Are 1964 Nickels Worth Anything? Their Value and Rarity

If you have ever wondered whether 1964 nickels are worth anything, you are not alone. For decades, the Jefferson coin minted in 1964 has stirred curiosity among collectors and the public alike. There are still the rumors about 1964 nickels silver, their historical significance, or questions like “What 1964 nickels are worth money?” 

Let us reveal everything—history, design, composition, free coin identification, and value of 1964 nickels—and find out why some can fetch surprising sums in today’s market.

Quick Reference Table

Before we unravel the history and grading criteria, here is a comprehensive table with essential details about these coins:

Disclaimer: The value depends heavily on the grade, rarity, and errors. Always consult a professional or use tools like the Coin ID Scanner app to assess value accurately.

Historical Part

The 1964 Jefferson coin is a product of a great era in U.S. history. This coin marked the end of an important chapter for the U.S. Mint while simultaneously heralding changes in production and design philosophy.

By the early 1960s, America was experiencing a coin shortage. Booming economies, rising populations, and increased vending machine usage created unprecedented demand for small change. To combat this shortage, the U.S. Mint ramped up nickel production to high levels in 1964, years after the 1940 nickels. Over two billion nickels were struck between the Philadelphia and Denver mints. So, it is one of the highest-mintage years for any U.S. coin.

Jefferson coins were minted at two U.S. mints: Philadelphia and Denver. Below are the details:

Philadelphia Mint

• Mintmark: None (no mintmark indicates Philadelphia).

• Number of Coins Minted: 1,028,622,762

Philadelphia's production was substantial and accounts for nearly half of the total minted that year.

Denver Mint

• Mintmark: "D" (located to the right of Monticello on the reverse).

• Number of Coins Minted: 1,787,297,160

The Denver Mint produced a larger number of coins than Philadelphia.

Combined, the two mints produced an astounding 2,815,919,922 nickels. This was one of the highest mintages for Jefferson coins at the time, driven by the Treasury's decision to continue minting 1964-dated nickels into 1965.

The Shift Away from Silver

The 1964 nickel is often confused with the so-called "war nickels" minted between 1942 and 1945, which contained 35% silver. So when people ask, "are 1964 nickels made of silver?" or "do 1964 nickels have silver in them?", the answer is clear: No, they do not. 

What are 1964 nickels made of then? These coins retained the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy that had been in use since 1946. The confusion likely stems from the significant changes in U.S. coinage during this period, such as the removal of silver from dimes and quarters in 1965.

Despite their immense mintage, they remain popular with collectors due to their transitional nature. The year 1964 was the last to feature a specific date for several years; to meet demand, the Mint froze the date "1964" on obverse until mid-1966. This overproduction has created a mystique around these coins, which is likable by many numismatists.

Design as a Timeless Simplicity

Obverse (Front)

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Schlag’s design captures Jefferson’s thoughtful demeanor. Above Jefferson’s portrait is the inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST," while "LIBERTY" and the year "1964" frame the coin.

Reverse (Back)

The reverse side shows Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate. The architectural details of Monticello are carefully rendered, with the name "MONTICELLO" prominently displayed beneath. Surrounding the design are the inscriptions "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and "FIVE CENTS."

What makes 1964 nickels special? Collectors prize the coin for its historical significance and its design variations. For example, coins with "Full Steps" on Monticello indicate a sharply struck specimen, and are considered rare and valuable.

What Are 1964 Nickels Worth? Value and Grading

The overall price depends on its condition, mint mark, and any unique errors. So, which 1964 nickels are worth money then?

Circulated Coins

Most examples found in circulation are worth their face value of five cents. However, even in circulated condition, certain varieties or error coins can fetch a premium.

Uncirculated Coins

Uncirculated rare 1964 nickels, especially those with sharp details and minimal wear, can be worth $2 to $25. High-grade examples (Mint State 65 or higher) command even higher premiums.

Full Steps Varieties

Coins with the Full Steps designation—denoting fully visible steps on Monticello—are highly sought after. These valuable nickels 1964 can sell for $500 to $10,000+ at auction. The total price depends on their grade.

Related article: 1974 Quarter Value.

Errors and Varieties

Error coins are the most expensive examples. They include:

• Double Die Obverse or Reverse: Caused by misaligned dies.

• Off-Center Strikes: Coins struck outside the center.

• 1964 D Nickels Worth Money: Denver-minted coins with unique minting flaws.

How to Evaluate and Grade 1964 Nickels

Grading a coin involves assessing its condition, rarity, and strike quality. Beginners and experienced collectors alike can benefit from technology like the Coin ID Scanner app, which simplifies grading by identifying key features and potential errors.

You may also try to follow our further tips for grading:

• Wear and Tear: Look for signs of wear, especially on Jefferson’s cheek and hair.

• Mint Luster: Uncirculated coins retain a glossy finish.

• Full Steps: Examine Monticello’s steps under magnification.

So, are 1964 nickels worth money? To summarize, while not every coin of this type will make you rich, certain specimens are indeed nickels worth money 1964. It may be a rare error coin, a Full Steps variety or a high-grade uncirculated piece, anyway these coins can fetch substantial sums in the right market. 

FAQs

Are 1964 nickels silver?

What were nickels made of in 1964? 75% copper and 25% nickel. This alloy composition has been standard since 1866, with the exception of the wartime nickels from 1942–1945, which included 35% silver due to metal shortages during World War II. Although the 1964 nickel was minted in significant quantities, its copper-nickel blend ensured durability and widespread circulation for decades. Are nickels from 1964 silver? No, there are no silver nickels 1964. 

How much are 1964 nickels worth?

In circulated condition, most of them are worth only their face value of five cents because they were produced in extremely high numbers—over 2.8 billion were minted between the Philadelphia and Denver Mints. However, uncirculated examples can be worth $0.25 to $10, depending on their condition. Coins graded MS65 or higher, especially those certified by professional grading services like PCGS or NGC, can fetch even higher prices. The highest 1964 nickels value is connected with the "full steps" designation on Monticello, as they indicate an exceptionally well-struck coin.

What are "full steps", and why are these 1964 nickels worth money?

The term "full steps" refers to the distinct and uninterrupted horizontal lines on the steps of Monticello, the building depicted on the reverse side. Coins with full steps are rare because they require a strong strike from the minting dies, which is uncommon due to the high production volume and often-worn dies used during minting. Collectors prize full-step nickels for their sharpness and clarity, and they command a premium in the market. A 1964 nickel with full steps can be worth several hundred dollars.

How can I identify a 1964-D nickel?

It was minted at the Denver Mint and bears a small "D" mintmark, which can be found to the right of Monticello on the reverse side of the coin. The mintmark placement remained consistent until 1968, after which it was moved to the obverse (front) of the coin. To identify a 1964-D piece, examine the reverse side carefully, especially if the coin is worn, as the mintmark can sometimes be faint. Coins without a mintmark were produced at the Philadelphia Mint. Both mints produced a substantial number of nickels in 1964 to meet high demand, with Denver accounting for over 1.7 billion coins, but you will find more 1964 D nickels worth money.

Sources:

1. https://www.coleccionistasdemonedas.com/en/1964-nickels-value/ 

2. https://www.coinstudy.com/1964-nickel-value