Price Guide for 1956 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $19.00 – $144.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $381.88
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eBayCirculated: $1.25 – $27.00Uncirculated: $2.21 – $623.90
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $350.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $250.00Uncirculated: $11.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.75 – $7,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $4,250.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $94.00 – $7,200.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.52 – $1,828.30
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $6,500.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $27.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $535.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.25 – $9.63Uncirculated: $1.25 – $4,000.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 – $4,000.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 – $518.00
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eBayCirculated: $31.25 – $146.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $599.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $6.00 – $150.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $67.00 – $1,320.00
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eBayUncirculated: $223.00 – $250.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $700.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $376.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $24.00 – $550.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $83.00 – $288.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.99 – $1,662.49
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $5.00 – $16.00Uncirculated: $18.00 – $375.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $16.00 – $1,528.00
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eBayUncirculated: $5.50 – $500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 – $825.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $504.00 – $19,387.50
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eBayUncirculated: $1,500.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $50.00 – $19,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $51.00 – $325.48
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eBayUncirculated: $9.99 – $425.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42.00 – $425.00
Design and Specifications of the 1956 Nickel
The 1956 Jefferson Nickel continued the design that had been in use since 1938. This year marked the 150th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth, adding significance to the coin. The Jefferson Nickel series was well-established by this time, representing a stable and familiar design in American coinage.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (no mint mark), D, S |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
Condition plays a crucial role in determining the value of 1956 Jefferson Nickels. Circulation strikes in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable, with premiums for coins grading MS65 and higher. For proof coins, the highest grades (PR67+) command significant premiums.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster adds value, especially for uncirculated coins.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello are highly desirable.
3. Surface preservation: Absence of contact marks, scratches, or other imperfections increases value.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value, particularly for proof coins.
Mintage: 35,216,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Mintage: 67,222,940
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, mainly for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 669,384
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades PR67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High for well-preserved specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1956 Jefferson Nickels:
1. Full Steps: Coins with clearly defined steps on Monticello (usually 5 or 6 full steps) are highly prized and can command significant premiums.
2. Die State: Late die state coins with interesting characteristics may appeal to specialized collectors.
3. Proof Quality: For proof coins, deep cameo contrast between fields and devices can greatly increase value.
4. Historical Significance: The 150th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth in 1956 may add interest for some collectors.
5. Set Building: Demand from collectors assembling date and mint mark sets can influence prices for high-grade examples.
