Price Guide for 1966 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 PriceUncirculated: $1,260.00 – $11,750.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1,000.00 – $40,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $75.00 – $552.00Uncirculated: $9.00 – $1,150.00
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eBayCirculated: $3.25Uncirculated: $0.99 – $875.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $2,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $374.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $712.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $12.00 – $140.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $1,645.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $3,738.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.50 – $1,598.30
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $17.00 – $1,050.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $132.00 – $9,718.00
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eBayUncirculated: $192.00 – $1,400.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $30.00 – $6,500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1966 Nickel
The 1966 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938. This year is notable for the absence of mint marks on all nickels, regardless of mint location, as part of the U.S. Mint’s efforts to discourage coin collecting and alleviate coin shortages. This policy continued until 1968.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | None (Philadelphia) |
| 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 the value of 1966 Nickels. While common in circulated grades, examples in Mint State (MS) condition, particularly MS66 and above, can command significant premiums. Collectors seek coins with sharp strikes, full luster, and minimal contact marks.
The absence of mint marks in 1966 means that high-grade examples from all mints are equally desirable, as they cannot be distinguished by mint of origin.
Mintage: 156,208,283
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS65, scarcer in higher grades
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, primarily for high-grade examples
Full Steps examples, where the steps of Monticello on the reverse are fully visible and separated, are highly prized by collectors and can significantly increase the coin’s value.
Toning can also impact desirability, with attractively toned specimens often commanding premiums. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can severely decrease value.
While not particularly rare, 1966 Nickels in pristine condition are becoming increasingly scarce as the coins age, potentially leading to increased collector interest in the future.
