Are you building a Jefferson nickels collection and wondering about the value of a 1951 nickel? You’ve come to the right place!
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this fascinating coin – from its history and stand-out features to expert grading tips. You’ll also learn about minting errors that can significantly boost its value.
With a relatively low mintage, the 1951 nickel has captured the interest of many collectors. The 1951-S nickel, in particular, is a great addition to any collection due to its scarcity compared to other issues.
So, just how much is a 1951 nickel worth? Read on to find out!
1951 Nickel Value Chart |
||||
| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1951 -No Mint Mark Nickel Value | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $150 |
| 1951-D Nickel Value | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $300 |
| 1951 -S Nickel Value | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.20 | $350 |
| 1951 – Proof Nickel Value | – | – | – | $700 |
History of the 1951 Nickel
The 1951 nickel is part of the Jefferson nickel series, which the United States Mint has produced since 1938. The design replaced the Buffalo nickel, which had faced a lot of public criticism and was also difficult to coin. After 25 years in circulation, the Mint could change the design without Congressional approval.
In early 1938, the Mint held a competition for the new nickel design. The requirement was to feature Thomas Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse and his Monticello home on the reverse. After four days of reviewing the entries, the judges selected Felix Schlag as the winner.
Schlag’s original design featured Monticello in a three-quarter view and the tree also was not impressive to the Mint officials who required changes to this design. Eventually, Schlag replaced the design so that the obverse featured a head-on profile of Jefferson and the reverse showed a plain view of the Monticello.
The Commission of Fine Arts also recommended changes to the lettering and after Schlag implemented the recommendations, the Commission and Henry Morgenthau, the Secretary of the Treasure, approved the final design.
Production of the new Jefferson nickel began in late 1938 and the first coins entered circulation by November of that year. Even though the Mint released millions of these coins in the first year, many were widely hoarded and Jefferson nickels did not become widely circulated until 1940.
In 1939, the Mint sharpened the steps on Monticello, which had appeared blurry on the initial coins. Ever since, sharp, visible steps have since been a mark of a high-quality strike. Nickels with five or six steps are highly sought-after though they remain genuinely scarce in most dates, including 1951.
The 1951 nickel is fairly common but had one of the lowest mintages of its time. This can be attributed to the lingering effects of the acute economic recession of the 1940s, which only loosened its grip 1950 and 1951. Due to the downturn, the Mints did not have enough resources to continue with the high mintages and the demand for new nickels was at an all time low.
That year, the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints all produced nickels in 1951. If you’re building a Jefferson nickel set, the 1951 nickel is an important piece. Its low mintage and historical significance make it an excellent addition to any collection.
Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
Features of the 1951 Nickel
Let’s now look at the physical attributes of the 1951 nickel. Understanding these key features will help you accurately grade your nickel and identify Jefferson nickels worth good money.
Obverse of the 1951 Nickel
The front side of the coin shows Jefferson’s left-facing profile. The motto, “IN GOD WE TRUST” is shown along the left edge while “LIBERTY” and the date, 1951, appear along the right edge.
Reverse of the 1951 Nickel
The full view of the Monticello is displayed on the reverse followed by the word “MONTICELLO” just below the stairs and the denomination “FIVE CENTS”, which is etched in a curve.
The Latin phrase, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is inscribed at the top while the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” appear at the bottom.
The mintmark appears on the furthest right end of the Monticello.
Other Features of the 1951 Nickel
Additional features of the 1951 nickel include:
- Diameter: 21.20 millimeters
- Weight: 5.00 grams
- Edge: Plain
- Metal Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickel Worth Money
1951 Nickel Grading
When grading a 1951 nickel, your primary goal is to check for signs of wear on the high contact points, the brilliance of the luster, and the sharpness of details. Examine Jefferson’s hair, cheek, and coat collar for evidence of wear and weak strike. On the revere, pay attention to the Monticello’s outline and fine details such as the window panes and pillars.
An uncirculated 1951 nickel is the most desirable. Such a coin will show no signs of wear and will retain its mint, original luster. All details are intact and display a sharp strike, especially on the high contact points.
| # | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
Please check our grading guides to know your coin scale, It’s the necessary step to know the exact value of your coin.
Check out now: How to Grade Jefferson Nickel?
1951 Nickel Value Guide
So, how much is a 1951 nickel worth? The value depends on factors such as the rarity, mintmark, mintage, and the coin’s condition.
There are four varieties of the 1951 nickel:
- 1951 No-Mint mark Nickel
- 1951-D Nickel
- 1951-S Nickel
- 1951 Proof Nickel
Let’s look at how much each is worth.
1951 No-Mint mark Nickel Value
The Philadelphia Mint produced 28,552,000 nickels in 1951, after production picked up from the very low mintage of 1950. Most pieces were widely saved, making Mint State examples plentiful and easily accessible. But these coins are far from being well-struck—many have a dull luster and soft strike, making them less desirable unless in Mint State. Nickels with five or six Full Steps are rare.
Here’s what to expect:
- Circulated Examples: These are plentiful and affordable across all grades. A piece graded Good (G) will sell for about $0.10 while an About Uncirculated (AU58) will sell for slightly more at about $0.20.
- Mint State Examples: Uncirculated pieces can be elusive especially in higher grades. Lower grade Mint State pieces are generally affordable for any collector. For example, at MS60 a piece will sell for up to $0.35 but the prices rise steadily by the grade with an MS64 fetching as much as $20. Rare gems graded MS65 to MS67 will bring in $30 and $150. Coins with 5 or 6 Full Steps will command premium prices—for example, an 5FS graded MS66 will sell for $2400 while an 6FS of the same grade will fetch up to $1300.
- Auction Record: In 2019, a collector on eBay paid a remarkable $840 for an MS67.
1951-D Nickel Value
Next up is the 1951-D nickel, minted at the Denver Mint with a mintage of 20,460,000. Many of these coins were released into circulation and are readily available today at affordable prices. The coins boast a generally impressive luster and strike quality, especially in Mint State. However, Mint State pieces are scarce and Full Step issues are genuinely rare for the 1951-D variety.
Here’s a breakdown of the values:
- Circulated Examples: These are very common and pocket-friendly at every grade. A Good (G) example will fetch as much as $0.10 and so will an Extremely Fine (XF) piece. Prices increase slightly in higher grades, with an About Uncirculated (AU58) selling for as much as $0.75.
- Mint State Examples: Higher grade uncirculated examples are scarce in the 1951-D edition but lower grade pieces are quite affordable if you are building your collection. For example, at MS60 a piece will sell for about $2 while an MS63 will fetch up to $7.50. Prices increase higher up the grade with an MS64 fetching up to $17.50 while an MS67 will command as much as $300.
- Auction Record: An eBay collector paid $897 in 2023 for a rare MS67, making this the most valuable 1951-D nickel to date.
1951-S Nickel Value
The San Francisco mint had the lowest mintage of nickels in 1951, producing only 7,776,000 pieces. Unsurprisingly, after discovering the modest mintage, collectors went on a hoarding spree, making Mint State examples quite common. However, the strike quality at this Mint was not impressive with most coins displaying a weak strike, even in Uncirculated state. All in all, 1951-S nickels with a sharp strike are extremely difficult to find.
Here’s a breakdown of the value of 1951-S nickels:
- Circulated Examples: These are common and affordable with most graded from Good (G) through to Extremely Fine (XF55) selling for $0.10 to $1. Prices of an About Uncirculated (AU) piece increases slightly to fetch about $1.25.
- Mint State Examples: Well-struck uncirculated pieces are quite elusive although lower grade examples are generally affordable. At MS60, pieces will fetch as much as $1.50 while an MS63 will sell for as much as $9. At MS64, a 1951-S piece will fetch as much as $17.50 but prices shoot up steadily with an MS66 commanding up to $350 a piece.
- Auction Record: In a record-breakings sale, in 2008 Bowers & Merena auctioned an MS67 for a whopping $1035.
1951 Proof Nickel Value
In addition to regular strike nickels, the Philadelphia Mint also produced 57,500 proof nickels. The 1951 proof nickels are slightly scarcer than previous editions and most are very well-stuck with brilliant field and frosting on the devices and inscriptions.
Proofs: Examples are generally affordable and gem pieces will command premiums. For example, a PF60 will sell for up to $20 while a PF64 will fetch as much as $55. At PF67, pieces will sell for as much as $120 and up to $700 for those graded PF69.
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money
Rare 1951 Nickel Errors List
There are some notable minting errors in the 1951 nickel series. These errors can significantly improve the value of your coin.
1. 1951 No-Mintmark Nickel Re-punched Mintmark Error
A re-punched mintmark error is one in which there’s an overlapping on the mintmark due to the mintmark being punched more than once into the die. This often happens when mint workers try to correct a wrongly positioned or incorrect mintmark and fail to completely eradicate the initial mintmark.
A re-punched mintmark error results in a primary mintmark and a secondary mintmark atop the primary one, causing a visible doubling. This error can fetch between $20 to $100 depending on the intensity of the doubled mintmark.
2. 1951-D Doubled Die Nickel Error
The doubled die error occurs when the die strikes the planchet at different angles multiple times. This results in a doubling on the design elements and inscriptions.
The more intense and visible the doubling, the more valuable the error tends to be. A doubled-die error can boost the value of your 1951 nickel by $20-$50, making it a worthwhile addition to your collection.
3. 1951-S Off-Center Strike Nickel Error
An off-center strike error occurs due to a misalignment between the die and planchet. This causes the die to strike the design elements away from the planchet’s center and more toward the edge—this can happen on one or both sides of the coin.
The value of an off-center strike error depends on the percentage of the off-set. A 20% off-center strike will generally be more valuable than a 5% off-center strike. This error will add $20-$100 to the regular value of a 1951 nickel.
Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money
Where to Sell Your 1951 Nickel?
Now that you know the value of your coins, do you know where to sell those coins online easily? Don’t worry, I’ve compiled a list of these sites, including their introduction, pros, and cons.
Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)
FAQS
Is there anything special about a 1951 nickel?
The 1951 nickel is not considered a key-date—examples are plentiful in circulated and uncirculated state. However, these coins were minted just about the time the economy was recovering from a deep recession, so they may hold some historical and sentimental significance, making for an interesting addition to any collection.
Is a 1951 nickel expensive?
The most expensive 1951 nickels are the rare 5 or 6 Full Steps issues. These coins typically have a superior strike with intense luster and sharp, appealing details. These coins often fetch hundreds and even thousands due to their extreme rarity.
Why are 1951 nickels rare?
The 1951 Jefferson nickel is not rare although the mintages across all three mints were relatively lower than in previous years. The lower production can be attributed to the economic recession in the late 1940s that only eased at the start of 1950-51. However, 1951 nickels are accessible and affordable across all grades, making them easy to collect.
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