Price Guide for 1961 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for 1961 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.
1961-D Nickel (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $5.00 - $3,290.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.99 - $1,500.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 - $4,500.00
1961-D Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $4,800.00 - $23,000.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 - $20,000.00
1961 Nickel (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 - $1,380.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $0.01 - $349.99
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $4.00 - $135.00
1961 Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $129.25 - $10,800.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $1,636.69
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $150.00 - $35,000.00
1961 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $32.00 - $3,407.50
-
eBayUncirculated: $60.00 - $1,536.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 - $3,600.00
1961 Nickel TDR FS-801 (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $144.00 - $423.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $81.75 - $1,850.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $26.00 - $600.00
1961 Nickel, CAM (Proof)
-
3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $6.00 - $282.00
-
eBayUncirculated: $4.02 - $300.00
-
PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $7.00 - $250.00
1961 Nickel (Regular Strike)
-
3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $3.00 - $6,325.00
-
eBayCirculated: $16.50Uncirculated: $0.99 - $1,250.00
-
PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $10.00Uncirculated: $2.00 - $2,900.00
Design and Specifications of the 1961 Nickel
The 1961 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 beginning of the 1960s, a decade of significant social and cultural change in the United States. The coin's design remained consistent, providing a familiar presence in circulation during a time of transformation.
Weight | 5.0 grams |
---|---|
Diameter | 21.2 mm |
Mint Marks | P (Philadelphia, no mint mark), D (Denver) |
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 1961 Nickels significantly impacts their value, particularly for higher grades. While common in circulated conditions, uncirculated examples in MS65 and above become increasingly scarce and valuable. Collectors seek coins with:
- Full luster and minimal contact marks
- Sharp strike, especially on Monticello steps
- Absence of spotting or discoloration
Proof coins, while not minted for circulation, are valued for their mirror-like fields and frosted devices.
Mintage: 301,626,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Mintage: 229,342,760
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Uncommon in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, primarily for high-grade specimens
Several factors can influence the value of 1961 Nickels:
1. Strike Quality: Well-struck coins with full detail, especially on Monticello's steps, command higher premiums.
2. Luster: Coins with original, cartwheel luster are more desirable.
3. Toning: Natural, attractive toning can enhance value for some collectors.
4. Die State: Late die state coins with interesting die cracks or clashing may appeal to variety collectors.
5. Preservation: Coins that have avoided cleaning or other forms of mishandling are more valuable.
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
Additional Resources
Expert guides and tools for coin collecting and valuation
Coin Valuation Guide
Learn to value and sell your coins
Key Date U.S. Coins
Chronological checklist for collectors
Mint Mark Guide
Comprehensive mint mark chart
Coin Condition Guide
Understand coin grading scales
Coin Designation Guide
Reference for coin terminology
1999 Georgia Quarter Errors
Off Center, Double Die, Missing Clad Layer
Trending Coin Values
See what other coin enthusiasts are currently exploring: