Price Guide for 1949 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1949 Nickel 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.
1949-D/S Nickel (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $35.00 - $132.00Uncirculated: $164.50 - $2,585.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $193.41 - $2,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $32.00 - $140.00Uncirculated: $150.00 - $4,000.00
1949-D Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $14.00 - $8,625.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $3.50 - $1,300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 - $7,000.00
1949-S Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $19.00 - $15,275.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $10.50 - $1,348.90
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $20.00 - $10,500.00
1949-S Nickel (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 - $690.00
-
eBayCirculated: $11.61Uncirculated: $0.99 - $1,557.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 - $2.00Uncirculated: $4.00 - $675.00
1949 Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $250.00 - $6,600.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $37.01 - $7,695.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 - $30,000.00
1949 Nickel (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 - $3,642.50
-
eBayCirculated: $9.00 - $43.50Uncirculated: $2.25 - $1,200.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 - $4.00Uncirculated: $5.00 - $1,400.00
1949-D/S Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $646.25 - $32,900.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $75.00 - $1,226.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $160.00 - $23,500.00
1949-D/S Nickel Overmintmark FS-501 (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $258.50 - $3,840.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $291.00 - $325.69
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $28.00 - $145.00Uncirculated: $165.00 - $2,350.00
1949-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $7.00 - $1,323.00
-
eBayCirculated: $1.00 - $8.50Uncirculated: $1.53 - $1,099.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 - $2.00Uncirculated: $5.00 - $750.00
Design and Specifications of the 1949 Nickel
The 1949 Jefferson Nickel continued the design introduced in 1938, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This year marked the 11th year of Jefferson Nickel production, with coins minted at three locations: Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.
The year 1949 was significant as it marked the beginning of the Cold War era, with the formation of NATO and the first successful Soviet nuclear weapon test. The nickel, an essential part of everyday commerce, reflected the stability of American currency during this period of global tension.
| 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 a 1949 Jefferson Nickel significantly impacts its value. Coins in uncirculated condition (MS60 or higher) are considerably more valuable than circulated examples. The San Francisco mint coins, due to their lower mintage, are particularly desirable in high grades.
Key factors affecting condition include:
1. Luster: Original mint luster is highly prized.
2. Strike quality: Well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello are more valuable.
3. Surface preservation: Absence of marks, scratches, or wear is crucial.
4. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value.
Mintage: 60,652,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 36,498,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 9,716,000
Rarity Scale: Uncommon
Circulation Status: Moderate Circulation
Preservation Rarity: Rare in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: High, especially for well-preserved examples
Additional factors that can affect the value of 1949 Jefferson Nickels include:
1. Full Steps: Coins with fully visible steps on Monticello command a premium.
2. Die varieties: While no major varieties are known for 1949, any discovered could be valuable.
3. Mint State grades: Coins graded MS65 or higher are scarce and valuable.
4. Original rolls or sets: Uncirculated coins from original bank rolls or mint sets may command a premium.
The San Francisco mintage, being the lowest of the year, is generally more valuable across all grades, especially in uncirculated condition. Collectors often seek high-grade examples from all mints to complete date and mint mark sets.
Helpful Resources
Explore these valuable resources to enhance your coin collecting knowledge
Coin Value Checker
Free US coin value lookup with real-world market prices
Coin Analysis Tool
Identify, value, grade, and authenticate your coins instantly
Auction Records Tool
Access comprehensive US coin auction data
Quarter & Penny Value Guides
Find detailed value guides for both modern and classic quarters and pennies
2024 Quarter Values
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2022 Quarter Value Guide
Mint Marks, Proofs & Rare Prices
2023 Quarter Values
Complete Value Guide & Price Chart
Post-2000 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Modern Quarters
Post-1965 Quarter Values
50 Most Valuable Quarters Guide
60s & 70s Penny Values
Top 50 Most Valuable Finds
Error Coin Guides
Discover comprehensive guides about rare minting errors and valuable mistakes
2024 Quarter Error Guide
In Cod We Trust, Doubled Dies & Values
2023 Quarter Error Guide
Die Breaks, Cuds, and Rare Minting Errors
2022 Quarter Error Analysis
Die Breaks, Cuds & Clash Marks
2021 P&D Quarter Errors
Crown Die Chip, Crossing Delaware Errors
Bessie Coleman Quarter Errors
IN COD WE TRUST, Die Chip Values
Bicentennial Quarter Errors
Wrong Planchet, Off-Center & Die Cracks
Essential Coin Collecting Guides
Access comprehensive resources for identifying, grading, and selling your coins
Coin Designation Guide
Comprehensive Guide To Grading, Errors, Mint Marks, And Certification Terms
Selling Coins Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Selling Coins: Maximizing Your Returns
Key Date U.S. Coins
A Chronological Checklist for Collectors
Coin Value Guide
Expert Methods to Identify, Grade, and Sell Your Numismatic Treasures
U.S. Mint Marks Guide
Complete History of American Coin Mint Marks (1793-Present)
Coin Condition & Grading
Ultimate Guide: Sheldon Scale Explained with Photos
US Coin Specifications
Explore detailed physical characteristics and specifications for all US coin denominations
US Coin Weight Guide
Complete US Coin Weight Guide: Measure Penny, Quarter, Nickel & Dime Weight in Grams
US Coin Metal Composition
What Are Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, Half Dollars & Dollars Made Of
US Coin Size Guide
Complete Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Diameter Chart
US Coin Thickness Chart
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Dimensions
Who is on US Coins?
Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Half Dollar & Dollar Portraits
Complete Specifications
Comprehensive guide to all US coin measurements and specifications
