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Have a 1973 nickel? Discover its true value. Most people assume all nickels from the 1970s are worth only face value, but that’s not always true. Some examples, like Full Steps or errors, can cost a lot.
You will know how to check mint marks, grades, varieties and what is an online coin identifier tool, so you can tell if your coin is a common nickel or something bigger.
Quick Value Summary: 1973 Nickel Prices at a Glance
Circulated vs. Uncirculated: Understanding the Price Gap
Category | Jefferson Five Cents (1938–Date) |
Obverse Designer | Felix Schlag |
Reverse Designer | Felix Schlag |
Composition | Copper–Nickel |
Weight | 5 g |
Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Edge | Plain |
Circulated 1973 coins are usually worth 5 to 20 cents, depending on how used it looks. But uncirculated examples, like MS65 or higher, can cost $10-$325 for standard coins and up to $2,750 for Full Step.
“Jefferson Nickels date back to 1938 and were originally designed by Felix Schlag. From 1942 to 1945, "Wartime" nickels were composed of a silver alloy, as nickel was an important wartime material. A large mintmark was placed above Monticello on the reverse to indicate the change.”
— greatcollections.com
For 1973 Jefferson Nickel selling page
Mint Mark Impact: How Location Affects Value
Mint marks matter. Coins struck in Philadelphia (no mint mark) are the most common. Denver (D) issues are similar in price but slightly scarcer in top condition. San Francisco (S) proof coins, made for collectors, feature mirror-like fields and frosted details that push their value up to $4,250 in the finest grades.
Identifying Your 1973 Nickel: Mint Mark Guide
Different minmarks - different 1973 nickel value. Each mint created coins with distinct purposes and characteristics. Look for the mint mark on the obverse, just to the right of Jefferson’s braid.
Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) Characteristics
If your coin has no mint mark, it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced over 384 million nickels in 1973. These are the most common and usually worth face value.
Uncirculated examples can be worth $1-$14, Full Step versions can rise to $2,750 in MS67 condition.
Denver (D Mint Mark) Features
The 1973 D nickel value came from the Denver Mint, with a mintage of around 261 million. Circulated coins are easy to find, but high-grade uncirculated ones are less common.
Typical values range from $1-$12 in Mint State, with Full Step coins at MS67 reaching $2,500. Minor die cracks and off-center errors are known among these issues, and yes, they can boost prices.
San Francisco (S Proof) Specifications
The 1973-S nickel was struck only as a proof coin for collectors, with a mintage of 2.76 million. They have a sharp strike, a mirrored background, and a frosted portrait of Jefferson.
Standard proofs sell for $3–$15, flawless Deep Cameo PR70 coins are rare and worth up to $4,250. You’ll usually find these coins still sealed in their original Mint packaging or proof sets.
Detailed Value Breakdown by Condition
The value of your 1973 Jefferson nickel depends on its grade, the level of preservation, and the sharpness of detail. Even a small difference in quality can mean a big jump in price
Grade | Description | Typical Value |
Poor (P–G) | Heavy wear, Jefferson’s features barely visible. | Face value |
Fine (F–VF) | Some hair details are visible, and Monticello shows partial lines. | $0.10–$0.25 |
Extremely Fine (XF) | Light wear, sharper lettering, and windows visible. | $0.50–$1 |
About Uncirculated (AU) | Nearly no wear, full details with slight dulling on high points. | $1–$3 |
Mint State (MS60–MS64) | Uncirculated, minimal marks or luster breaks. | $5–$15 |
Gem Mint State (MS65–MS67) | Sharp strike, bright luster, no visible wear. | $50–$325+ |
Full Steps (MS67 FS) | All Monticello steps are fully separated. | $2,500–$2,750 |
Grading Guide: From Poor to Mint StateCurrent Market Prices for Each Grade
Variety | XF45 | MS60 | MS65 | MS67 |
1973 (No Mint Mark) | – | $1 | $14 | $325 |
1973-D | – | $1 | $12 | $200 |
1973-S Proof (Deep Cameo) | $3 | $5 | $15 | $4,250 |
Rare Varieties and Their Premium Values
Double Die Obverse: doubling on Jefferson’s face or lettering costs up to $400+
Off-Center Strike: depending on alignment, can be worth $50-$300
Clipped Planchet: curved or missing edge from metal trimming - $30–$100
Full Steps FS designation: highest premium, often 10× the regular value
Beyond Single Coins: Valuing Your Entire Collection
Why Professional Grading Matters
Professional grading from PCGS or NGC gives your coins legitimacy and accurate market pricing. Certified coins receive a grade (like MS65 or PR69) and a tamper-proof holder.
If you have Full Step nickels or any potential 1973 nickel error, you would definitely want to use their services. A certified MS67 Full Step coin, for instance, can increase from $20 raw to $2,500+ once graded and verified.
Grading also protects coins from environmental damage, which is good for resale.
Digital Tools for Accurate Collection Appraisal
Modern apps make managing your coins easier than ever. Using a digital catalog, you can:
Scan and identify coins instantly with image recognition
Track real-time market prices for each coin
Organize your entire collection by year, mint, and grade
Estimate total portfolio value based on current market trends
Apps like Coin ID Scanner simplify cataloging by automatically matching your coins to verified listings and auction records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much is a 1973 nickel worth?
Most 1973 nickels in circulation are worth 5 to 25 cents. Uncirculated examples range from $1 to $15. Full Step nickels in MS67 can reach $2,500-$2,750. Proofs from San Francisco may be worth up to $4,250 if graded PR70 Deep Cameo.
Which 1973 nickel is most valuable?
The 1973-S Deep Cameo Proof (PR70) and the 1973 nickel no mint mark Full Steps (MS67 FS) are the most valuable known examples. These top-condition coins are rare because of near-perfect strikes and preservation.
Where is the mint mark on a 1973 nickel?
Look on the obverse, just to the right of Jefferson’s ponytail. You’ll see a small 1973 nickel D (Denver), S (San Francisco), or no mark (Philadelphia).
Are 1973 nickels silver?
No. All 1973 nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, not silver. Their color comes from the nickel plating, which gives a silvery appearance. There is no precious metal content.
What makes a 1973 nickel rare?
Nickels with Full Steps, double dies, off-center strikes, or proof Deep Cameo finishes are considered rare. These features result from unusual minting conditions or exceptional quality.
How does condition affect 1973 nickel value?
A well-worn nickel might be worth 5¢, the same coin in pristine Mint State 67 FS can exceed $2,000. Always handle coins carefully and avoid cleaning, as that lowers their value.
What are the key errors to look for on 1973 nickels?
Watch for:
Doubled die obverse (letters or numbers look doubled)
Off-center strikes (design misaligned)
Clipped planchets (part of the edge missing)
Die cracks or cuds (raised metal lines or blobs)
Should I clean my 1973 nickel?
No. Cleaning coins almost always decreases their worth. Collectors prefer natural toning and original surfaces. If the coin is dirty, leave it as is or consult a professional conservator.
How many 1973 nickels were minted?
Philadelphia (no mint mark): 384,396,000
Denver (D): 261,405,000
San Francisco (S Proof): 2,760,000
Over 648 million total nickels were made in 1973, but only a small percentage remain in top condition today.
Conclusion
If you’ve been wondering whether your 1973 nickel is just pocket change or something special, now you know what to look for: the mint mark, condition, and rare traits like Full Steps or proof Deep Cameo.
Even though most 1973 nickels are worth only face value, high-grade or error varieties can cost a lot.
To keep track of your collection and check accurate 1973 nickel value updates in real time, use the Coin ID Scanner app. It helps you photograph, identify, and catalog your coins instantly.
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