Price Guide for 1969 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: $6.00 – $345.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $379.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $3,850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,725.00
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eBayCirculated: $23.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $350.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00Uncirculated: $1.00 – $10.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $546.00
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eBayCirculated: $2.25 – $8.95Uncirculated: $2.00 – $104.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $120.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $30,550.00 – $33,600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $10.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $37,000.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.99
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $9.00 – $1,265.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.01 – $241.50
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $40.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $1,116.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.77 – $356.01
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $300.00
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eBayUncirculated: $237.50 – $600.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $42.00 – $500.00
Design and Specifications of the 1969 Nickel
The 1969 Jefferson Nickel continues the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year is significant as it marks the last year of the 1960s, a decade of significant social and cultural change in the United States.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco) |
| 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
The condition of 1969 Nickels significantly impacts their value, especially for circulation strikes. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 and above) are more valuable than circulated examples. The presence of full steps on Monticello (visible separation between the steps) can greatly increase the value, particularly in high grades.
For proof coins, cameo and deep cameo contrasts between the frosted devices and mirrored fields can command premiums, especially in grades PR67 and above.
Mintage: 202,807,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 202,330,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to MS66, scarce in MS67 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low, primarily of interest to date and mint mark collectors
Mintage: 2,934,631
Rarity Scale: Common for proofs
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR68, scarce in PR69 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, appealing to proof set collectors
Luster quality is crucial for uncirculated coins, with bright, satiny luster being most desirable. Strike quality is particularly important for 1969 Nickels, as many were struck with weak details, especially on Monticello’s steps.
Toning can add value if it’s attractive and natural, particularly on proof coins. However, any signs of cleaning or environmental damage can significantly reduce value. While not particularly rare, high-grade examples (MS67+ for circulation strikes and PR70 for proofs) can command significant premiums due to their scarcity in top conditions.
