1973 Jefferson Nickel Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Complete 1973 Jefferson Nickel error guide: Full Steps worth $1,528–$2,695, wrong planchet $349–$2,300+, PR70 DCAM proof $4,000–$5,550. Doubled dies, RPMs, and off-center strikes explained with diagnostic tools.
Most 1973 Jefferson Nickels are worth face value, but condition rarities and errors can reach $2,695 (Full Steps) or $5,550 (proof perfection).
- 💰 1973-P MS67 Full Steps:$1,528–$2,695 — among the rarest dates in the entire Jefferson series for sharp Monticello steps
- 💰 Wrong Planchet error (struck on cent planchet):$349–$2,300+
- 💰 1973-S PR70 Deep Cameo Proof:$4,000–$5,550
- 💰 1973-D Misplaced Mintmark (Low D):$216+ even in circulated AU55 grade
⚠️ Warning: 1973 nickels are notorious for worthless Machine Doubling — a flat, shelf-like distortion that looks like a valuable error but adds zero premium.
1973 Jefferson Nickel Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are estimated retail ranges as of 2025-01 based on auction records and market data from sources including Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, and Legend Rare Coin Auctions.
Actual values vary based on precise grade, strike quality, eye appeal, and current market conditions.
Full Steps (FS) designation requires professional grading by PCGS or NGC. Raw coins sold as 'Full Steps' on online platforms often fail strict grading standards upon submission.
Professional authentication (PCGS, NGC, or ANACS) is strongly recommended for any coin believed to be a valuable variety or error.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like doubling) is extremely common on 1973 nickels and has NO numismatic value. Do not confuse it with true Doubled Dies.
Die deterioration doubling is a byproduct of worn dies used past their prime and is NOT a valuable variety.
1973 mintmarks were hand-punched into working dies, creating the conditions for Repunched Mintmark (RPM) varieties. Minor positional variations are normal.
Your 1973 Jefferson Nickel might be worth exactly five cents — or it might be worth $2,695. The difference lies in a few millimeters of crisp copper-nickel on the steps of Monticello, or a copper-colored planchet that slipped through the wrong press. Check your 1973 nickel's base value here, then use this guide to find out whether yours beats the odds.
1973 Jefferson Nickel: Specifications & Mintage
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (solid alloy — not clad) |
| Weight | 5.00 grams (±0.194g tolerance) |
| Diameter | 21.20 mm |
| Edge | Plain (smooth) |
| Designer | Felix Schlag (original 1938 design) |
| Philadelphia (P) Mintage | 384,396,000 — no mint mark |
| Denver (D) Mintage | 261,405,000 — "D" right of Jefferson's ponytail |
| San Francisco (S) Mintage | 2,760,339 — Proof sets only, "S" mint mark |
1973 Jefferson Nickel: obverse with mint mark location (right of ponytail) and reverse with Monticello steps.
The nickel's hard 75/25 alloy requires immense striking pressure to engrave the fine Monticello steps — the primary reason sharp Full Steps examples are so rare in 1973. The D and S mint marks were hand-punched into each working die, which is why Repunched Mintmark (RPM) varieties exist for this date. For standard circulated and uncirculated base values, visit our complete 1973 Nickel Value guide.
1973 Jefferson Nickel Quick Error Checks
1973 Jefferson Nickel Quick Error Checks
Work through these checks in order — highest value first. You'll need a 10× loupe (magnifying glass) for most, and a postal scale for the planchet check. The last card is a trap to watch out for.
Check 1 — Wrong Planchet (Copper Color / Wrong Weight)
The entire coin. Check color first, then weigh it if anything looks off.
Copper-red or brown color instead of silver-grey, AND weight of approximately 3.11g (instead of the standard 5.00g for a nickel). The coin may also appear undersized at ~19mm with the design fading at the edges.
Environmental toning or discoloration — these don't change weight. Acid-treated fakes mimic this error but show pitted, mushy surfaces rather than normal metal flow lines.
Check 2 — Full Steps: Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
The reverse (back). Examine the horizontal steps at the base of Monticello — specifically between steps 3 and 4, the most common failure point.
At least 5 fully separated, uninterrupted horizontal lines — complete from left edge to right edge with no merging or bridging. PCGS assigns the FS (Full Steps) designation. The 1973-P holds a PCGS Relative Rarity of 8/73 for this designation — one of the hardest in the entire Jefferson series.
Partial steps that bridge in the center, or steps interrupted by bag marks (contact marks from coin bags). Die deterioration causes mushy steps that may look full at a glance but fail under magnification.
Check 3 — Full Steps: Denver (D Mint Mark)
The reverse. Examine the horizontal steps at the base of Monticello. Denver 1973 strikes tend to be slightly sharper than Philadelphia, but Full Steps are still scarce.
At least 5 complete, uninterrupted horizontal step lines with no bridging or contact mark interruptions across their full width.
Partial steps or steps cut by bag marks don't qualify. Die erosion from extended die use creates an illusion of steps that fail strict grading standards.
Check 4 — Doubled Die Obverse (Wexler WDDO-001) — Denver Only
The date "1973" on the obverse (front). Focus specifically above the horizontal crossbar of the "7."
A distinct, rounded secondary image above the crossbar of the 7 that increases the apparent width of the numeral. Confirm with die markers: (1) a die scratch running West-Northwest from the top of the D in "GOD" on the obverse; (2) a die scratch Northeast from the top of the O in "ONE" on the reverse; (3) a die scratch NW/SE through the T in "CENT" on the reverse.
Machine Doubling (MD) — a flat, shelf-like smear that reduces letter width. MD is extremely common on 1973 nickels. The die marker scratches are essential for positive identification of the genuine WDDO-001.
Check 5 — Repunched Mintmark D/D Northwest (CONECA RPM-001) — Denver Only
The "D" mint mark on the obverse, to the right of Jefferson's ponytail above the date.
A secondary "D" image protruding to the Northwest of the primary mint mark. Look for a split serif or ghosting of the curve of the D in the upper-left quadrant of the letter.
Die deterioration creates fuzzy mint marks. Strike doubling (Machine Doubling) produces flat, shelf-like images. A true RPM shows a distinct secondary impression with its own rounded contours — it was physically punched twice.
Check 6 — Misplaced Mintmark "Low D" — Denver Only
The "D" mint mark on the obverse. Compare its vertical position relative to the date numerals and Jefferson's ponytail.
The D is punched dramatically lower than normal — encroaching on the rim or design elements below. This is a large, obvious displacement, not a minor shift.
Minor positional variation is normal for hand-punched mint marks. The Low D is a dramatic displacement well outside normal tolerance. Consult CONECA die markers for the specific die pair to authenticate.
Check 7 — Repunched Mintmark S/S North (RPM-001 on Proof) — San Francisco Only
The "S" mint mark on the obverse of your 1973-S Proof coin.
A secondary "S" impression visible to the North of the primary mint mark. Proof die runs are short (often only a few thousand coins), making the absolute number of RPMs low — but survival rate is near 100% as they were sealed in proof sets.
Die polish lines near the mint mark on proof surfaces. The highly reflective fields can create optical illusions mimicking doubling. A true RPM shows a distinct secondary letter form under magnification.
Check 8 — Off-Center Strike
The overall coin layout. The design should be centered within the rim.
Design visibly shifted with a blank crescent of unstruck metal on the opposite side. Most valuable when 50%+ off-center with the full date still visible. A 1973-D 60% Off-Center Chain Strike has appeared at Heritage Auctions.
A slightly misaligned die (MAD) where the complete design is present but shifted. MADs are common and near face value. A true off-center error shows missing design with smooth, blank planchet exposed.
Check 9 — Clipped Planchet
The edge of the coin. Look for a curved "bite" missing from the rim.
A smoothly curved section missing from the edge, with the Blakesley Effect — a corresponding weakness or flat spot in the rim directly opposite the clip. The Blakesley Effect proves the clip happened before striking at the Mint.
Post-mint damage (straight cuts, filed edges, irregular gouges) will NOT show the Blakesley Effect. PMD edges appear sharp or rough rather than smoothly curved.
Trap Check — Machine Doubling (NOT Valuable)
The date, lettering (especially IN GOD WE TRUST), and devices on the obverse.
Letters or numbers that appear doubled — but look closely: is the secondary image flat and shelf-like? Does it reduce (shear off) the size of the letter? That is Machine Doubling (MD), caused by a loose die bouncing during the strike. It is a manufacturing flaw with NO numismatic premium.
Flat, shelf-like secondary image. Letters appear smaller or shaved. No die marker scratches matching a cataloged DDO. 1973 nickels are notorious for MD — it is the rule, not the exception. See Traps section →
1973 Jefferson Nickel Error Values at a Glance
1973 Jefferson Nickel Error Values at a Glance
| Error / Variety Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Steps MS67 FS | FS | P | Condition Rarity (8/73) | $1,528–$2,695 | $2,695 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo Proof | PR70 DCAM | S | Very Rare (Perfect Grade) | $4,000–$5,550 | $5,550 |
| Wrong Planchet (cent planchet) | — | Any | Rare | $349–$2,300+ | $2,300 |
| Wrong Planchet (foreign) | — | P | Very Rare | $1,277+ | $1,277.50 |
| Full Steps MS67 FS | FS | D | Scarce | $522+ | $522 |
| Misplaced Mintmark (Low D) | — | D | Scarce | $216+ | $216 (AU55) |
| Off-Center Strike (50%+) | — | Any | Scarce | $100–$500+ | — |
| Doubled Die Obv. (WDDO-001) | WDDO-001 | D | Scarce | Collector premium | — |
| RPM-001 D/D Northwest | RPM-001 | D | Minor variety | Modest premium | — |
| RPM-001 S/S North (Proof) | RPM-001 | S | Scarce | Collector premium | — |
| Clipped Planchet | — | Any | Common | $15–$50 | — |
| Off-Center Strike (10–20%) | — | Any | Common | $20–$50 | — |
| Standard Circulated (P or D) | — | P / D | Abundant | Face value–$0.20 | — |
| Standard Proof (S) | PR65–PR69 | S | Common (2.76M struck) | $3–$15 | — |
Philadelphia Mint Values (No Mint Mark)
With 384,396,000 struck, circulated 1973-P nickels are common at face value to $0.20. Uncirculated (MS63–MS65) examples trade for $1–$20. The key premium is the Full Steps designation: the 1973-P holds a PCGS Relative Rarity of 8/73, making it one of the most statistically difficult dates in the entire Jefferson series to find with sharp Monticello steps. An MS66 without FS is worth approximately $30. An MS67 FS has sold for $2,695. Also check any circulated Philadelphia coin for wrong planchet errors — these exist regardless of grade and are worth $349–$2,300+.
Denver Mint Values (D Mint Mark)
With 261,405,000 struck, circulated 1973-D nickels are equally common at face value to $0.20. Uncirculated examples (MS63–MS65) run $1–$20. Denver's slightly sharper average strike translates to a lower Full Steps premium: MS67 FS tops out at $522 versus $2,695 for Philadelphia. Denver is the variety-rich mint for 1973: check for the WDDO-001 Doubled Die, the D/D Northwest RPM-001, and the dramatic Misplaced Mintmark (Low D) which sold for $216 even in AU55.
1973 Jefferson Nickel: Valuable Errors & Varieties (Detailed Guide)
Each entry below gives you the origin story, identification steps, false positive warnings, and market values for every significant 1973 nickel error or variety.
1973 Nickel Struck on Wrong Planchet
Left: Normal 1973 nickel (silver-grey, 21.2mm, 5.00g). Right: Wrong planchet error on cent planchet (copper-red, ~19mm, 3.11g) with design fading at edges.
Origin & Background
In 1973, the Philadelphia Mint also produced coins for foreign nations, feeding multiple planchet types through its presses simultaneously. Occasionally, a copper cent planchet (intended for a Lincoln Cent) or a foreign planchet (such as a Philippines 25 Centimos blank) was fed into the five-cent press. The nickel dies then struck the wrong blank, creating a spectacular error.
How to Identify
- Color: Copper-red or brown (cent planchet) versus the standard silver-grey of a nickel.
- Weight: A cent planchet weighs approximately 3.11g versus the standard 5.00g for a nickel. Use a precision postal scale.
- Size: The cent planchet is 19mm — the design will fade or cut off at the irregular edge in a broadstruck appearance as the metal couldn't reach the 21.2mm collar.
- Foreign planchet: May require XRF metallurgical analysis to match the alloy to the specific foreign issue being minted at Philadelphia in 1973.
False Positives to Avoid
Acid-treated nickels can be made to appear copper-colored and reduced in size. However, genuine wrong planchet errors show normal (or stretched) metal flow lines, while acid-treated fakes display pitted surfaces and mushy details. Environmental toning is not a planchet error indicator.
Market Values
- • Cent planchet (raw): approximately $349
- • Cent planchet (high-grade certified, PCGS MS63 Red): higher premiums
- • Foreign planchet (Philippines 25 Centimos): $1,277+
Auction Record
$2,300 for a cent planchet strike (Heritage Auctions, 2010); $1,277.50 for the Philippines 25 Centimos planchet strike (Heritage Auctions).
1973 Jefferson Nickel Full Steps (MS67 FS) — Philadelphia & Denver
Left: Typical 1973 nickel with mushy, bridged steps. Right: Full Steps coin with all 5 step lines complete and separated.
Origin & Background
The Full Steps (FS) designation is awarded by PCGS or NGC to Jefferson Nickels where the horizontal lines at the base of Monticello are completely and uninterruptedly struck. In 1973, the U.S. Mint operated at maximum production capacity — dies were kept in service well past their prime, and the 75/25 copper-nickel alloy's hardness meant metal rarely fully flowed into the fine step recesses. The result: nearly 400 million Philadelphia nickels were struck, yet the number surviving with true Full Steps is likely in the low thousands.
How to Identify
- Examine the reverse under 10× magnification. The Monticello steps are the horizontal lines at the base of the building.
- Count the lines from top to bottom. PCGS requires at least five complete, uninterrupted lines fully separated across their entire width.
- The bridge between steps 3 and 4 is the most common failure point for 1973-P coins — check it closely.
- No contact marks (bag marks or scratches) may interrupt the steps, even if the strike was originally full.
- 1973-P holds PCGS Relative Rarity 8/73 — tied for one of the most difficult FS dates in the entire Jefferson series.
- 1973-D MS67 FS at $522 versus 1973-P MS67 FS at $2,695 reflects Denver's generally sharper average strike quality in this year.
False Positives to Avoid
Die deterioration causes mushy, shelf-like step lines that may look full at first glance but fail under magnification. Partial steps that merge in the center do not qualify. Purchase high-value FS coins only encapsulated by PCGS or NGC — raw coins sold as "Full Steps" on online platforms frequently fail professional grading standards.
Market Values
- • 1973-P MS63–MS65 (no FS): $1–$20
- • 1973-P MS66 (no FS): approximately $30
- • 1973-P MS67 FS: $1,528–$2,695
- • 1973-D MS63–MS65 (no FS): $1–$20
- • 1973-D MS67 FS: $522+
Auction Records
$2,695 for MS67 FS (GreatCollections); $1,528 for MS67 FS (Legend Rare Coin Auctions, 2020); $522 for 1973-D MS67 FS (Gainesville Coins).
1973-S PR70 Deep Cameo Proof
1973-S Proof nickel: frosted Jefferson portrait contrasting sharply against mirror-black fields — the hallmark of Deep Cameo (DCAM).
Origin & Background
The San Francisco Mint produced 2,760,339 Proof nickels in 1973 exclusively for sale in annual Proof Sets. Proof coins are struck on polished planchets with polished dies, often twice, creating high relief and mirror-like fields. The most desirable examples show Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast — frosted devices (Jefferson's portrait and lettering) standing out starkly against perfectly black, mirror-like fields. Because Proof Sets were sold directly to collectors and carefully stored, survival rates are very high — but perfection (PR70) is elusive due to the susceptibility of those large, open mirror fields to hairline scratches.
How to Identify
- Mirror-like reflective fields (the flat background areas) that show your reflection clearly.
- Frosted, matte-like raised devices (Jefferson's portrait, text, Monticello).
- Deep Cameo (DCAM): heavy, white-white frost on devices vs. black mirror fields — not just slight contrast.
- PR70 (perfect grade): zero hairlines, spots, or imperfections under 5× magnification. Must be professionally graded by PCGS or NGC.
- Most 1973-S Proofs grade PR65–PR69 due to hairlines from handling or PVC spotting from original holders.
False Positives to Avoid
A coin that appears flawless to the naked eye often reveals hairlines under magnification — these drop it below PR70. Do not confuse the standard proof (worth $3–$15) with a PR70 DCAM. PR70 requires professional grading.
Market Values
- • Standard Proof PR65–PR69 CAM: $3–$15
- • PR70 DCAM (perfect grade): $4,000–$5,550
- • Impaired Proof (circulated or damaged): $1–$3
Auction Record
$5,550 for PR70 DCAM (2018). See PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-S PR70 DCAM.
1973-D Doubled Die Obverse (Wexler WDDO-001)
Left: Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like, reduces letter width — worthless). Right: True Doubled Die WDDO-001 (rounded secondary image, increases letter width — valuable).
Origin & Background
A true Doubled Die variety (DDO) is created during the die manufacturing process. The working hub strikes the die, retracts slightly, and strikes again in a marginally different position, creating a second impression. Every coin struck from that die carries the same doubled image — it is a die characteristic, not a random striking event. The WDDO-001 is attributed by numismatic researcher John Wexler and is cataloged in the CONECA database.
How to Identify
- Look above the horizontal crossbar of the "7" in the date "1973" — a rounded, distinct secondary image should be visible.
- The secondary image increases the apparent width of the numeral (thicker 7) — this is the key difference from Machine Doubling.
- Die Marker 1 (Obverse): A die scratch running West-Northwest (WNW) from the top of the D in "GOD." This is the fingerprint of this specific die pair.
- Die Marker 2 (Reverse): A die scratch running Northeast (NE) from the top of the O in "ONE."
- Die Marker 3 (Reverse): A die scratch running NW/SE through the T in "CENT."
- The die markers confirm the variety even if the doubling is subtle due to wear.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling (MD) is extremely common on 1973 nickels and is the most frequent false positive. MD creates a flat, shelf-like shearing effect that reduces letter size. True DDOs show rounded, distinct secondary images. If you cannot find the die marker scratches described above, the coin is likely MD with no value. See NGC's guide on Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling and Wexler's database at doubleddie.com.
Market Values & Auction Record
No specific auction record is available in current data. This variety is recognized by the CONECA and Wexler variety collecting community and commands a premium above the standard Denver nickel value, particularly in higher grades. Consult current CONECA registry prices for the most up-to-date market data.
1973 Repunched Mintmarks — D/D Northwest (RPM-001) & S/S North (Proof RPM-001)
1973-D RPM-001: the secondary "D" protruding Northwest is visible in the upper-left of the mint mark (red oval highlights secondary impression).
Origin & Background
In 1973, mint marks for Denver and San Francisco coins were hand-punched into each working die individually — they were not part of the master hub design. If the mint mark punch was struck twice without perfect alignment, or repositioned between blows, a secondary mint mark impression formed. This is a Repunched Mintmark (RPM). Two are known for 1973: the D/D Northwest on the Denver issue and the S/S North on the San Francisco Proof.
How to Identify — 1973-D RPM-001 (D/D Northwest)
- Locate the D mint mark to the right of Jefferson's ponytail on the obverse.
- Under 10× magnification, look for a secondary D image protruding to the Northwest of the primary D.
- Look for a split serif or ghosting of the curve of the D in the upper-left quadrant of the letter.
- Reference: Variety Vista — 1973-D RPMs.
How to Identify — 1973-S RPM-001 (S/S North) Proof
- On your Proof coin, examine the S mint mark under magnification.
- A secondary S impression is visible to the North of the primary S.
- Proof die runs are far shorter than business strike runs — the number of RPM coins is very low, but survival is near 100% since Proof Sets were preserved.
- Reference: Variety Vista — 1973-S RPM-001.
False Positives to Avoid
Die deterioration creates fuzzy, ill-defined mint marks. Machine Doubling produces flat, shelf-like images adjacent to the primary mark. True RPMs show a distinct, separately punched secondary impression with its own rounded contours — two physically distinct letter forms, not a smear or flat shadow. Highly reflective proof surfaces can create optical illusions; view under consistent lighting.
Market Values
No specific auction records are available in current data for either RPM variety. Both command a premium above base value within the variety collecting community, particularly among CONECA members. Circulated examples with identifiable RPMs are actively cherry-picked from rolls.
1973-D Misplaced Mintmark (Low D)
Left: Normal D mint mark position (1973-D standard). Right: "Low D" variety — the mint mark is dramatically displaced downward, approaching the rim.
Origin & Background
The Low D variety results from the hand-punching process for mint marks in 1973. The operator punched the D significantly lower than the designated field, producing a dramatic misplacement — not within the normal tolerance range of minor positional variation, but a genuinely displaced mint mark that encroaches on the rim or the architectural design elements below Jefferson's ponytail.
How to Identify
- Locate the D mint mark on the obverse, right of Jefferson's ponytail.
- Compare its vertical position relative to the date and the queue (ponytail). The Low D appears to be "falling off" the normal field area.
- Consult CONECA die markers for the specific die pair to authenticate — specific scratches or gouges in the fields serve as the fingerprint.
- The misplacement is dramatic — not a minor shift, but a clearly out-of-place mint mark.
False Positives to Avoid
Minor positional variation in hand-punched mint marks is completely normal for 1973 coins — all mint marks show some variation. The Low D is a dramatic displacement well outside the normal tolerance range. A slightly low D that is still clearly in the proper field zone is not the Low D variety.
Market Values
- • AU55 example: $216
- • Higher grade examples would command additional premium
Auction Record
$216.00 for AU55 (Ex: Fred Weinberg Collection) — Heritage Auctions, NGC AU55.
1973 Jefferson Nickel Off-Center Strikes
1973 nickel off-center strike: design visible on left portion only, with blank unstruck crescent on the right. Full date still visible — key to maximum value.
Origin & Background
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet feeder fails to center the blank in the coining chamber collar before the dies strike. The dies stamp the planchet while it is partially outside the normal striking zone, leaving a blank crescent of unstruck metal where the die never reached. A 1973-D 60% Off-Center Chain Strike (where multiple coins were jammed and struck in succession, leaving impressions from one coin on another) appeared at Heritage Auctions.
How to Identify
- The design is present only on a portion of the coin, with smooth, blank planchet visible on the opposite side.
- Value increases significantly with the percentage off-center. Minor (10–20%): $20–$50. Dramatic (50%+): $100–$500+.
- Most important: The full date must still be visible to maximize value — a dateless off-center is worth far less.
- A Chain Strike shows impressions from adjacent coins on the coin's surface — an additional premium factor.
False Positives to Avoid
Misaligned die strikes (MAD) produce a slightly shifted but otherwise complete design with normal rims — these are common and near face value. Post-mint damage or deliberate alteration may also mimic an off-center appearance but will show tool marks or uneven surfaces.
Auction Record
1973-D 60% Off-Center Chain Strike (Heritage Auctions — exact price not recorded in source data).
1973 Jefferson Nickel Clipped Planchet
Left: Clipped planchet with curved bite missing from rim. Right: The Blakesley Effect — rim weakness directly opposite the clip confirms the error is genuine.
Origin & Background
Clipped planchets occur during blank punching. The metal strip is advanced through the punch press, and if it advances incorrectly — too far or overlapping a previously punched hole — the next punch cuts across an empty area, producing a blank with a curved section missing from its edge. The coin is then struck on this pre-clipped blank.
How to Identify
- A smoothly curved segment is missing from the edge of the coin.
- Look for the Blakesley Effect — a corresponding flat or weak spot in the rim on the opposite side of the coin from the clip. This weakness occurs during the upsetting process (the step that creates the rim) because the missing section can't receive normal pressure.
- The Blakesley Effect is the primary authenticating feature. Post-mint damage will NOT show it.
- Value increases with the size of the clip and whether the Blakesley Effect is clearly visible.
False Positives to Avoid
Post-mint damage including straight cuts, filed edges, or irregular gouges is common and worthless. PMD edges appear sharp, rough, or jagged rather than smoothly curved. Always check for the Blakesley Effect opposite the clip — its presence confirms a genuine pre-strike clip.
1973 Jefferson Nickel: Common Traps & False Alarms
Three conditions affect virtually every roll of 1973 nickels and fool collectors into thinking they've found something valuable. Learn to spot them immediately.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (MD) — The #1 Trap on 1973 Nickels
Letters, numbers, or devices on the coin appear to have a shadow or secondary image — especially the date "1973" or the text IN GOD WE TRUST. It looks doubled.
The working die is slightly loose in the press. Upon striking, the die bounces or drags across the newly struck coin surface, shearing the metal and creating a flat, displaced secondary image.
- The secondary image is flat and shelf-like — it has no rounded contour of its own.
- The secondary image makes letters appear smaller or shaved (metal is sheared off, not added).
- True Doubled Dies (like WDDO-001) show rounded secondary images that make letters appear wider.
- If you cannot find specific die marker scratches matching a cataloged DDO entry, it is MD.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD) & Worn Die Strikes
Fuzzy, mushy details throughout the coin — particularly the Monticello steps and lettering. Steps may appear partially formed or seem to merge. Lettering may look "fat" or soft-edged.
In 1973, dies were kept in service far past their prime due to production demands. As a die wears, it loses the sharp incuse detail needed to transfer crisp features to the coin. The result is a coin that looks "mushy" throughout.
- Mushiness and flow lines appear across the entire coin, not in a specific localized area.
- Steps that appear "almost full" under magnification reveal bridging or merging — they do NOT qualify for the FS designation.
- Die deterioration is not a variety — every coin from a worn die looks similar.
Value: Face value only. Does not qualify for Full Steps designation.
⚠️ Acid-Treated or Damaged Coins Mimicking Errors
A nickel with copper coloring, reduced diameter or weight, or unusual surface texture — superficially resembling a wrong planchet error.
Deliberate acid treatment can strip the surface of a nickel, expose the copper core (on clad coins), or reduce weight. Post-mint alterations are sometimes passed off as genuine wrong planchet errors.
- Acid-treated surfaces show pitting and mushy details — genuine wrong planchet errors show normal, crisp metal flow lines.
- The 1973 nickel is a solid 75/25 alloy — it has no copper core to expose (unlike clad dimes or quarters). Examine the edge: it should be uniform grey throughout.
- For definitive authentication of suspected planchet errors, professional TPG submission (PCGS/NGC) is essential.
Value: Face value only if altered.
1973 Jefferson Nickel: How Grade Affects Value
1973 Jefferson Nickel: How Grade Affects Value
For the 1973 nickel, grade alone is not the key driver — strike quality on the Monticello steps is what creates the extreme value gap.
| Grade | Designation | Estimated Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated | None | Face value–$0.20 | Check for errors regardless of grade |
| MS63–MS65 | None | $1–$20 | Common in rolls; majority lack FS |
| MS66 | None | ~$30 | High grade but no steps premium |
| MS67 | Full Steps (FS) | $522–$2,695 | The holy grail; P far rarer than D |
| PR65–PR69 DCAM | Deep Cameo | $3–$15 | Standard proof; nearly all survivors |
| PR70 | Deep Cameo (DCAM) | $4,000–$5,550 | Perfect flawless proof; extremely rare |
The Full Steps designation requires at least 5 uninterrupted horizontal lines at the base of Monticello, verified by PCGS or NGC. The bridge between steps 3 and 4 is the most common failure point on 1973-P coins. Do not buy raw (uncertified) coins sold as "Full Steps" at premium prices — submit to a professional grading service first. For more on the FS standard, see jeffersonnickel.org.
1973 Jefferson Nickel: When to Get Professional Authentication
1973 Jefferson Nickel: When to Get Professional Authentication
Submitting a coin to a third-party grading service (TPG) costs money and time — but for the right coins, it is essential.
Always Submit If You Believe You Have:
- A Wrong Planchet error — authentication and encapsulation protect the coin and establish provenance for sale at $349–$2,300+.
- A 1973-P or 1973-D Full Steps candidate in MS65 or higher — raw FS coins are routinely over-graded by sellers online. A PCGS or NGC label is the only trustworthy certification for high-value FS coins.
- A 1973-S PR70 DCAM candidate — a coin that appears flawless to the naked eye often reveals hairlines under professional examination that drop it to PR69.
- An Off-Center Strike of 50% or more.
- Any coin you believe to be a cataloged variety (WDDO-001, RPM-001, Low D).
Recommended Services
PCGS (PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-P FS) and NGC (NGC Coin Explorer — 1973-D) are the two leading services. ANACS is also recognized for error coins. Do not clean or polish the coin before submitting — cleaning permanently destroys numismatic value.
⚠️ Do Not Clean Your Coin
Cleaning — even gently with a cloth — leaves hairlines visible under magnification that permanently reduce a coin's grade. Handle potential valuable coins by the edges only.
Dealer directory: consult the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) or American Numismatic Association (ANA) member directories to find reputable local dealers for in-person evaluation.
1973 Jefferson Nickel: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 1973 nickel worth?
Most circulated 1973 nickels are worth face value (5 cents) to $0.20. Uncirculated examples trade for $1–$20. The extreme premium kicks in with Full Steps designation: an MS67 FS Philadelphia can sell for $1,528–$2,695. Major errors like wrong planchet strikes are worth $349–$2,300+.
What does "Full Steps" mean on a Jefferson Nickel?
Full Steps (FS) refers to at least five complete, uninterrupted horizontal lines visible at the base of Monticello on the reverse. These lines represent the architectural steps leading up to the portico. In 1973, the high production demands and hard alloy meant most coins were poorly struck, making sharp Full Steps an extreme rarity — hence the massive price premium.
How do I find my 1973 nickel's mint mark?
Look on the obverse (front of the coin), to the right of Jefferson's ponytail (the hair queue behind his neck), just above the date. A "D" means Denver, an "S" means San Francisco. No mint mark means Philadelphia. In 1973, the S-mint produced Proof coins only — a circulated S-mint nickel is unusual and may be an impaired Proof.
My 1973 nickel looks doubled — is it valuable?
Almost certainly not — 1973 nickels are notorious for Machine Doubling (MD), which creates a flat, shelf-like doubled appearance with no numismatic value. True Doubled Dies show rounded secondary images that increase letter width. The only cataloged true DDO for 1973 is the Wexler WDDO-001 on the Denver issue, identifiable by specific die marker scratches (WNW scratch from top of D in GOD; NE scratch from top of O in ONE; NW/SE scratch through T in CENT). Without those markers, it is almost certainly MD.
My 1973 nickel is copper-colored — is it a valuable error?
It could be a valuable wrong planchet error worth $349–$2,300+, but it could also be an acid-treated fake or an environmentally damaged coin. Weigh it precisely: a cent planchet weighs approximately 3.11g versus the standard 5.00g for a nickel. A genuine wrong planchet error will have normal, crisp metal flow lines. An acid-treated fake will show pitted surfaces and mushy detail. Have it authenticated by PCGS, NGC, or ANACS before assuming value.
What is the most valuable 1973 nickel?
By auction record, the 1973-S PR70 Deep Cameo Proof at $5,550 is the highest recorded sale. Among circulating-quality coins, the 1973-P MS67 Full Steps has sold for $2,695. Wrong planchet errors have reached $2,300. All three require either perfect strike quality or a manufacturing error to reach those levels.
Is the 1973-S nickel only available as a Proof?
Yes. In 1973, the San Francisco Mint produced nickels exclusively for annual Proof Sets sold to collectors — there are no 1973-S business strike nickels. If you have an S-mint nickel that does not have mirror-like reflective fields and frosted devices, it is likely an impaired Proof that entered circulation, or (rarely) has an altered mint mark. Have it examined professionally.
What tools do I need to check my 1973 nickels?
A 10× loupe (magnifying glass) is essential for examining step lines, mint marks, and doubling. A precision postal scale accurate to 0.01g is needed to detect wrong planchet errors (normal nickel: 5.00g; cent planchet: ~3.11g). A ruler or digital calipers can verify diameter (21.20mm normal; ~19mm for cent planchet). Good lighting — ideally a focused LED lamp — is also critical.
Sources & Methodology
All prices, auction records, variety attributions, and technical specifications in this guide are sourced from the following authoritative references. Values reflect auction realizations through early 2025.
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-P FS (Relative Rarity, population data, auction records)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-D (mintage, MS66 value)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1973-S PR70 DCAM (proof values)
- GreatCollections — 1973 Jefferson Nickel FS auction archive ($2,695 record)
- Wexler's Doubled Die Listings — 1973-D WDDO-001 (die markers)
- Variety Vista — 1973-D RPMs (RPM-001 attribution)
- Variety Vista — 1973-S RPM-001 (S/S North attribution)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1973-D Low D AU55 ($216 Heritage record)
- JeffersonNickel.org — Full Steps standard and grading criteria
- NGC — Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling (diagnostic guide)
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
