Price Guide for 1998 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: $75.00Uncirculated: $12.00 – $6,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $2.25 – $570.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $215.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $28.00 – $2,640.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.25 – $725.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $850.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 – $920.00
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eBayUncirculated: $1.99 – $595.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $2.00 – $725.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $57.00 – $252.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.75 – $298.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $1.00 – $80.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $3.00 – $690.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.91 – $63.08
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00Uncirculated: $3.00 – $30.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $60.00 – $600.00
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eBayUncirculated: $7.00 – $695.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $40.00 – $900.00
Design and Specifications of the 1998 Nickel
The 1998 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design introduced in 1938. This year marked the 60th anniversary of the Jefferson Nickel, which replaced the Buffalo Nickel. The coin features Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, on the obverse and his historic home, Monticello, on the reverse.
1998 was a year of economic prosperity in the United States, with low unemployment and a booming stock market. The nickel, as a circulating coin, played its part in this thriving economy.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D |
| Composition | 75% copper, 25% nickel |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Thomas Jefferson, 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 1998 Nickels. While circulated examples are generally worth face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are more desirable, with those grading MS67 or higher being quite scarce and valuable.
For proof coins, the difference between PR69 and PR70 can be significant in terms of value. Cameo and Deep Cameo proofs, which exhibit strong contrast between frosted devices and mirrored fields, are particularly prized by collectors.
Mintage: 1,323,672,000
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: 1,203,304,000
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: 3,370,152
Rarity Scale: Common for proof coins
Circulation Status: Not Intended for Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Common in grades up to PR69, scarce in PR70
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Low to Moderate, mainly for collectors of proof sets
Strike quality is an important factor for 1998 Nickels. Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello’s portico are more valuable, especially in higher grades. Luster also plays a role, with coins displaying bright, original mint luster being more desirable.
While not typically known for attractive toning, nicely toned examples can command a premium if the colors are appealing and natural. For proof coins, the absence of contact marks, hairlines, or spotting is crucial for achieving the highest grades and values.
