How Much Is a 1951 Nickel worth? (+Value Chart)

Last Updated on August 29, 2022

The 1950 nickel is a Jefferson nickel, which is available in three varieties.

That is because the nickel was minted in three locations, along with proof coins.

The proof coins have the most value and are the most sought-after. 

If you want to know more about the worth of the 1951 nickel, you must keep reading. 

1951 Jefferson Nickel 5 Cent Piece AG About Good 5c US Coin Collectible

How Much Is 1951 Nickel Worth?

The worth of the 1951 nickel depends on the condition and type of coin. For example, the 1951 nickel without a mintmark will have a value of 15 to 50 cents in a circulated condition.

However, an uncirculated nickel with MS60 grade will have a value of $3.30. The nickel in an uncirculated and MS65 condition will have a value close to $20.

The proof coin in PR65 condition without a mintmark will be worth close to $70. On the other hand, the 1951 nickel with a D mintmark will be worth between 20 to 50 cents in circulated conditions. 

The coin will be worth $4.52 in MS60 conditions. However, it will be worth around $13 in MS65 conditions.

Finally, the 1951 nickel with an S mintmark will be worth around 10 to 30 cents in circulated conditions. In MS60 grade, the coin will be worth $1.71. However, in MS65 conditions, the coin will be worth at least $13. 

Type of 1951 Nickel Grade/Condition Estimated Value
Without a mintmark Circulated 15 to 50 cents
  MS60 $3.30
  MS65 $20
With a D mintmark Circulated 20 to 50 cents
  MS60 $4.52
  MS65 $13
With an S mintmark Circulated 10 to 30 cents
  MS60 $1.71
  MS65 $13
Proof coin with no mintmark PR65 $70

 

Looking for the value of other coins from 1951? Read more of our guides:

What Are The Features Of The 1951 Nickel?

1951 Jefferson Nickel 5 Cent Piece AG About Good 5c US Coin Collectible

Felix Schlag designed the 1951 nickel. The obverse side of the coin features a portrait of the founding father Jefferson with the words “Liberty” and the date on the left side of his portrait.

On the right side, you will find the phrase “In God We Trust.” On the reverse side of the coin, you will find a depiction of Jefferson’s house Monticello with the name underneath the depiction.

Beneath the name, you will find an inscription of “Five Cents” and “United States of America.” Finally, on the top of the coin, you will find the inscription of the phrase “E Pluribus Unum.”

What Are Grades You Will Find In The 1951 Nickel?

There are different grades you will find in the 1951 nickel. While there are circulated coins, they are not easy to get ahold of.

However, you will commonly find nickels in this variety with the grade MS60 and MS65. They have a worth higher than their face value, but they are still not enough to make you a fortune.

The proof coins of this nickel have the highest value, but they are still less than $100. If you find the proof coin in PR65 conditions, they will add a decent value to your collection. 

What Is The Mintage Of The 1951 Nickel?

The 1951 nickel was struck in three locations. The Philadelphia Mint, Denver Mint, and San Francisco Mint.

The Philadelphia Mint struck 28,609,500 of these coins in this variety. The Denver Mint struck 20,460,000 of these coins.

Finally, the San Francisco mint struck 7,776,000 of these nickels. 57,5000 of the proof nickels were minted in this variety without a mintmark. The proof coins were struck using polished planchets.

Besides that, the dies were specially prepared for these coins. That is why they have a higher value than the other varieties, and most of these coins are with collectors. 

Does A 1951 Nickel Have Silver In It?

1951 Jefferson Nickel 5 Cent Piece AG About Good 5c US Coin Collectible

 

Silver coins have a higher face and melt value, but the 1951 coins were not struck using silver. They are a pre-war composition, and they are made using 75% copper and 25% nickel.

That is why you will not get a high value for this coin if you melt it for its melt value. On the other hand, it is better to get a standard nickel and sell it without melting as they have a higher worth than the face value.

If you are going to get this nickel, you must strive to add the proof coin to your collection. 

Jackie Palmer is a Houston-based coin journalist and fashion enthusiast. She joined Jewels Advisor’s content team after years of experience as a content strategist, managing blogs and social channels for local stores. Jackie mostly collects and studies US coins produced during the 20th century and over the years, published hundreds of articles for multiple coin publications.