Whether you are a seasoned collector or a new hobbyist, the 1950 Jefferson nickel will pique your interest. Produced at the end of the Second World War and in the middle of an economic downturn, this coin was hoarded widely. The Denver mintage was particularly low, making the 1950-D nickel highly sought-after. So, if you are building your Jefferson nickel set, this coin is a must-have.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 1950 nickel value, its unique history, and tips for grading your nickel. You will also discover minting errors that can add to the collectability of your 1950 nickel.
So, let’s get started and find out: how much is a 1950 nickel worth?
1950 Nickel Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated |
| 1950-No Mint Mark Nickel Value | $0.10 | $0.10 | $0.10 | $150 |
| 1950-D Nickel Value | $5.50 | $6.75 | $8 | $190 |
| 1950 Proof Nickel Value | – | – | – | $550 |
History of the 1950 Nickel
The 1950 nickel is part of the long-running Jefferson nickel series, minted since 1938, after replacing the Buffalo nickel. The Buffalo nickel was disliked and, throughout its lifetime, there were multiple calls to replace it. In 1938, 25 years after the Buffalo nickel was first struck, the United States Mint could replace the design without congressional approval.
In January 1938, the Mint organized a competition, inviting artists to submit designs for the new nickel with a $1,000 cash prize for the winner. The new design was to feature President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and a representation of his Monticello home, on the reverse. In the end, sculptor, Felix Schlag, won the competition.
Schlag’s design of the obverse was based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s bust sculpt of the president. His reverse design showed a three-side view of the Monticello, including what appeared to be a palm tree. The Mint requested that Schlag adjust this design to a plain view design before the new nickels could be minted. Eventually, the Commission of Fine Arts and Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau, approved Schlag’s final design.
The three mints: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco began producing the new coin in October 1938. The following year, the Mint sharpened the steps of the Monticello, which had initially been hazy. From then on, Jefferson nickels with all six or five steps showing clearly, also known as “full steps,” have been highly sought-after.
At the peak of the Second World War, Congress authorized the Mint to replace the nickel with a different alloy given that nickel metal was needed for the war efforts. Starting from 1942, Jefferson nickels were minted in 56% Copper, 35% Silver, and 9% Manganese. This was also the first time in U.S. coinage history that the “P” mintmark appeared on coins minted at the Philadelphia mint. The no-mintmark and small mintmark nickels were reintroduced in 1946.
In 1950, the demand for nickels was so low that the Denver Mint produced only 2,630,030 nickels. Collectors took a keen interest in the 1950-D nickels and hoarded them extensively, making these coins readily available today, even in Mint State grades. After a short hiatus, production of proof coins at the Philadelphia Mint resumed in 1950.
Due to its historical significance, the 1950 nickel is a worthy addition to your Jefferson collection.
Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money
Features of the 1950 Nickel
Understanding the key features of the 1950 nickel will help in grading, and estimating the value of your coin. You’ll also be in a position to identify Jefferson nickels worth money and worth adding to your collection.
Obverse of the 1950 Nickel
On the front side is Thomas Jefferson’s left-facing profile with the inscriptions, “IN GOD WE TRUST” arched along the left rim and “LIBERTY” and “1950” etched on the right, separated by a five-sided star.
Reverse of the 1950 Nickel
The reverse features Jefferson’s home, also known as the Monticello. The Latin phrase, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” is arched at the top along the inner rim.
At the base of the building is the name “MONTICELLO” followed by the coin’s denomination, “FIVE CENTS.” The inscription, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is etched in an arch at the bottom along the rim.
Other Features of the 1950 Nickel
Additional features of the 1905 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
1950 Nickel Grading
You don’t need to be an expert to know how to grade a Jefferson nickel. When grading a 1950 nickel, pay attention to the wear on high-contact points such as Jefferson’s portrait and the Monticello.
Here’s a quick guide for grading your 1950 Jefferson nickels:
Good (G4-G6)
A nickel with a Good (G) grade is heavily worn with most details flattened out and only partially visible. The outline on Jefferson’s portrait is visible but his eyes, ears and collar are virtually invisible although the words LIBERTY and IN GOD WE TRUST are slightly visible. On the reverse, the Monticello’s outline is lightly visible but the architectural details are completely missing. The inscriptions are weak but still readable.
Fine (F12-F15)
Your nickel qualifies as Fine (F) when it shows moderate wear. Most of the details, including Jeferson’s ear and hair are weak but more visible than in lower grades. The architectural features of the Monticello are more visible but the steps are still very hazy.
Extremely Fine (F40-F45)
At the Extremely Fine (XF) grade, your coin will show only slight wear with most details being fully visible. Jefferson’s hair strands are well-defined, and so are his jawline, cheek and coat collar. On the reverse, the dome line, columns and windows are a little more visible than in lower grades.
Uncirculated (MS60-MS70)
These coins are rare but identifiable by their crisp and sharp details, shiny reflective surfaces, and even frosted devices. Lower Mint State examples might show signs of contact marks but these don’t take away from the coin’s allure. On the reverse, the full steps might be visible, particularly in gem-quality examples. All the details on the Monticello are sharp and well-defined.
| # | 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?
1950 Nickel Value Guides
The value of a 1950 nickel depends on factors such as the mintage, rarity, and mint mark. There are three varieties of the 1950 nickel, each with its own value:
- 1950 No-Mint mark Nickel
- 1950-D Nickel
- 1950-Proof Nickel
Let’s learn more about how much each is worth.
1950 No-Mint mark Nickel Value
The Philadelphia Mint struck 9,796,000 nickels in 1950, one of the lowest Philadelphia mintages of the period. This can be attributed to the recession that suppressed the demand and production of Jefferson nickels. Collectors saved many of these coins, making Mint State examples plentiful though many have a generally weak strike.
Here’s a breakdown of the 1950 no-mintmark nickel value:
- Circulated examples: These are easily accessible and affordable, often being worth more or less their face value in lower grades. At grade Good (G) through to About Uncirculated (AU58) examples sell for $0.10-$0.20.
- Uncirculated examples: These are plentiful, especially in lower grades. At MS60 prices are as low as $0.35 but this rises steadily to $10 for an MS64. Gem-quality pieces are more lucrative and will sell for $75-$150 starting from grades MS66 to MS70.
- Auction record: The most expensive 1950 nickel to date was graded MS67 and was auctioned in 2020 on eBay for $900.
1950-D Nickel Value
Only 2,630,030 nickels were minted in 1950 at the Denver mint, making this the lowest mintage that year and among the lowest productions in the entire Jefferson nickel series. The steep depression suppressed production even further, leading to historically low mintages. Collectors hoarded the 1950-D nickel extensively, removing many pieces from circulation and making Mint State survivors surprisingly plentiful.
Here’s what to expect:
- Circulated examples: These are accessible to most collectors but are worth more than face value. Examples graded Good (G), are worth $5.50, Extremely Fine (XF) pieces can fetch up to $8 while About Uncirculated (AU58) can bring in as much as $11.
- Uncirculated examples: Lower grades are affordable, selling for $12-$15 from MS61 to MS63. Coins at MS64 command premium prices starting from $30 while an MS67 can fetch as much as $550.
- Auction record: The Heritage Auctions sold an MS64 for a record-shattering $2,184 in 2006.
1950-Proof Nickel Value
Production of proof coins at the Philadelphia mint resumed in 1950, with about 51,386 proof nickels minted that year. Due to the high demand, proof sets sold out fast and most sealed sets were opened as collectors sought for the elusive Deep Cameo examples. Brilliant proofs are plentiful but Cameo and Deep Cameo are genuinely rare.
So, how much are 1950 proof nickels?
- Lower grade examples: Between PF60-PF64, prices are relatively affordable, ranging from $25-$60.
- Upper grade examples: Examples graded PF65 to PF67 command premium prices ranging from $100-$550. The rare Deep Cameo will fetch up to $5,200 at PF67.
- Auction record: In 2021, a collector on eBay paid $1500 for a brilliant PF68 while a Deep Cameo example graded MS67 was sold for $7,475 in 2021 for Heritage Auctions.
Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money
Rare 1950 Nickel Errors List
When building your Jefferson nickels set, look out for minting errors that can be hundreds and even thousands more than the standard value.
Here are some of the most notable 1905 nickel error coins worth pursuing:
1. 1950 Nickel Broad Struck Error
A broad struck error happens when the planchet is struck outside the coining collar due to a misalignment. This results in one side of the coin expanding out more than usual and the design details on that side completely or partially missing.
Depending on how dramatic the error is, a broad struck can add $20-$100 to your coin’s value
2. 1950 Nickel Clipped Planchet Errors
A clipped planchet error occurs when a planchet is cut out wrongly from the metal plate. This results in part of the planchet missing and appearing like a crescent shape. That said, aside from the curved shape, a clipped planchet error can be straight or jagged.
Generally, the more visible the clipped planchet, the more valuable the coin tends to be. A clipped planchet error is worth $30-$150 more than the standard value of your nickel.
3. 1950 Nickel Die Crack Error
A die crack results from a crack on the die’s surface and metal flowing to fill in the crack. As the die continues striking, it leaves an impression of the raised, filled-in crack on the coin’s surface.
The value of a die crack error depends on the size and eye appeal—larger, eye-catching die cracks will generally be more valuable. Expect your dime’s value to increase by $10-$50.
4. 1950 Nickel Re-punched Date Error
A re-punched date error occurs when the date on the die is punched more than once. When the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles, it creates a doubling or overlapping effect on the date.
Strong and visible doubling of the re-punched date is usually more desirable, adding $10-$100 to the coin’s standard price.
Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money
Where to Sell Your 1950 Jefferson 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 the 1950 nickel rare?
The 1950 no-mintmark variety is scarce but the 1950-D is notably rare. Due to the historically low mintage, the 1950-D nickels will often fetch premium prices in Mint State grades.
How much is a 1950 nickel worth?
The 1950 nickel is worth between $20 and $1000, with the most expensive one to date being a 1950-D, auctioned for $2184 by Heritage Auctions.
Where is the mintmark on the 1950 nickel?
The mintmark is on the reverse, on the furthest right side of the Monticello. Only the 1950-D nickel has a mintmark “D” while nickels minted in Philadelphia do not have a mintmark, whether a regular issue or a proof.
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