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 Price
    Uncirculated: $5.00 - $3,290.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $1,500.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $10.00
    Uncirculated: $2.00 - $4,500.00

1961-D Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $4,800.00 - $23,000.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $150.00 - $20,000.00

1961 Nickel (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $1,380.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $0.01 - $349.99
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $4.00 - $135.00

1961 Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $129.25 - $10,800.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $1,636.69
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $150.00 - $35,000.00

1961 Nickel, DCAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $32.00 - $3,407.50
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $60.00 - $1,536.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $8.00 - $3,600.00

1961 Nickel TDR FS-801 (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $144.00 - $423.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $81.75 - $1,850.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $26.00 - $600.00

1961 Nickel, CAM (Proof)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Uncirculated: $6.00 - $282.00
  • eBay
    Uncirculated: $4.02 - $300.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Uncirculated: $7.00 - $250.00

1961 Nickel (Regular Strike)

  • 3rd Party Price
    Circulated: $10.00
    Uncirculated: $3.00 - $6,325.00
  • eBay
    Circulated: $16.50
    Uncirculated: $0.99 - $1,250.00
  • PCGS Price Guide
    Circulated: $10.00
    Uncirculated: $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.

Philadelphia (no mint mark)

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

Denver (D)

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.

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