1958 Jefferson Nickel Value: $0.10 to $15,188 Price Guide

1958 Jefferson Nickel values range from $0.10 (circulated) to $15,188 (MS-68 FS). Learn about Full Steps rarity, RPM varieties, and proof Deep Cameo premiums.

Quick Answer

The 1958 Jefferson Nickel is worth $0.10 to $15,188 depending on mint mark, condition, and strike quality.

  • Circulated (G-4 to AU-50): $0.10
  • Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-67): $0.25 – $320
  • Full Steps business strikes: $8 – $15,188 (MS-68 FS)
  • Proof Deep Cameo: $8,000+ (PR-68 DCAM)

Despite the 1958-P's low mintage (17 million), the 1958-D (168 million) is more valuable in top grades due to superior strike quality. The "Full Steps" designation multiplies value 10x to 300x.

What's Your 1958 Nickel Worth?

Select your coin's mint mark and condition to get a value estimate.

Mint Mark — Where was your coin made?
D
Denver
P
Philadelphia
Mint mark location: Reverse, right of Monticello
Condition — How worn is your coin?
Heavy Wear
Very smooth, details hard to see. Looks like it circulated for decades.
Moderate Wear
Main design visible, but high points are clearly worn flat.
Light Wear
Most details sharp, only slight wear on the highest points.
No Wear (Uncirculated)
Looks brand new with original luster. No signs of circulation.

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About Rare Varieties & Errors
This tool estimates typical values for standard coins only. If your coin has unusual features (minting errors, repunched dates, doubled dies), it may be worth significantly more. Consider posting photos on r/coins or CoinTalk for community feedback.

1958 Jefferson Nickel: A Condition Rarity Masterclass

The 1958 Jefferson Nickel series presents a counterintuitive market that rewards quality over scarcity. While the Philadelphia issue (17,088,000 mintage) is ten times scarcer than the Denver issue (168,249,120), the high-mintage 1958-D commands higher values in gem grades due to superior manufacturing quality.

1958 Jefferson Nickel obverse showing Jefferson portrait and reverse showing Monticello

1958 Jefferson Nickel designed by Felix Schlag

The series is defined by extreme "condition rarity" centered on the "Full Steps" (FS) designation. A standard 1958-P in MS-66 is worth $45, while the same coin with Full Steps has sold for $8,225. The 1958-D holds the series auction record: a PCGS MS-68 FS specimen that sold for $15,188 in November 2023. For proof collectors, the "Deep Cameo" (DCAM) contrast designation creates similar value explosions, with PR-68 DCAM specimens selling for over $8,000.

This guide analyzes all business strikes, proof issues, Full Steps premiums, repunched mint mark varieties, and major mint errors. Understanding strike quality—not just grade—is essential to valuing these coins correctly.

How to Identify Your 1958 Jefferson Nickel

All 1958 nickels share Felix Schlag's original Jefferson Nickel design introduced in 1938. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson's left-facing portrait with "LIBERTY" and the date. The reverse displays Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with "MONTICELLO," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and "FIVE CENTS."

Mint Mark Location and Identification

The mint mark appears on the reverse, to the right of Monticello, in the open field between the building and the rim. Two varieties exist:

1958-D Jefferson Nickel reverse showing D mint mark location to right of Monticello

Mint mark location on reverse, to the right of Monticello (D mint shown)

  • 1958 (Philadelphia): No mint mark. The mint mark location is blank. This issue had the lowest mintage at 17,088,000 coins but is plagued by weak strikes and poor quality control.
  • 1958-D (Denver): Features a "D" mint mark. Despite a massive mintage of 168,249,120 coins (the highest Denver output to date at the time), this issue is known for good to excellent strikes, making it more valuable in top grades.

Design Diagnostic Feature

The 1958 nickel shares a minor design feature with the 1957 issue: a larger star separating "LIBERTY" from the date on the obverse. This feature was eliminated in 1959, making it a useful diagnostic for identifying these two years.

Proof vs. Business Strike Distinction

Proof coins (mintage: 875,652) were struck at Philadelphia for collector sets. They exhibit mirror-like fields and, in the best examples, frosted devices with "Cameo" or "Deep Cameo" contrast. Business strikes show normal, satiny mint luster without mirror surfaces. Proof coins are marked with a "P" mint mark beginning in 1968, but 1958 proofs have no mint mark, requiring identification by surface characteristics.

1958 Jefferson Nickel Values by Issue and Grade

The 1958 series exhibits dramatic value differences based on mint mark, strike quality, and special designations. Circulated examples are common across all issues, while mint state values diverge significantly based on manufacturing quality.

1958 Jefferson Nickel grade comparison showing G-4, MS-65, and MS-67 specimens

Grade comparison: G-4 (heavy wear), MS-65 (gem uncirculated), MS-67 (superb gem)

1958 (Philadelphia) Business Strike Values

The 1958-P is a classic "condition rarity." Despite its low mintage, weak strikes, dark planchets, and grainy surfaces suppress values even in high grades. The Philadelphia Mint's poor quality control in 1958 makes this issue abundant in circulated grades but challenging in gem mint state without weaknesses.

GradeValue
G-4$0.10
VF-20$0.10
EF-40$0.10
AU-50$0.10
MS-60$0.25
MS-63$0.75
MS-64$2
MS-65$12.50
MS-66$45
MS-66+$60 – $588
MS-67$60
MS-68$250

Auction record (MS-66+): $588 (PCGS, Feb 2017)

1958 (Philadelphia) Full Steps Values

This is the premier strike rarity of the series. NGC notes that 5FS examples are rare and 6FS pieces are "all but unknown" on 1958-P business strikes. Values show massive variance based on step quality and eye appeal, with exceptional MS-66+ FS specimens commanding over $13,000.

GradeValue
MS-62 FS$14 – $20
MS-63 FS$20 – $49
MS-64 FS$50 – $150
MS-65 FS$100 – $660
MS-66 FS$4,150
MS-66+ FS$11,000+

Auction records: $8,225 (MS-66 FS, Apr 2016); $13,513 (MS-66+ FS, Dec 2019) (PCGS)

1958-D (Denver) Business Strike Values

With 168 million coins struck, the 1958-D is common in all grades. However, superior strike quality makes it more valuable than the 1958-P in gem grades. The market rewards the 1958-D's consistent quality over the 1958-P's scarcity.

GradeValue
G-4$0.10
VF-20$0.10
EF-40$0.10
AU-50$0.10
MS-60$0.25
MS-63$1
MS-64$6
MS-65$12
MS-66$37.50
MS-67$320
MS-67+$350 – $2,200

Auction record (MS-67+): $2,200 (PCGS, Apr 2023)

1958-D (Denver) Full Steps Values

The 1958-D is one of the dates most likely to be found with 5FS, and even 6FS coins exist. While more accessible in lower mint state grades, this issue transforms into a major condition rarity at MS-68 FS, holding the all-time auction record for any 1958 nickel.

GradeValue
MS-60 FS$8
MS-63 FS (5FS)$2.50
MS-64 FS (5FS)$8
MS-65 FS (5FS)$20
MS-66 FS (5FS)$55
MS-67 FS$1,100 – $2,350+
MS-68 FS$15,000+

Auction records: $6,325 (MS-67 FS, Jun 2008); $15,188 (MS-68 FS, Nov 2023) (GreatCollections)

1958 Proof Values by Designation

The Philadelphia Mint struck 875,652 proof nickels in 1958, a decrease from 1957 that prompted collector speculation. High-grade proofs (PR-67, PR-68) are common, but value is determined entirely by contrast level. "Deep Cameo" (DCAM) specimens are exceedingly rare and command exponential premiums.

GradeStandard ProofCameo (CAM)Deep Cameo (DCAM)
PR-65$9$10 – $20
PR-66$15$15 – $25$70 – $100
PR-67$18 – $25$30 – $40$150 – $200
PR-68$27 – $35$900 – $950$8,000+
PR-69$40 – $110$1,100 – $1,155

Auction records: $820 (PR-69); $1,155 (PR-69 CAM) (GreatCollections); Over $8,000 (PR-68 DCAM) (Heritage Auctions)

Grading Your 1958 Jefferson Nickel: Key Diagnostics

Accurately grading a 1958 nickel requires understanding both wear patterns (for circulated grades) and strike quality (for mint state). The "Full Steps" designation is the most critical factor affecting business strike values.

1958 Jefferson Nickel reverse showing Full Steps designation on Monticello stairs

Full Steps (FS) designation: Six complete, unbroken steps at Monticello base

Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58)

Good-4 (G-4): Heavy wear flattens most design details. Jefferson's portrait shows as an outline with the date barely visible. On the reverse, Monticello's architectural details are worn smooth, and lettering shows significant wear but remains legible. All circulated 1958 nickels are worth $0.10 regardless of grade.

Very Fine-20 (VF-20): Moderate wear with major design elements visible. Jefferson's cheekbone shows flatness, and hair detail is partially worn. Monticello's columns are distinct but lack fine detail. Steps at the building's base are worn flat.

Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40): Light wear on high points. Jefferson's hair shows most major detail with slight flattening on the highest strands. Monticello's triangular pediment retains detail, but the steps remain weak or incomplete.

About Uncirculated-50 (AU-50): Slight wear on highest points with 50% or more original mint luster remaining. Jefferson's cheekbone and hair show minor friction. On the reverse, the steps may show slight incompleteness from weak strike rather than wear.

Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-70)

1958 Jefferson Nickel strike quality comparison showing weak versus strong strike

Strike quality: Weak strike (left) vs. strong Full Steps strike (right)

MS-60 to MS-63: No wear, but numerous contact marks, poor luster, or weak strike. For 1958-P coins, many fall into this range due to manufacturing defects like dark planchets or grainy surfaces. The 1958-D typically exhibits better quality with fewer issues.

MS-64 to MS-65: Attractive luster with fewer contact marks. MS-65 represents "gem" quality with only minor, scattered marks. Strike quality becomes critical—weak strikes on steps reduce eye appeal even if technically uncirculated.

MS-66 to MS-67: Exceptional luster and minimal marks. MS-66 shows outstanding eye appeal with very few marks visible to the naked eye. MS-67 represents superb gem quality. For 1958-P coins, the combination of MS-66+ grade and Full Steps is extremely rare.

MS-68 and Higher: Virtually perfect coins with blazing luster and essentially no marks. These grades are condition rarities for 1958 nickels. Only the 1958-D with Full Steps has achieved MS-68, commanding $15,000+.

The Full Steps (FS) Designation

The "Full Steps" designation applies only to business strike Jefferson Nickels graded MS-60 or higher. It refers to the clarity and completeness of the six steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. To qualify, the steps must be unbroken and run the full width of the building. Any interruption from weak strike, contact marks, or planchet flaws disqualifies the coin.

PCGS vs. NGC Standards: PCGS uses a binary "FS" designation for coins with 5 or 6 full steps, permitting very slight weaknesses. NGC is more granular, using separate "5FS" and "6FS" designations since 2004 to differentiate exceptional strikes (5FS) from perfect strikes (6FS). For the 1958-P, where 6FS examples are "all but unknown," an NGC 6FS coin would be a legendary rarity.

A magnifying glass or loupe is required to properly attribute Full Steps. The copper-nickel alloy's hardness made full transfer of step details difficult, explaining why this designation multiplies values 10x to 300x depending on the issue.

Proof Grades (PR-60 through PR-70)

Proof coins are graded differently, focusing on surface quality and contrast rather than luster. Standard proofs show mirror-like fields with minimal frost on devices. Cameo (CAM) proofs exhibit noticeable device frost with clear reflective fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM) proofs show deep, thick frost on devices with stark black mirror fields—this designation almost never appears on 1958 proofs and commands over $8,000 in PR-68.

Authentication: Detecting Cleaned and Problem Coins

The values in this guide apply only to coins in original, unaltered condition. Cleaning destroys a coin's numismatic value, stripping the original mint surface and creating irreversible damage. A cleaned coin will receive a "Details" designation from PCGS or NGC (e.g., "AU Details - Cleaned") and loses 80-90% or more of its graded value.

1958 Jefferson Nickel showing signs of cleaning with hairline scratches

Cleaned coin detection: Look for hairlines, unnatural brightness, and stripped luster

Abrasive Cleaning ("Brushed" or "Polished"): Look for fine, parallel "hairlines" or scratches under magnification, especially in the open fields. The coin may also have an unnaturally bright or "burnished" sheen. These hairlines are the telltale sign of cloth or brush cleaning.

"Whizzing": A deceptive form of cleaning where a fast rotary wire brush simulates luster. This creates fake, "greasy" luster and swirling, circular brush marks that damage fine details. Whizzed coins show an unnatural texture under magnification.

Chemical Cleaning ("Dipped"): The coin appears dull, lifeless, porous, and "off-color." Chemical cleaners strip the original luster, leaving a grainy surface. While light dipping was once accepted in the market, overdipping creates permanent damage visible as a flat, non-reflective surface.

Counterfeits and Alterations: While rare for base-metal coins, high-value 1958s (MS-66+ FS, MS-68 FS, PR-68 DCAM) are potential targets. Look for "soft" or "mushy" details, incorrect weight (a genuine 1958 nickel weighs exactly 5.00 grams), or casting bubbles. Added mint marks are a known alteration—counterfeiters may add a "D" to a common 1958-P to create fake RPM varieties. Under 10x magnification, look for tooling marks, discoloration from glue or heat, or an unnatural "pasted on" appearance.

For any 1958 nickel valued over $500 (high-grade Full Steps, Deep Cameo proofs, or major errors), authentication and grading by PCGS or NGC are mandatory. Third-party certification protects against counterfeits, alterations, and misgraded problem coins.

Caring for Your 1958 Jefferson Nickels

Proper preservation protects your coin's value and prevents irreversible damage. The 75% copper content in the nickel alloy makes these coins susceptible to environmental damage, particularly verdigris (green spots) if stored improperly.

Never Clean Your Coins: This cannot be overstated. Cleaning destroys numismatic value. Do not use "metal cleaners" (which are acid-based and remove surface metal), and do not even rinse with tap water, as chlorine can cause discoloration. If your coin appears dirty, consult a professional conservator rather than attempting home cleaning.

Storage Best Practices: Store all coins in inert, archival-quality holders. Acceptable options include Mylar flips, acrylic capsules, or sealed slabs from PCGS and NGC. Avoid soft, flexible plastic flips, as these often contain PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which breaks down over time and releases chemicals that cause green, irreversible damage to the coin's surface.

Environmental Control: Store holders in a cool, dry, stable environment. Avoid basements (humidity), attics (temperature fluctuations), or areas with chemical exposure (cleaning products, paints). A safe deposit box or home safe in climate-controlled space is ideal.

Handling Guidelines: When handling raw (unslabbed) coins, hold them by the edges only, never touching the obverse or reverse surfaces. Oils from skin cause permanent fingerprints and discoloration. For high-value specimens, consider cotton or nitrile gloves.

Die Varieties: Repunched Mint Marks and Doubled Dies

The massive 168 million coin mintage of the 1958-D required numerous working dies, creating multiple repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties. At this time, mint marks were hand-punched into each die, resulting in positioning errors that produced collectible varieties.

1958-D Jefferson Nickel RPM-005 showing D over inverted D mint mark

Key variety: 1958-D RPM-005 (FS-501) D/Inverted D - valued at $200+ circulated

1958-D Repunched Mint Mark Varieties

1958-D RPM-001 (D/D/D): A clear triple-punched die with strong underlying marks visible to the Southwest and East of the primary "D" mint mark. This is the most common major RPM, with circulated examples carrying retail premiums of $7 to $30. A dramatic MS-64 example sold at auction for $1,295.

1958-D RPM-002 (D/D): Doubling visible to the Northeast. Minor variety with small premium in circulated condition.

1958-D RPM-003 (D/D): A repunch showing clear clockwise rotation. Minor variety.

1958-D RPM-004 (D/D): Doubling visible to the East. Minor variety.

1958-D RPM-005 (D/Inverted D, FS-501): This is the key RPM variety for 1958. The die was first punched with a "D" mint mark, then punched again with an inverted "D". This dramatic variety is highly sought-after, with circulated examples valued at $200. The inverted punch creates a distinctive appearance under magnification.

1958-D RPM-006 (D/D): Doubling visible to the North. Minor variety.

1958-D VRPM-007 (D/D/D/D): An extremely scarce quadruple-punched die variety. Rarity makes this desirable to specialists, though public pricing data is limited.

Doubled Die Varieties

Several minor doubled die obverse (DDO) and doubled die reverse (DDR) varieties exist for 1958, mostly on proof issues. These include:

1958-D WDDR-001 (Business Strike): Very close Class II (distorted hub) doubling on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Diagnostics include an obverse die scratch on Jefferson's collar and another above the "Y" of LIBERTY.

1958 Proof Doubled Dies: Multiple minor proof doubled dies are documented by Brian's Variety Coins, including WDDO-001 (doubling on "IN GOD"), WDDR-001 (doubling on "UNUM"), WDDR-002 (medium spread on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE CENTS"), and WDDR-003 (doubling on "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"). These are considered minor varieties with no established pricing in major references. They command small premiums primarily of interest to specialists.

Attribution of varieties requires careful examination under magnification. Variety Vista and Brian's Variety Coins provide detailed diagnostic photos for confirmation.

Mint Errors: Major Value Premiums

Major minting errors on 1958 nickels are rare but can be highly valuable. The most significant errors transform these otherwise common coins into collectible rarities worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

1958 Jefferson Nickel struck on wrong planchet (Cuban 1 Centavo)

Major error: 1958 nickel struck on Cuban 1 Centavo planchet - weight 2.5g vs. standard 5.0g

Struck on Wrong Planchet: Cuban 1 Centavo

This is the most significant and valuable error for the 1958 nickel series. A 1958 Jefferson Nickel design was struck on a planchet intended for a Cuban 1 Centavo coin. The primary diagnostic is weight—the Cuban planchet weighs 2.5 grams compared to the standard Jefferson Nickel's 5.0 grams. The coin will also be smaller in diameter and have a different metallic composition. This rare "wrong planchet" error has sold at auction for over $1,200.

Improper Alloy Mix / "Black Beauty"

This error results from an improper alloy mix or, more commonly, a faulty annealing process where planchets are improperly heated and cooled. The result is a very dark, black, or grainy surface. While many 1958-P coins exhibit dark planchets as a manufacturing defect, specimens dramatic enough to be certified as "Improper Alloy Mix" by grading services carry significant premiums. An ANACS-graded MS-65 "Black Beauty" was offered for $225.

Off-Center Strikes

Off-center strikes occur when the die and planchet are misaligned during striking, causing the design to be partially off the coin with a corresponding blank area. Value depends on the percentage off-center and whether the date and mint mark remain visible. Based on comparable sales, a minor 10-15% off-center strike in Mint State might be worth $50-$100, while a dramatic 50-60% off-center strike with visible date could command $75-$150.

Clipped Planchets

Clipped planchet errors occur when a portion of the planchet is "clipped" off before striking, typically when coin blanks are punched from the metal strip. A curved or straight portion of the coin's edge is missing, often with a "Blakesley effect" (weak rim) visible on the opposite side. This is a relatively common error type, with 1958-P examples having retail values of $5-$15 for minor clips.

Struck-Through Errors

A struck-through error occurs when a foreign object (grease, cloth, wire) comes between the die and planchet during striking. The object is "struck through," leaving an impression or, more commonly, a weak or "filled" area on the coin. Value is highly dependent on base grade and the object involved. A 1958-D in NGC MS-67 5FS with an obverse struck-through error recently received 21 bids at auction, suggesting a value in the $500+ range. The same error on a base MS-63 coin might only be worth $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my 1958 Jefferson Nickel worth?

Most circulated 1958 nickels are worth face value ($0.05) to $0.10. Uncirculated examples range from $0.25 to $320+ depending on mint mark and grade. The real value lies in the "Full Steps" designation, which can multiply values 10x to 300x. A 1958-P MS-66 FS has sold for $8,225, while a 1958-D MS-68 FS holds the series record at $15,188. For proof coins, Deep Cameo (DCAM) specimens in PR-68 are worth over $8,000.

How do I identify the mint mark on a 1958 Jefferson Nickel?

The mint mark appears on the reverse, in the open field to the right of Monticello, between the building and the rim. A "D" indicates Denver Mint; no mint mark indicates Philadelphia. Use magnification to examine this area carefully, as repunched mint marks (RPMs) can add significant value—the 1958-D RPM-005 (D/Inverted D) is valued at $200 in circulated condition.

What makes the 1958-D more valuable than the 1958-P despite higher mintage?

The 1958-D (168 million mintage) is worth more than the 1958-P (17 million) in top grades because of superior manufacturing quality. The Philadelphia Mint's 1958 production was plagued by weak strikes, dark planchets, and grainy surfaces. The Denver Mint produced good to excellent strikes, making gem-quality 1958-D nickels more desirable. An MS-67 1958-D is worth $320 compared to $60 for an MS-67 1958-P.

What does "Full Steps" (FS) mean on a 1958 nickel?

"Full Steps" is a designation for business strike Jefferson Nickels where all five or six steps at Monticello's base are complete and unbroken. This indicates a strong strike with full detail transfer. PCGS uses a binary "FS" for 5 or 6 steps; NGC uses granular "5FS" and "6FS" designations. Full Steps examples are extremely rare for 1958-P (6FS "all but unknown") and more available for 1958-D, but still command significant premiums—up to 300x base value.

Should I get my 1958 nickel professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is recommended for: (1) any coin potentially MS-65 or higher, (2) any suspected Full Steps example, (3) any proof potentially PR-67+ with Cameo or Deep Cameo contrast, (4) any die variety or mint error. Grading costs $20-$50 but authenticates the coin and significantly enhances marketability for coins worth $500+. For common circulated examples worth $0.10, grading is not cost-effective.

What is the difference between Cameo and Deep Cameo on 1958 proofs?

Cameo (CAM) proofs exhibit noticeable frost on devices (Jefferson's portrait, Monticello) with clear reflective fields. Deep Cameo (DCAM, also called Ultra Cameo) shows deep, thick frost with stark black mirror-like fields. Deep Cameo is exceedingly rare on 1958 proofs and almost never appears. A PR-68 Cameo is worth $900-$950; a PR-68 Deep Cameo has sold for over $8,000—nearly 300x the premium.

How can I tell if my 1958 nickel has been cleaned?

Look for fine, parallel "hairlines" in the fields under magnification (abrasive cleaning), swirling brush marks with fake "greasy" luster (whizzing), or a dull, porous, lifeless surface (chemical cleaning). Cleaned coins lose 80-90% of their value. Original uncirculated coins have unbroken mint luster; original circulated coins show natural, even wear without artificial brightness. When in doubt, submit to PCGS or NGC for authentication.

What is the 1958-D RPM-005 (D/Inverted D) variety worth?

The 1958-D RPM-005 (also designated FS-501) is the key repunched mint mark variety for the series. The die was first punched with a "D," then punched again with an inverted "D," creating a distinctive appearance. Circulated examples are valued at $200, making this a significant variety worth searching for. Other 1958-D RPMs (like RPM-001, the triple-punched D/D/D) carry smaller premiums of $7-$30 in circulated condition, with exceptional mint state examples selling for $1,000+.

How should I store my 1958 Jefferson Nickels?

Store coins in inert, archival-quality holders such as Mylar flips, acrylic capsules, or PCGS/NGC slabs. Never use soft plastic flips containing PVC, which causes irreversible green damage. Keep holders in a cool, dry, stable environment—avoid basements (humidity) and attics (temperature swings). A safe deposit box or home safe in climate-controlled space is ideal. Never clean coins, and handle raw coins by edges only to avoid fingerprints.

What is the rarest 1958 nickel variety or error?

The rarest and most valuable is the 1958-D MS-68 Full Steps, with only one known example selling for $15,188 in November 2023. For errors, the 1958 nickel struck on Cuban 1 Centavo planchet (2.5g vs. standard 5.0g) has sold for over $1,200. For proofs, the PR-68 Deep Cameo is exceedingly rare and worth over $8,000. Among die varieties, the 1958-D RPM-005 (D/Inverted D) is the most sought-after, valued at $200 circulated.

Valuation Methodology and Sources

Values in this guide are derived from multiple authoritative sources current as of November 2025. Primary references include the PCGS CoinFacts database and NGC Coin Explorer, which aggregate retail and auction data. Auction records are sourced from GreatCollections, Heritage Auctions, and Stack's Bowers archives. Die variety attributions follow Variety Vista and Brian's Variety Coins classification systems.

Coin values fluctuate based on market demand, precious metal prices, and condition rarity. The 1958 Jefferson Nickel contains no precious metal content of significant value (melt value ~$0.06), so numismatic premiums are driven entirely by condition, strike quality, and special designations. Prices represent retail values; wholesale prices paid by dealers are typically 20-40% lower. For high-value coins ($1,000+), auction results provide the most accurate market indicators.

Grading standards follow Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) guidelines. The "Full Steps" designation follows each service's specific criteria: PCGS uses binary "FS" for 5-6 steps; NGC distinguishes "5FS" and "6FS". This guide notes where standards differ, as these distinctions affect rarity and value.

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