels with complete, unbroken Monticello steps command $200–$5,000+ in MS-65 FS. This is the same Full Steps premium that drives value across the entire Jefferson Nickel series.
- SMS (Special Mint Set) specimens: The legendary 1964 SMS nickels are believed to be experimental strikes with mirror-like fields and sharp devices. Only a handful are confirmed, and values reach $5,000–$10,000+ for authenticated examples.
- Error varieties: Doubled dies, off-center strikes, and struck-through errors from 1964 add significant value when properly authenticated.
Rare 1964 Nickel Errors Worth Money
| Error Type | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1964 SMS Nickel | Special satin finish, experimental strike — extremely rare | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
| Doubled Die Obverse | Doubling on “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST” | $50 – $500+ |
| Repunched Mint Mark | D over D — visible repunching on Denver issues | $20 – $200+ |
| Off-Center Strike | Design shifted, partial date visible | $30 – $300+ |
| Struck Through | Foreign material impression on coin surface | $20 – $150+ |
| Full Steps MS-67+ | Not an error but extreme condition rarity | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
For a complete guide to identifying these and other mint errors across all U.S. coin series, see our coin errors and misprints guide.
How to Check Your 1964 Nickels
- Count the Monticello steps. Use a 5x loupe. Five complete, unbroken horizontal steps = potential Full Steps designation worth a significant premium.
- Check for doubling. Examine “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the date under magnification for any doubling or shifted lettering.
- Look at the surface quality. SMS specimens have a distinctive satin or mirror finish that’s noticeably different from standard business strikes.
- Verify the mint mark. Look for D mint marks with repunching — the “D” will appear doubled or shifted.
Understanding coin grading fundamentals will help you accurately assess whether your 1964 nickel is worth submitting to PCGS or NGC for certification.
The Complete Jefferson Nickel Reference
The 1964 nickel is one date within the massive Jefferson Nickel series (1938–present). For complete coverage of every key date, error type, and valuation across the full series, get the Numismatics Handbook.
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