Contents:
Some coins are worth a lot due to the fact that they are issued in huge quantities, while others are only less than 100 and they cost a lot of money. Therefore, it is not always enough to understand how to identify the coins, it is necessary to distinguish between errors and at least a minimal history of the production era.
Understanding the 1955 Jefferson Nickel
Why 1955 Is Abundant But Interesting
The total number of coins issued was about 82.3 million, which at first glance seems like a big number, but if you look at the 1960s, when more than 1 billion coins were issued, then 1955 will seem very small to you.
A special feature of the 1955 nickel coins produced in Philadelphia was that their number for regular use was quite low — only 7,888,000 pieces, one of the lowest rates since the 1950s.
No 1955 Nickel Silver Content
Many novice collectors are often confused about which metal is used in nickels, because they know about the "wartime nickels" of 1942-1945 containing 35% silver.
1955 Nickel Composition: 75% copper and 25% nickel
Weight: 5.00 grams
Diameter: 21.2 mm
Due to the lack of silver, these nickels do not have a gray-green color, but usually have a dull gray color.
How Much Is a 1955 Nickel Worth?
Common Circulated Coins
Most of the 1955 nickel coins you find are classified as Used or in Low Mint State condition.
Condition: Obvious signs of use, such as scratches on Jefferson's hair, the lack of clear lines around the Monticello building.
Value: In such circumstances, coins usually cost only 5 cents at face value, and their price rarely exceeds $0.10–$0.50.
Uncirculated with Full Steps
Condition: From MS63 to MS67 and must have a complete set of clearly minted parts on the reverse side (FS).
Value:
Unused coins without FS (MS65) can cost from $20 to $35.
Unused coins with FS (MS65 FS) can cost $600 or more.
Philadelphia, Denver, and… San Francisco
1955 Nickel No Mint Mark Philadelphia
Mint: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Mintage: 7,888,000.
Grade | Approximate 1955 Nickel Value No Mint Mark (USD) |
G-VF | $0.10 – $0.50 |
AU-58 | $3 – $5 |
MS-63 | $10 – $20 |
MS-65 | $30 – $45 |
MS-65 FS | $600 – $1,000+ |
MS-66 FS | $5,000 – $12,000+ |
The 1955 P Nickel value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual coins.
1955-D Jefferson Nickel Denver
Mint: Denver, Colorado.
Mintage: 74,464,100.
Grade | Approximate 1955 D Nickel Value (USD) |
G-VF | $0.10 – $0.50 |
MS-65 | $20 – $35 |
VF-20 | $30 – $50 |
AU-58 | $75 – $150 |
MS-65 | $200 – $400 |
The 1955-D Nickel value can change based on market demand, condition, grading, and the specific characteristics of individual coins.
1955-S Jefferson Nickel San Francisco
The San Francisco Mint did not make nickels for normal use in 1955, because the Mint was closed for making nickels for a short time.
“Also, things were complicated in 1955. The first big news of the year was that San Francisco was producing its last coins. At least, everyone thought it would be the last year of coin production.
Although things did not turn out that way, no coins would be produced at San Francisco for over a decade; but for all anyone knew in 1955, that was the final production, which turned out to be just a cent and a dime.”
— Numismatic News Staff
Numismatic News
The Full Steps Premium
What Are Full Steps and Why They Matter
This is a rule for grading based on the fact that the reverse side of the coin shows the best details, in particular, in the image of Monticello, the Thomas Jefferson house.
All five horizontal lines in the middle part of the building are clearly visible.
There are no joints between these lines along their entire length.
There is no damage or wear on the steps.
Why is it important? The problem was that the Monticello design was very difficult to create perfectly, and a very strong press was required for full minting, but in the mid-1950s, US mints often had problems with press settings and the quality of metal dies.
Because of this, most 1955 nickels were poorly minted, and the steps were either joined together or missing altogether.
What Is a 1955 Nickel Worth? FS Examples
1955 (P) MS65 Without FS: ~$20–$35
1955 (P) MS65 FS: ~$600
1955 (P) MS66 FS: ~$5,000, and the highest record was $12,650
1955 Nickel Error List
1955 Double Die Nickel
It occurs when the process of applying an image to a metal stamp occurs with a slight shift.
Value: The cost can range from $25 to $150 in perfect condition.
Other Notable Errors and Their Values
1955 D Over S Nickel
The Denver Mint mistakenly used metal stamps made for the San Francisco Mint, which was not supposed to be minted that year.
Value of a 1955 Nickel: From $25 to $100, but unused copies (MS65) with the D/S OMM 1955 D nickel error can sell for more than $1,000, depending on how clearly the error is visible and the quality of the coin.
Other Mistakes:
Die Breaks: Deep fractures and seams, and these errors have a moderate cost of $1 to $25.
From Common to Rare
Check Mint Mark and Condition
Find the Mint Mark: The mark is on the right side of Monticello on the back of the coin.
No Mark: Philadelphia
"D": Denver
Check the Condition:
If the coin looks worn (G–VF), then its value corresponds to the face value.
If the coin looks new(MS), then read further.
More Detailed Checking
If you see all five clear, perfect horizontal lines, then you have a potential FS example.
If the steps are joined together or loosely pressed, the coin has a normal quality for this year, and its price is in the MS65 state of $20–$35.
You Can Do Everything with Your Phone
Coin ID Scanner
You can quickly scan your token through the Coin ID Scanner, and the app will immediately provide all possible information.
If you have a coin with an error, the application will show possible variations of defects and you can compare them.
As a bonus, you will receive the approximate value of the coin, based on its condition.
After you have sorted out the database information, and you want to know the exact cost and understanding of how to work with it in the future, professional PCGS and NGC inspection companies can provide a final and confirmed estimate and value.
And you will store the coin in a special case so as not to get new scratches, thereby preserving the value of 1955 nickel.
Conclusion
Thus, you need to be prepared for everything and know all the details in order to be sure when buying and selling, it is better to spend a lot of time studying a series of coins now than regret later that you bought a token expensive and sold it cheap.
FAQ
Is a 1955 nickel worth anything?
Yes, but you can get great benefits from the perfect coins, without obvious scratches.
How much is a 1955 nickel with no mint mark worth?
A 1955 nickel with no mark price is about $20–$35, if the coin has all the steps its cost can go up to $600 and more.
What makes a 1955 nickel valuable?
The coin must have five clear, undamaged steps on Monticello, not have signs of wear.
Is a 1955 nickel silver?
No, it contains 75% copper and 25% nickel
How can I tell if my 1955 nickel has Full Steps?
You need to see all five horizontal lines under the entrance, and they must not join together.
Are there any rare 1955 nickel errors?
Yes, the most famous mistake is the 1955 Nickel D/S Overmintmark, where the "D" mint mark was hit over the "S" mark.
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