1979 Jefferson Nickel Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Is your 1979 Jefferson Nickel worth more than $0.05? Find values for the Type 2 Clear S Proof ($2,530+), Full Steps condition rarity ($4,500), wrong planchet errors ($2,220), and off-center strikes. Learn to spot worthless machine doubling. Updated January 2026.
Most 1979 Jefferson Nickels are worth face value ($0.05), but the Type 2 "Clear S" Proof, Full Steps condition rarity, and major mint errors can reach $165–$4,500 or more.
- 🔑 Type 2 "Clear S" Proof (1979-S) — $20–$40 (PR69 DCAM) | up to $2,530 (PR70 DCAM)
- 🔑 Wrong Planchet (struck on cent blank) — $200–$1,800+ | auction record $2,220 MS65
- 🔑 Full Steps 1979-D — auction record $4,500 (MS67 FS) | 1979-P record $2,115 (MS66 FS)
- 🔑 Off-Center Strike (10–50%) — $30–$350+
⚠️ Biggest trap: Machine Doubling is rampant on 1979 nickels and carries zero premium. A missing "P" mintmark is also completely normal — Philadelphia did not add "P" to nickels until 1980.
1979 Jefferson Nickel Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and current market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for any coin suspected to be a major error or high-grade Full Steps candidate.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable doubled die variety and has zero numismatic premium. 1979 is a high-risk year for this confusion.
In 1979, Philadelphia did not place a 'P' mintmark on nickels. A missing mintmark is normal, not an error. The P mintmark was added starting in 1980.
The cost of professional grading ($30–$60+) usually exceeds the value of common 1979 nickels. Only submit confirmed errors or high-grade Full Steps candidates.
No 1979 nickel contains silver. Silver War Nickels were only produced from 1942 to 1945.
Pull a 1979 Jefferson Nickel from your change jar and you're almost certainly holding a five-cent coin — one of nearly 789 million struck across Philadelphia and Denver that year. But hiding in that vast sea are a handful of coins worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars: a San Francisco Proof with a rare mintmark punch, business strikes accidentally hit on penny blanks, and uncirculated examples with Monticello's steps so perfectly formed that fewer than 100 have ever been certified across all grades. This guide tells you exactly what to look for. For standard non-error pricing, see our full 1979 Jefferson Nickel value guide.
1979 Jefferson Nickel: Specifications & Mintage
Every genuine 1979 Jefferson Nickel shares these core specifications. Any deviation — especially in weight or diameter — is your first signal that a coin may be a mint error worth investigating further.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (cupronickel) |
| Weight | 5.00 g — readings below ~4.8 g may indicate a wrong planchet |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Edge | Plain (smooth — no ridges) |
| Magnetic? | No. Any magnetic 1979 nickel is counterfeit. |
| Philadelphia (P) Mintage | 463,188,000 — no "P" mintmark in 1979; blank space is normal |
| Denver (D) Mintage | 325,867,672 |
| San Francisco (S) Mintage | 3,677,175 — Proof only |
| Mintmark Location | To the right of Monticello on the reverse |
| Required Tools | 10x–20x loupe, digital scale (0.01 g accuracy), magnet |
⚠️ Why 1979 Is a High-Error Year
The Mint ran presses at maximum capacity in 1979, driven by inflation and coin hoarding. Dies were changed frequently, presses ran at high speed, and striking pressures were lowered to extend die life. These conditions increased the chance of machine doubling, off-center strikes, and wrong planchet escapes — while also making Full Steps on Monticello nearly impossible to achieve at high grades.
For standard grade-by-grade pricing on non-error examples, see our complete 1979 Jefferson Nickel value guide.
1979 Jefferson Nickel: Quick Error Checks
Run through these checks before spending time on detailed research. The first three identify potentially valuable coins; the fourth is the most common false alarm for this year.
The three essential tools: 10x loupe (left), 0.01 g digital scale (center), and magnet (right).
Check 1: The Type 2 "Clear S" Mintmark (S-Mint Proof Only)
The "S" mintmark to the right of Monticello on the reverse of your San Francisco Proof coin. This check only applies to Proof coins with the S mintmark.
Under 10x magnification: the S is crisp and distinct. The serifs (decorative tips) are bulbous and clearly separated from the diagonal stroke. You can see the mirror-like proof field clearly through the open loops of the S.
Type 1 ("Filled S") is the common variety: the S looks like a blob or rectangle with the inner loops filled with metal. This check also does not apply to Denver (D) or Philadelphia (no mintmark) coins.
Check 2: Wrong Planchet or Off-Center Strike (Philadelphia & Denver)
The coin's color, overall size, weight on a digital scale, and whether there is a crescent-shaped blank area where the design should be.
Wrong Planchet: Coin appears copper-colored, measures ~19 mm (smaller than 21.2 mm), and weighs ~3.11 g instead of 5.00 g. Off-Center Strike: A crescent blank area displaces the design by more than 10%.
A plated or acid-treated coin (wrong color but correct 5.00 g weight and 21.2 mm diameter). A "dryer coin" with thickened rims. Centering variance under 5% is within Mint tolerance and carries no premium.
Check 3: Full Steps (5FS / 6FS) Designation — Uncirculated Coins Only
The horizontal steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. Count the lines running across the full width of the building.
Five or six complete, uninterrupted step lines running the full width of Monticello with no breaks, nicks, or weak spots anywhere along them. 1979 is a notoriously weak-strike year — this is extremely rare even among millions minted.
Partially visible steps with any break, bridge, or center weakness do not qualify. Most 1979 nickels fail this standard. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC is essential to confirm FS status.
Trap Check: Machine Doubling — Looks Like a Doubled Die, Worth Nothing
The date "1979", the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST", and "LIBERTY" on the obverse. Machine Doubling is extremely common on 1979 nickels due to high-speed production and loose die lugs.
The secondary image is flat and shelf-like — it looks pushed or smeared, and it subtracts from letter width (letters appear thinner). A true Doubled Die (rare) has rounded secondary images with split serifs that add width to letters.
If none of these checks match, your coin is most likely a standard circulated or uncirculated example. Continue only if the coin meets the thresholds in the Quick Answer box above.
1979 Jefferson Nickel Error Values at a Glance
This table summarizes all documented error and variety categories for the 1979 Jefferson Nickel. Error Type names link to the detailed Jackpots guide below. Values as of January 2026.
| Error Type | Category | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 (Clear S) Proof | Variety | S | Uncommon | $20–$60 | $2,530 (PR70) |
| Wrong Planchet (on 1¢) | Major Error | P / D | Rare | $200–$1,800+ | $2,220 (MS65) |
| Full Steps (FS) — Denver | Condition Rarity | D | Very Rare | $15–$4,500 | $4,500 (MS67 FS) |
| Full Steps (FS) — Philadelphia | Condition Rarity | P | Extremely Rare | $15–$2,115 | $2,115 (MS66 FS) |
| Off-Center Strike | Major Error | P / D | Rare | $10–$350+ | $345 (65% off) |
| Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) | Variety | P / D | Scarce | $5–$50 | — |
| Major Die Break (Cud) | Die Error | P / D | Very Rare | $50–$165+ | $165 (no-date cud) |
| Machine Doubling | Non-Error | All | Extremely Common | Face Value | — |
Baseline Values by Mint
For non-error examples, values depend on mint, condition, and — for uncirculated coins — whether the coin has the Full Steps designation.
Philadelphia (No Mint Mark) Values
| Condition | Non-FS Value | Full Steps (FS) Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.05 (face value) | N/A |
| Mint State (MS60–MS64) | $0.25–$5 | $15+ |
| MS65 | ~$15 | ~$165 |
| MS66 | ~$30 | ~$2,115 (record) |
Source: PCGS CoinFacts. FS premium multiplier at MS66 is approximately 70x.
Denver (D) Values
| Condition | Non-FS Value | Full Steps (FS) Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | $0.05 (face value) | N/A |
| Mint State (MS60–MS64) | $0.25–$5 | $15+ |
| MS66 | ~$25 | ~$125 |
| MS67 | ~$60 | $4,500 (record) |
Source: PCGS CoinFacts. FS premium multiplier at MS67 is approximately 75x.
San Francisco (S) Proof Values — Type 1 vs. Type 2
| Variety | PR69 DCAM | PR70 DCAM |
|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (Filled S) — Common | $10–$15 | $1,000+ |
| Type 2 (Clear S) — Scarce | $20–$40 | $2,500+ |
PR70 is statistically rare for Type 1 due to the worn punch. Type 2 PR70 DCAM auction record: $2,530. Source: PCGS CoinFacts.
1979 Jefferson Nickel Valuable Errors & Varieties — Detailed Guide
1979-S Type 2 (Clear S) Proof Nickel
Type 1 "Filled S" (left) vs. Type 2 "Clear S" (right) under 10x magnification.
Origin & Background
In 1979, the San Francisco Mint used a heavily degraded mintmark punch — designated Type 1 or "Filled S" — that produced an S mintmark with merged serifs and closed loops. The internal fields of the letter filled with metal during high-pressure proof striking, creating a blob-like shape. Recognizing the poor aesthetic quality (especially unsuitable for Proof coinage sold to collectors), the Mint introduced a newly machined punch later in the production year. This Type 2 or "Clear S" punch produced a crisp, open letter with distinct bulbous serifs. The Type 2 correction is significantly scarcer than the Type 1 for the nickel.
How to Identify
- Use a 10x loupe and examine the S mintmark to the right of Monticello on the reverse.
- Type 2 (valuable): The loops of the S are wide and open — you can clearly see the mirror-like proof field through both loops. The serifs are bulbous and distinctly separated from the diagonal stroke of the letter.
- Type 1 (common): The S looks like a filled rectangle or blob. The serifs merge into the loops, leaving little to no open space inside the letter.
- The distinction should be obvious under magnification — do not talk yourself into a Type 2 if the loops look even slightly filled.
False Positives to Avoid
A slightly above-average Type 1 with partially open loops is not a Type 2. The separation of serifs from the diagonal stroke in Type 2 is a clear, unambiguous diagnostic — not a judgment call. All major TPGs (PCGS, NGC, ANACS) recognize the distinction; raw sets on the secondary market are frequently mislabeled by sellers.
Market Values
- Type 1 PR69 DCAM: $10–$15
- Type 1 PR70 DCAM: $1,000+ (statistically rare due to worn punch)
- Type 2 PR69 DCAM: $20–$40
- Type 2 PR70 DCAM: $2,500+
Auction Record
$2,530 for a PR70 DCAM example (PCGS CoinFacts, 1979-S Type 2).
PR69 DCAM (left) vs. PR70 DCAM (right) — flawless surfaces explain the massive value gap.
1979 Jefferson Nickel Struck on Lincoln Cent Planchet
Normal nickel (left, silver-gray, 21.2 mm) vs. wrong-planchet error (right, copper-red, ~19 mm).
Origin & Background
In 1979, the Mint was producing billions of Lincoln Cents (19 mm, 3.11 g, 95% copper) and Jefferson Nickels (21.2 mm, 5.00 g) side by side. Cent planchets stored in large tote bins occasionally stuck inside and were transferred into nickel planchet bins. When one of these rogue cent planchets was fed into a nickel press, the die collar — designed for a 21.2 mm nickel — could not fully contain the smaller 19 mm blank. The result is a dramatic, highly visible error that bears a nickel design on a penny-sized copper disc.
How to Identify
- Color: The coin is bright red or brown — the unmistakable color of copper, not the silver-gray of a standard nickel.
- Weight: Weigh on a 0.01 g digital scale. A genuine wrong planchet error will read approximately 3.11 g. A standard nickel reads 5.00 g.
- Size: The coin is visibly smaller (~19 mm vs. 21.2 mm). Design elements along the edge — such as the legends "LIBERTY" or the date — will be truncated or cut off because the penny blank is too small for the nickel die face.
- Strike: The center of the design (Monticello's dome or Jefferson's cheek) may appear weak or mushy because a thinner planchet provides less metal volume to fill the die cavity.
False Positives to Avoid
A coin with wrong color but correct weight (5.00 g) and correct diameter (21.2 mm) is a plated coin — not a wrong planchet error. Acid-dipped coins may be lighter but will show pitting and rough surfaces. Always weigh first: weight is the decisive test.
Market Values
- Circulated / raw examples: $200–$600
- Certified Mint State: $600–$1,800+
Auction Record
$2,220 for an MS65 example (NGC Coin Explorer, 1979 5C MS).
1979 Jefferson Nickel Off-Center Strike
25% off-center strike showing crescent blank with date still visible — the collector "sweet spot."
Origin & Background
An off-center strike happens when the planchet is not fully centered between the dies when the press fires. The result is a crescent-shaped blank area on one side of the coin and design elements running off the opposite edge. Value is driven by two factors: how far off-center the strike is, and whether the date remains visible.
How to Identify
- Both the obverse and reverse must be off-center by the same degree and in the same direction — confirming it happened at the press, not afterward.
- The blank area should be smooth and show the planchet's original surface, not ground or filed metal.
- Value by percentage: under 5% = face value (Mint tolerance); 10–20% with date visible = $10–$60; 20–50% with date visible = $30–$350+; over 50% with date missing = $10–$100 (unverifiable date reduces demand).
False Positives to Avoid
A Misaligned Die (MAD) error — where only one side appears off-center — is a different and less valuable error unless it is severe enough to cut off design elements. Coins with ground-down or filed edges are Post-Mint Damage (PMD). Off-center strikes under 5% carry no premium.
Market Values
- <5% off-center: Face value
- 10–20% (date visible): $10–$60
- 20–50% (date visible): $30–$250+
- >50% (date missing): $10–$100
Auction Record
$345 for a 65% off-center, double-struck example in MS65 (Heritage Auctions).
1979 Jefferson Nickel Full Steps (5FS / 6FS) Designation
Incomplete steps (left) vs. certified Full Steps (right) — 1979's most valuable condition rarity.
Origin & Background
The Full Steps (FS) designation is the premier quality indicator for Jefferson Nickels. To earn it from PCGS or NGC, a coin must show five (5FS) or six (6FS) complete, uninterrupted horizontal step lines at the base of Monticello on the reverse. The steps are the deepest part of the die cavity — the last area to receive metal flow — making them the first casualty of low striking pressure.
1979 is one of the most notorious weak-strike years in the Jefferson Nickel series. The Mint reduced striking pressures to extend die life and maintain the unprecedented production pace. Consequently, PCGS population reports show fewer than 100 verified Full Steps examples for the 1979-P across all grades — a remarkable statistic for a coin minted 463 million times.
How to Identify
- Under 10x–20x magnification, examine the horizontal lines at the base of Monticello.
- Every step line must run continuously from left to right across the full width of the building with no breaks, bridges, nicks, or weak spots anywhere along its length.
- A single interruption anywhere on any step line disqualifies the coin from FS status.
- Professional certification by PCGS or NGC is essential — do not pay FS premiums for raw (uncertified) coins.
False Positives to Avoid
"Some steps visible" is not Full Steps. Most 1979 nickels have partially visible steps that fade or break in the center — do not confuse these with the strict, uncompromising FS standard. The value multiplier is enormous, so sellers of raw coins may exaggerate step quality. Only buy FS premiums on PCGS- or NGC-certified examples.
Market Values
- 1979-P MS65 (non-FS):~$15 | MS65 FS:~$165 (11x multiplier)
- 1979-P MS66 (non-FS):~$30 | MS66 FS:~$2,115 (70x multiplier)
- 1979-D MS66 (non-FS):~$25 | MS66 FS:~$125 (5x multiplier)
- 1979-D MS67 (non-FS):~$60 | MS67 FS:$4,500 (75x multiplier)
Auction Records
$4,500 for a 1979-D MS67 FS (PCGS CoinFacts). $2,115 for a 1979-P MS66 FS (PCGS CoinFacts).
1979 Jefferson Nickel Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)
True DDO split serifs (top) vs. flat machine doubling (bottom) — only the top is valuable.
Origin & Background
A true Doubled Die (abbreviated DDO for Doubled Die Obverse) is a die manufacturing error, not a striking error. It occurs when the working die receives multiple impressions from the hub during its creation and the impressions are not perfectly aligned. Every coin struck from that die carries the doubled image. For 1979, verified DDO varieties are listed by Wexler and VarietyVista but are generally minor — they do not show the dramatic separation seen on famous issues like the 1955 Lincoln Cent or the 1969-S Cent.
How to Identify
- Under magnification: look for doubling on IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, or the date on the obverse.
- The secondary image is rounded and matches the relief of the primary design — it adds to letter width.
- Look for split serifs: the decorative tips of letters appear doubled, with a small notch between the two images.
- The doubling should be consistent across multiple design elements affected by the same hub rotation.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling (MD) is the primary false positive for this year. MD is flat, shelf-like, and subtracts from letter width — the opposite of true DDO. If letters look thinner due to the doubling, it is MD with zero value. See the Traps section for a full breakdown. Verified 1979 DDOs are listed at Wexler's Doubled Die site.
Market Values
- Minor DDO varieties: $5–$15 in lower grades
- Better-grade minor DDO: $20–$50
Auction Record
No major auction records documented for 1979 DDO varieties. The premiums are modest and often do not justify auction house listing fees.
1979 Jefferson Nickel Major Die Break (Cud Error)
Raised cud (blob of metal at the rim) where the die broke away — no design detail in this area.
Origin & Background
A cud is formed when a piece of the die chips or breaks away at or near the rim. Because the broken area no longer has relief (raised design), metal flows into the void during striking and creates a raised, featureless blob of metal connected to the rim on the coin. Cuds that obliterate the date or major design elements command the highest premiums because they are more visually dramatic.
How to Identify
- The cud is a raised area — it stands above the normal coin surface.
- It is always connected to the rim and shows no design detail in its footprint.
- It is the same metal as the rest of the coin (not applied or glued).
- Both sides of the coin should show normal striking everywhere else.
False Positives to Avoid
Rim damage from drops or impacts (Post-Mint Damage) creates depressions or dings — not raised metal. Small die chips in the coin's field are minor and much less valuable than full rim cuds. Struck-through errors leave impressions in the coin, not raised areas.
Market Values
- Small cud, field location: $50–$80
- Large cud, rim location: $80–$165+
Auction Record
$165 for a major cud that obliterated the date area on a Jefferson Nickel (West Coast Coins Oregon).
1979 Jefferson Nickel Traps: Common Misidentifications Worth Face Value
These are the four most common false positives for the 1979 Jefferson Nickel. Recognizing them quickly will save you wasted grading fees and disappointment.
⚠️ Trap 1: Machine Doubling — The Year's Biggest Minefield
The date "1979," the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," or "LIBERTY" appears to show a second, shifted image — as if the coin was struck twice. Looks exciting under a loupe.
In 1979, presses ran at maximum speed. If die lugs were not perfectly tightened, the die would bounce or shift slightly during retraction, dragging across the metal. This creates a flat, smeared secondary image — machine doubling — not a true doubled die variety.
- The secondary image is flat and shelf-like — it looks pushed, not raised.
- Letter width is narrower because of the doubling (metal was displaced, not added).
- A true DDO has rounded secondary images with split serifs that make letters fatter.
- Read more at NGC's guide on Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling.
Value: Face value only. Zero numismatic premium.
⚠️ Trap 2: "No Mint Mark" Philadelphia Nickel — Normal, Not an Error
There is no mintmark to the right of Monticello. Sellers sometimes list these as "rare no-mint-mark errors" similar to the famous 1982 Roosevelt Dime.
In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint simply did not use a "P" mintmark on nickels. This was the standard design for all 463 million Philadelphia examples. The "P" mintmark was added starting in 1980.
- Every 1979 Philadelphia nickel has no mintmark. It is the intended design, not an error.
- Look for a D mintmark (Denver) or S mintmark (San Francisco Proof) instead — those are the other mints.
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ Trap 3: Dark, Discolored, or "Black Beauty" Nickels
A dark, charcoal-black 1979 nickel that looks unusual. Sometimes listed as a rare "improperly annealed planchet" error.
Almost certainly environmental damage — heat, burial, or chemical exposure. True "Black Beauty" sintered planchet errors are primarily associated with 1958–1959 nickels, not 1979 issues.
- Weigh the coin — a genuine error will have the correct 5.00 g. Environmental damage may alter weight slightly, but the surface will be pitted or rough.
- True sintered planchet errors have a black surface that is part of the coin's original metal structure, not a surface deposit that can be rubbed off.
Value: Face value only (Post-Mint Damage).
⚠️ Trap 4: "Silver" or Strange-Colored 1979 Nickels
A 1979 nickel that appears silver-toned, has a different ring when dropped, or looks slightly different in color from other nickels.
The U.S. Mint only produced silver-alloy "War Nickels" from 1942 to 1945. No 1979 nickel contains silver. Color differences are from plating (common in high school science experiments), environmental exposure, or cleaning.
- Weigh the coin — silver-plated nickels still read 5.00 g. A true wrong-planchet error (valuable) reads ~3.11 g.
- Use a magnet — genuine U.S. nickels are not magnetic. If it sticks, it is counterfeit.
Value: Face value only.
Machine doubling (flat, shelf-like — worthless) vs. true doubled die (rounded, adds width — valuable).
1979 Jefferson Nickel: How Grade Affects Value
Grade — the numerical score from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect) assigned by professional grading services — has an outsized impact on 1979 nickel values, especially for Full Steps and Proof examples.
| Grade Range | What It Means | Typical Business Strike Value |
|---|---|---|
| AG–G (1–6) | Heavily worn, major details gone | $0.05 |
| VF–EF (20–45) | Moderate to light wear | $0.05–$0.25 |
| AU (50–58) | Slight wear on high points | $0.25–$1 |
| MS60–MS64 | Uncirculated; contact marks present | $0.25–$5 |
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated; few minor marks | $12–$20 |
| MS66 | Premium Gem; very few marks | $25–$35 |
| MS66 FS | Premium Gem with Full Steps | $125–$2,115 |
| MS67 FS | Superb Gem with Full Steps | $4,500 (1979-D record) |
💡 The One-Point Rule
For 1979 proofs, the difference between PR69 and PR70 is not cosmetic — it is financial. A Type 2 PR69 DCAM is worth $20–$40. A Type 2 PR70 DCAM has sold for over $2,500. On soft cupronickel proof planchets, achieving a flawless surface is extremely difficult, making PR70 coins genuinely rare.
1979 Jefferson Nickel: When to Get It Certified
Professional third-party grading (TPG) by PCGS or NGC is worth pursuing only in specific circumstances for 1979 nickels. Grading fees of $30–$60+ per coin quickly exceed the value of a common example.
Submit for Grading If:
- The coin weighs significantly below 4.8 g on a 0.01 g digital scale (potential wrong planchet error).
- You have a Proof 1979-S that appears to be Type 2 (Clear S) in high-grade, flawless condition.
- The coin is missing 20% or more of the design due to an off-center strike.
- An uncirculated example appears to have complete, uninterrupted steps on Monticello (potential Full Steps — the most common reason for certification).
- You have a major rim cud or other dramatic die error.
Do NOT Submit If:
- The only feature of interest is "doubling" — confirm it is a true DDO, not Machine Doubling, before spending on grading.
- The coin is circulated with no errors present (worth $0.05).
- The coin is a standard uncirculated example without the Full Steps designation (grading cost exceeds potential value).
Pre-Submission Checklist
- Magnet test: US nickels are not magnetic. Any magnetic coin is counterfeit — do not submit.
- Weight: Confirm with a 0.01 g digital scale. A standard kitchen scale (1 g accuracy) is insufficient.
- Do not clean the coin under any circumstances — cleaning permanently destroys numismatic value and may cause a "Details" grade that eliminates premium.
- Handle by the edge only — fingerprints on fields damage surfaces and may cost you a grade point.
For help finding a reputable dealer or appraiser, contact the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG) at pngdealers.org or the American Numismatic Association (ANA) at money.org.
1979 Jefferson Nickel Errors — Frequently Asked Questions
My 1979 nickel has no "P" mintmark — is it a rare error?
No. In 1979, the Philadelphia Mint did not place a "P" mintmark on nickels. A blank space to the right of Monticello is the standard, intended design for all 463 million Philadelphia examples. The "P" mintmark was added to the nickel starting in 1980. Your coin is a normal Philadelphia issue worth $0.05.
How do I tell Machine Doubling from a real Doubled Die?
Machine Doubling (MD) is flat and shelf-like — it looks as if the metal was smeared or pushed aside. It makes letters appear thinner. A true Doubled Die (DDO) has rounded secondary images with distinct split serifs — the doubling adds to letter width, making letters appear fatter. MD is worth nothing. 1979 is one of the highest-risk years for MD confusion due to high-speed production. When in doubt, consult NGC's official guide.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 on the 1979-S Proof?
Type 1 ("Filled S") uses a degraded mintmark punch — the S looks like a blob with no visible space inside its loops. Type 2 ("Clear S") uses a new, crisp punch — the S is sharp with bulbous serifs and wide open loops. Type 2 is scarcer and commands a significant premium, especially at the PR70 Deep Cameo level where values exceed $2,500.
What tools do I need to check a 1979 nickel?
Three tools are essential: (1) A 10x–20x loupe for examining mintmarks and doubling; (2) A digital gram scale reading to 0.01 g accuracy — a standard kitchen scale is insufficient for detecting wrong planchet errors; and (3) A magnet to rule out counterfeit steel coins. US nickels are not magnetic.
Does a 1979 nickel contain silver?
No. The U.S. Mint only produced silver-alloy Jefferson Nickels from 1942 to 1945 (the "War Nickels"). The 1979 nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel — no silver content whatsoever. Any color variation on a 1979 nickel is from plating, environmental exposure, or cleaning, not silver.
Why are Full Steps so rare on 1979 nickels if hundreds of millions were minted?
The Mint ran presses at maximum speed in 1979 and deliberately reduced striking pressures to extend die life and increase production. The steps of Monticello are the deepest part of the die — the last area to receive metal flow. Lower pressure means the steps almost never filled completely. PCGS population reports show fewer than 100 verified Full Steps examples for the 1979-P across all grades — an extraordinary rarity for a coin minted 463 million times.
Should I clean my 1979 nickel before submitting it?
Never clean a coin you intend to have graded or sell as numismatic. Cleaning permanently destroys the coin's original surface and will result in a "Details — Cleaned" designation from PCGS or NGC, which eliminates essentially all premium value. Even gentle polishing is damaging. Store the coin in a non-PVC holder and handle it only by the edge.
Is it worth sending a regular 1979 nickel to PCGS or NGC?
Almost certainly not. Standard grading service fees are $30–$60+ per coin, and a common 1979 nickel in MS65 is worth only about $12–$20. Only submit if you have a confirmed major error (wrong planchet, significant off-center), a Type 2 Proof in near-perfect condition, or a strong Full Steps candidate — situations where the value gained from certification clearly exceeds the fee.
Methodology & Sources
All values, diagnostics, mintage figures, and auction records in this guide are sourced exclusively from primary numismatic references. Prices reflect verified auction results and established price guides as of January 2026.
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-P Jefferson Nickel
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-D Jefferson Nickel
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-S Type 2 DCAM Proof
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-P FS (Full Steps)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1979-D FS (Full Steps)
- Heritage Auctions — 1979-D Off-Center Strike MS65
- NGC — Double Dies vs. Machine Doubling
- Wexler's Coins — 1979 Jefferson Nickel DDO Listings
Values as of January 2026. Coin markets fluctuate; confirm current prices via PCGS Price Guide, NGC Price Guide, or recent auction results before buying or selling.
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.
