The 1960s was an exciting decade for coin collectors, especially those interested in the Jefferson nickels. While most nickels from that time are common, some have unique errors that make them rare and valuable. These errors range from planchet mistakes to off-center strikes, and coins in excellent condition have sold for thousands of dollars at auctions. Let’s explore five notable 1960s nickels with errors that are worth a lot of money.
5 Valuable 1960s Nickels with Errors
1. 1960 (P) Jefferson Nickel Struck on a Cent Planchet
One of the most interesting error coins from the 1960s is the 1960 Jefferson nickel struck on a one-cent planchet. This error caused the coin to have a coppery color instead of the usual nickel appearance. The rarity and unique look make it a favorite among collectors. One of these error nickels, in MS64 condition, was sold for nearly $3,000 at auction.
2. 1960-D Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps
Though not technically an error, the 1960-D nickel with full steps is extremely rare and highly valued. “Full steps” refers to the steps on the Monticello building being fully detailed, with no flattening. Quality control issues at the Denver Mint in 1960 meant very few nickels achieved this. Coins with full steps in top condition (MS67) have sold for over $4,150.
3. 1960 No Mint Mark Nickel (Doubled Die)
Doubled die errors occur when the die used to strike the coin shifts slightly, causing some parts of the design or inscriptions to appear doubled. The 1960 no mint mark nickel with this error is highly desirable. Collectors especially seek mint-condition examples, which have sold for as much as $3,150, depending on how visible the doubling is and if the coin also has full steps.
4. 1964-D Jefferson Nickel with D Over Horizontal D
This 1964-D nickel is famous for having a repunched mint mark error. The “D” mint mark was initially stamped horizontally before being corrected, resulting in a clear and easy-to-spot error. Coins graded MS66 with this repunched mint mark have sold for up to $15,275, particularly if the coin also has full steps, making it one of the most valuable nickels from this era.
5. 1964 Jefferson Nickel (Off-Center Strike)
An off-center strike happens when the coin is not perfectly aligned with the die during the minting process. The degree to which the strike is off-center can greatly affect the coin’s value. Some off-center strikes from 1964 have sold for over $1,000, particularly when more than 10% of the coin’s design is missing and the coin is in mint condition.
Error Nickels Worth Thousands
| Year | Error Type | Condition | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1960 (P) | Struck on a 1-Cent Planchet | MS64 | $3,000 |
| 1960-D | Full Steps | MS67 | $4,150 |
| 1960 (P) | Doubled Die | MS65+ | $3,150 |
| 1964-D | D Over Horizontal D | MS66 | $15,275 |
| 1964 (P) | Off-Center Strike | MS65 | $1,000 |
Conclusion
Error nickels from the 1960s can be incredibly valuable, depending on the type of error and the coin’s condition. Whether you come across these coins through a collection or by chance, it’s important to have them graded by professionals to unlock their full potential value. From planchet errors to mint mark mistakes, these fascinating coins are highly prized by collectors and could be worth a lot of money.
FAQ’s
What makes 1960s Jefferson nickels valuable?
1960s Jefferson nickels are valuable due to rare minting errors such as off-center strikes, planchet mistakes, and repunched mint marks. When these coins are found in high-grade condition, they can be worth thousands of dollars to collectors.
What is a full-step nickel?
A full-step nickel refers to a Jefferson nickel where the steps on the Monticello building (on the reverse of the coin) are struck crisply and without any flattening. This detail makes the coin rare and more valuable, especially in high grades.
What is an off-center strike?
An off-center strike occurs when a coin is not properly aligned with the die during minting, resulting in part of the design being missing. The more off-center the strike, the higher the potential value of the coin, particularly if the coin is in mint state condition.
What is a doubled die error?
A doubled die error happens when the die used to strike a coin shifts slightly between strikes, causing certain design elements or inscriptions to appear doubled. These errors are popular among collectors, and coins with clear doubled dies can be worth significant amounts.
How can I tell if my 1960s nickel is an error coin?
Look for unique characteristics such as off-center strikes, unusual mint marks, or doubled elements in the design. If you believe your coin has an error, it’s best to have it professionally graded to determine its authenticity and value.
