1981 Nickel Value: Mint Varieties, Rarity, and Current Prices

Price Guide for 1981 Nickel Variants

This guide presents price ranges for 1981 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.

1981-P Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $60.00 - $3,738.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $9.99 - $5,995.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $18.00 - $5,000.00

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1981-D Nickel (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $3.00 - $374.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $0.01 - $2,500.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1.00 - $525.00

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1981-P Nickel (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Circulated: $24.00 - $236.00

  Uncirculated: $7.00 - $3,450.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $0.99 - $1,599.99
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $1.00 - $35.00

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1981-D Nickel, FS (Regular Strike)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $8.00 - $633.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $2.76 - $177.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $2.00 - $2,150.00

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1981-S Nickel Type 1, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $6.00 - $2,990.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $0.73 - $668.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $3.00 - $100.00

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1981-S Nickel Type 2, DCAM (Proof)

• 3rd Party Price

  Uncirculated: $8.00 - $3,525.00
• eBay

  Uncirculated: $0.99 - $2,767.00
• PCGS Price Guide

  Uncirculated: $3.00 - $500.00

More Detail

Design and Specifications of the 1981 Nickel

Rarity Factors and Value Drivers

Condition plays a crucial role in the value of 1981 nickels. While most circulated examples hold only face value, uncirculated coins can command a premium. Coins in MS65 and above are of particular interest to collectors, with those grading MS67 or higher being quite scarce and valuable.

The quality of the strike is important, with well-struck examples showing full detail on Jefferson's hair and Monticello's steps being more desirable. Luster is another key factor, with coins exhibiting full, original mint luster being more valuable.

Toning can significantly impact a 1981 nickel's value. While most nickels don't tone as readily as silver coins, some can develop attractive toning over time. Coins with natural, appealing toning patterns may command a premium among collectors.

Full Step (FS) designations are particularly important for Jefferson nickels. Coins showing five or six full steps on Monticello are more valuable, as they indicate a strong strike and good preservation. However, Full Step examples from 1981 are relatively scarce, making them highly sought after by specialists.

While no major errors or varieties are known for 1981 nickels, any discovered significant die errors or doubled die varieties could potentially add substantial value to a coin.