1986 Jefferson Nickel Value: P, D, S Mint Price Guide
1986 Jefferson Nickel values range from face value to $4,500. Learn Full Steps grading, identify rare condition rarities, and find current market prices for all mints.
The 1986 Jefferson Nickel is worth $0.05 to $4,500 depending on mint mark, strike quality, and condition.
- Circulated (P or D): Face value ($0.05)
- Uncirculated Standard Strike: $1 – $350
- Full Steps (FS) Designation: $15 – $4,500
- 1986-S Proof (PR-70 DCAM): $175 – $500
This is a classic "condition rarity"—common in circulation but exceptionally valuable when perfectly struck with Full Steps or in pristine PR-70 DCAM proof condition.
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1986 Jefferson Nickel: A Condition Rarity Study
The 1986 Jefferson Nickel represents a textbook example of modern condition rarity. While over 900 million coins were produced across three mints, creating one of the most common dates in the series, fewer than 0.1% possess the exceptional strike quality that commands substantial collector premiums. The vast majority of these coins are worth face value in circulation, yet perfectly struck examples with Full Steps designation have sold for over $4,000 at auction.
This guide analyzes all three mint issues—Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco—providing comprehensive valuations for standard strikes, Full Steps business strikes, and Deep Cameo proof coins. We examine the technical factors that create extreme value disparities within the same issue and document the market evolution from the 2013 peak to current pricing.
Identifying Your 1986 Jefferson Nickel
The 1986 Jefferson Nickel was struck at three U.S. Mint facilities, each producing coins with distinct characteristics. Proper identification begins with locating the mint mark on the obverse, in the field to the right of Jefferson's portrait and below the date.
Philadelphia Mint (No Mint Mark): The 1986-P produced 536,883,483 business strikes. Philadelphia coins from this year are notorious for weak strikes, making Full Steps examples exceptionally rare. These coins show no mint mark letter.
Denver Mint (D): The 1986-D produced 361,819,140 business strikes. Denver's strike quality in 1986 was significantly superior to Philadelphia, resulting in more attainable Full Steps examples. Look for the small "D" mint mark.
San Francisco Mint (S): The 1986-S produced 3,010,497 proof strikes only—no business strikes. These coins were sold exclusively in annual Proof Sets to collectors. The "S" mint mark appears in the same location.
Design Features
The obverse features Felix Schlag's portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with "LIBERTY" above, the date "1986" below, and "IN GOD WE TRUST" to the left of the portrait. The reverse depicts Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above the building, "MONTICELLO" below it, and "FIVE CENTS" and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" at the bottom.
Strike Type Distinction
Business strikes exhibit "cartwheel" luster—a rotating band of light visible as the coin is tilted. The fields and devices have uniform texture. Proof strikes, by contrast, feature squared-off rims, mirror-like fields, and (on Cameo and Deep Cameo examples) heavily frosted devices creating dramatic visual contrast.
1986 Jefferson Nickel Value Guide
The 1986 Jefferson Nickel market is bifurcated by strike quality. Standard strikes hold minimal premiums, while Full Steps business strikes and perfect-grade proof coins command significant collector interest. Values reflect PCGS and NGC price guides supplemented by recent auction results.
1986-P Philadelphia Mint (Standard Strike)
With a mintage exceeding 536 million, the 1986-P is among the most common Jefferson nickels. Circulated examples are worth face value. Uncirculated coins carry modest premiums, with value increasing in Gem Mint State grades.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| G-4 to VF-20 | $0.05 – $0.20 |
| EF-40 to AU-58 | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | $1.00 – $3.00 |
| MS-64 | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| MS-65 | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| MS-66 | $20.00 – $30.00 |
| MS-67 | $75.00 |
1986-P Full Steps (FS) Designation
The Philadelphia mint's poor strike quality in 1986 makes Full Steps examples extreme condition rarities. An MS-67 FS is valued at $4,500, with only four examples graded by PCGS at this level. The value progression shows exponential increases at top grades.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| MS-63 FS | $15.00 – $20.00 |
| MS-64 FS | $20.00 – $30.00 |
| MS-65 FS | $50.00 |
| MS-66 FS | $115.00 |
| MS-66+ FS | $800.00 |
| MS-67 FS | $4,500.00 |
Auction record: $4,000(PCGS, March 2019)
1986-D Denver Mint (Standard Strike)
The Denver mint produced over 361 million nickels with generally superior strike quality compared to Philadelphia. Standard strikes remain common, with values similar to the 1986-P through MS-66. At MS-67, the 1986-D commands a premium.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| G-4 to VF-20 | $0.05 – $0.20 |
| EF-40 to AU-58 | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | $1.00 – $4.00 |
| MS-64 | $6.00 – $10.00 |
| MS-65 | $15.00 – $20.00 |
| MS-66 | $30.00 – $40.00 |
| MS-67 | $115.00 – $350.00 |
Auction record for MS-67: $350(PCGS, February 2023)
1986-D Full Steps (FS) Designation
While still a significant condition rarity, the 1986-D FS is far more attainable than its Philadelphia counterpart. The MS-67 FS value of $528 represents less than 12% of the 1986-P MS-67 FS value, directly reflecting Denver's better strike quality.
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| MS-63 FS | $8.00 |
| MS-64 FS | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| MS-65 FS | $35.00 – $42.00 |
| MS-66 FS | $225.00 – $299.00 |
| MS-67 FS | $528.00 |
Auction record: $528(July 2022)
1986-S San Francisco Proof
The 1986-S proof nickel was struck exclusively for collectors in annual Proof Sets. With a mintage exceeding 3 million and careful preservation by collectors, standard proof grades hold minimal premiums. Value concentrates in the perfect PR-70 grade with Deep Cameo designation.
Standard and Cameo Proofs:
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| PR-67 (Standard) | $3.00 – $5.00 |
| PR-68 (Standard) | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| PR-69 (Standard) | $6.00 – $10.00 |
| PR-69 (Cameo) | $8.00 – $12.00 |
Deep Cameo / Ultra Cameo Proofs:
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| PR-68 DCAM/UC | $10.00 – $15.00 |
| PR-69 DCAM/UC | $14.00 – $20.00 |
| PR-70 DCAM/UC | $175.00 – $500.00 |
Historical auction record: $3,525(PCGS, April 2013). This record reflects an early market peak before PR-70 DCAM populations increased substantially. Current market values range from $175 to $325 for most transactions, with retail listings reaching $500.
Grading Your 1986 Jefferson Nickel
Understanding the grading scale is essential for accurately valuing your 1986 Jefferson Nickel. The Sheldon Scale ranges from Poor-1 to Perfect Mint State-70 (or Proof-70). For this issue, most collector focus centers on Mint State grades MS-63 through MS-67 and Proof grades PR-67 through PR-70.
Circulated Grades (G-4 through AU-58)
Good-4 (G-4): Heavy wear across all design elements. Jefferson's portrait shows significant flattening with cheek and hair details worn smooth. Date and lettering remain legible. On the reverse, Monticello's details are heavily worn with steps completely indistinct.
Very Fine-20 (VF-20): Moderate wear on high points. Jefferson's hair shows some separation of strands, and cheekbone detail remains visible. On the reverse, Monticello's columns show definition but steps remain weak or incomplete.
Extremely Fine-40 (EF-40): Light wear on highest points only. Jefferson's hair retains most detail with slight flatness on the highest waves. The reverse shows clear column detail with steps beginning to show separation, though not fully distinct.
About Uncirculated-58 (AU-58): Traces of wear visible only on the absolute highest points of Jefferson's cheekbone and hair. Original mint luster remains in protected areas. On the reverse, minimal wear appears on Monticello's highest architectural elements.
Mint State Grades (MS-60 through MS-67)
MS-60 to MS-62: No wear, but surfaces show numerous contact marks, bag marks, or other distractions. Luster may be slightly impaired. These coins typically spent time in mint bags or rolls where contact with other coins created surface abrasions.
MS-63: Mint luster is present but may be slightly subdued. Several noticeable contact marks visible, though not in the most prominent focal areas. Strike quality varies, with most examples showing incomplete steps at Monticello's base.
MS-64: Good eye appeal with above-average luster. Minor contact marks present but not distracting. Strike quality typically remains average, with steps weakly defined. This grade represents the practical ceiling for most standard strike 1986 nickels.
MS-65: Exceptional luster with only minor, non-distracting contact marks. Strike quality becomes more critical at this level, though Full Steps designation remains rare. The coin displays strong overall eye appeal.
MS-66: Outstanding luster and eye appeal. Minimal surface marks, visible only under magnification. Strike quality must be above average. At this grade, the presence or absence of Full Steps creates dramatic value differences.
MS-67: Near-perfect coin with exceptional luster and virtually mark-free surfaces. Any contact marks must be microscopic and inconsequential. Strike quality must be superior. For the 1986-P, achieving MS-67 with Full Steps represents the pinnacle of the series.
The Full Steps Designation
The Full Steps (FS) designation is the single most important value determinant for business strike Jefferson Nickels. This designation applies only to business strikes—proofs are expected to be fully struck and do not receive this designation.
PCGS Standard: Requires at least five separate, distinct horizontal steps at the base of Monticello. The steps must be complete from one side to the other with no breaks, planchet flaws, or contact marks interrupting them. Even a single mark across the steps disqualifies the coin.
NGC Standards: NGC offers two designations. The "5FS" (Five Full Steps) is equivalent to the PCGS standard. NGC also awards "6FS" (Six Full Steps) to coins showing all six step lines clearly defined—an even rarer achievement.
Why Full Steps Are Rare: The technical challenge stems from the die design. Both the Jefferson portrait (obverse) and the Monticello steps (reverse) are deeply recessed in their respective dies. These high-relief opposite elements create a "metal flow" problem. During the single, high-speed strike used for business strike production, the planchet's metal often fails to completely fill both deep cavities. The result: most nickels exhibit weak, mushy steps regardless of grade.
Proof Grades (PR-67 through PR-70)
PR-67 to PR-68: Minor hairlines or light contact marks visible under magnification. Proof mirrors remain strong. These grades are common and hold minimal premiums.
PR-69: Nearly perfect surfaces with perhaps one or two microscopic imperfections. Strong cameo contrast on DCAM/UC designated coins. This represents the practical grade ceiling for most proof coins.
PR-70: Absolute perfection under 5x magnification. No hairlines, marks, or imperfections of any kind. For the 1986-S, the PR-70 DCAM designation creates the proof rarity premium, though increased populations have moderated values since 2013.
Authenticating and Identifying Problem Coins
For condition rarities like the 1986 Jefferson Nickel, where value derives entirely from pristine original surfaces, identifying and avoiding problem coins is crucial. A coin's grade-dependent value can be completely destroyed by improper cleaning or environmental damage.
The "Details" holder designation indicates a coin that would otherwise merit a numeric grade but exhibits surface problems. Grading services assign an adjectival wear grade (e.g., "AU Details") while explicitly noting the issue—"Cleaned," "Scratched," "Environmental Damage," "Corrosion," or similar qualifiers. These coins are ineligible for set registries and typically worth a fraction of their problem-free counterparts.
Identifying Cleaned Coins: The most common issue is cleaning. Hairlines—fine, parallel scratches often in circular patterns—appear under magnification and proper lighting. These result from abrasive wiping or polishing with cloths, erasers, or household cleaners. More severe cleaning produces a "brushed" or "burnished" appearance where the original cartwheel luster is replaced by an unnatural, sterile brightness. "Whizzing," a deceptive form of cleaning, uses wire brushes at high speed to simulate mint luster, but leaves characteristic directional patterns.
A cleaned 1986-P MS-67 FS—a $4,500 coin in original condition—might be worth only $100-$200 in a Details holder, regardless of technical grade. The market essentially treats such coins as damaged.
Environmental Damage: Cupronickel, while durable, can develop problems from improper storage. PVC contamination from old vinyl flips creates a greenish, sticky residue. Humidity exposure can cause spotting or toning that's considered unattractive. These issues may be correctable through professional conservation, but once damage occurs, full value recovery is rare.
Counterfeits: While counterfeiting common-date nickels is economically illogical, altered dates or fabricated mint marks occasionally appear. The 1986 issue's main authenticity concern involves misrepresentation of strike quality—sellers claiming "Full Steps" on coins that don't meet the standard. When purchasing high-grade FS examples, insist on third-party grading from PCGS or NGC.
Professional Conservation: This differs fundamentally from cleaning. Services like Numismatic Conservation Services (NCS) use proprietary, non-abrasive techniques to remove harmful contaminants (PVC residue, environmental deposits) without altering the coin's original surface. This is the only acceptable intervention for valuable coins showing surface contamination.
Preserving Your 1986 Jefferson Nickel
The cupronickel composition of the 1986 Jefferson Nickel—75% copper and 25% nickel—was specifically engineered for circulation durability. This alloy resists many forms of corrosion and can survive decades of handling. However, preserving numismatic value requires careful storage and handling practices.
Never Clean Your Coins: This cannot be emphasized enough. Any attempt to clean a coin using household materials—toothpaste, baking soda, vinegar, jewelry cleaners, or polishing cloths—will impart hairline scratches and destroy the original surface. A single cleaning incident can reduce a $4,500 coin to a $100 Details holder. If a coin requires cleaning, consult professional conservation services only.
Proper Storage: High-grade examples must be stored in stable, dry environments using inert materials. Avoid PVC-containing flips, which can chemically react with the coin's surface over time. Mylar flips offer safe temporary storage. Long-term preservation is best achieved through third-party grading service encapsulation (PCGS or NGC holders), which provides both protection and authentication. Store coins away from temperature extremes and high humidity.
Handling Protocol: Handle coins only by their edges. Skin oils contain acids and salts that can leave permanent fingerprints on cupronickel surfaces. For unencapsulated coins, wear cotton gloves or use proper coin tongs. Hold coins over a soft surface to prevent damage if dropped.
Environmental Considerations: Cupronickel is more resistant to toning than silver, but extreme environmental exposure can still cause problems. Avoid storing coins in areas with high sulfur content (near rubber bands, for example) or in direct sunlight. Climate-controlled environments with stable temperature and humidity provide ideal conditions.
1986 Jefferson Nickel Die Varieties
The 1986 Jefferson Nickel series includes numerous documented die varieties catalogued by CONECA (Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America) and listed on reference sites like Variety Vista. However, none qualify as major varieties with established market premiums comparable to famous examples like the 1939 Doubled Monticello or 1950-D/S.
1986-P Doubled Dies
Minor Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties are documented for the Philadelphia mint. These show slight doubling on lettering or design elements but require magnification to detect. No reliable pricing exists, and market recognition is minimal. These represent "cherrypicker" varieties that might add marginal interest but no significant value to a host coin.
1986-D Doubled Dies and Repunched Mint Marks
The Denver mint shows more variety activity, including minor DDO and DDR examples plus at least 13 documented Repunched Mint Mark (RPM) varieties. These RPMs show remnants of earlier mint mark punching attempts in various positions—D/D South, D/D West, D/D North, and others. While interesting to specialists, these varieties carry no established premium in the broader market.
1986-S Proof Varieties
Minor DDO and DDR varieties exist on proof coins but are similarly unrecognized by the general collecting market. The proof designation and DCAM contrast remain the primary value drivers, not die varieties.
Market Reality
Online marketplace listings often advertise "1986 DDO DDR RPM" coins at inflated prices. These claims typically represent seller hype rather than recognized numismatic varieties. For minor die varieties, value depends almost entirely on the host coin's base grade. A minor DDO on a circulated, face-value 1986-P adds nothing significant. Even on Mint State examples, these varieties command no reliable premium unless the coin already possesses Full Steps designation or exceptional grade.
1986 Jefferson Nickel Mint Errors
Unlike minor die varieties, major mint errors are dramatic, one-off production mistakes that command substantial collector interest. The 1986 Jefferson Nickel series includes several documented error types with established market values.
Wrong Planchet Strikes
Wrong planchet errors occur when a coin is struck on a blank intended for a different denomination or country. A 1986 nickel struck on a Philippines 5 Sentimos planchet—a coin of similar size but different composition and weight—carries an approximate value of $2,000. These errors are among the most valuable due to their rarity and dramatic appearance.
Off-Center Strikes
Off-center strikes occur when the planchet is improperly positioned during striking, resulting in a partial design impression. Value depends on the percentage off-center and the coin's condition. Major off-center strikes showing 50-80% displacement typically command $100 to $300+ in high grades. A documented 1986-D double-struck example, with the second strike 70% off-center and graded AU-55, was sold by Heritage Auctions in 2008. The combination of double striking and significant off-center displacement creates additional collector interest.
Strikethrough Errors
A strikethrough error occurs when a foreign object—fabric, metal fragments, or debris—lies on the die or planchet during striking, leaving an impression on the finished coin. A 1986 nickel with a significant obverse strikethrough, graded by NGC, holds an approximate value of $200. The size and prominence of the strikethrough affect value, with larger, more dramatic examples commanding premiums.
Planchet Errors
Elliptical planchet errors result from improper blanking during planchet preparation. Instead of a circular blank, the coin is struck on an oval or elliptical planchet. A 1986 nickel on an elliptical planchet has an estimated value of $174. Lamination errors, where flaws in the alloy cause surface metal to peel or flake, also occur. A 1986 nickel with a "folded lamination" error is valued at approximately $80.
Die Cracks and Cuds
Minor die cracks—thin raised lines caused by die fractures—add little to no value. However, a "cud" (or major die break) where a piece of the die breaks away at the rim, leaving a blank raised area on the coin, is more collectible. Depending on size and location, cuds can add $10 to $50 to a coin's value. Large, dramatic cuds command the higher end of this range.
For all error coins, the underlying grade of the host coin matters. A dramatic error on a heavily circulated coin will be worth less than the same error on a Mint State example. Third-party grading adds authenticity verification and typically increases market value.
Notable Auction Results
Recent auction data provides concrete evidence of market evolution and current price levels for key 1986 Jefferson Nickel rarities. These results demonstrate both the strength of the Full Steps market and the moderation of proof coin values since historical peaks.
1986-P MS-67 FS: The premier rarity of the series, an MS-67 with Full Steps sold for $4,000 in March 2019 according to PCGS records. With only four examples graded at this level, this represents the practical market ceiling for the issue. The PCGS Price Guide currently values this coin at $4,500, reflecting continued strong demand.
1986-P MS-66+ FS: A "plus" grade example—representing the finest examples within the MS-66 grade—achieved $705 at auction in August 2015. The current PCGS Price Guide value of $800 shows modest appreciation and stable demand for premium Full Steps examples.
1986-D MS-67: A standard strike (non-FS) 1986-D in MS-67 grade sold for $350 in February 2023 through PCGS-tracked auctions. This result significantly exceeds the NGC Price Guide value of $115, suggesting strong competition for top-grade Denver mint examples.
1986-D MS-67 FS: The Full Steps Denver rarity achieved $528 in July 2022. This result illustrates the dramatic value difference between Philadelphia and Denver Full Steps coins—the 1986-P MS-67 FS commands nearly 8.5 times the price of its Denver counterpart, directly reflecting relative scarcity.
1986-S PR-70 DCAM: The historical record for this proof rarity stands at $3,525, set in April 2013 during the early peak of modern coin Set Registry competition. As populations increased with continued submissions, current market values have stabilized in the $175 to $325 range for most transactions, with retail offerings reaching $500. This represents a significant correction from the 2013 peak as supply increased to meet demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my 1986 Jefferson Nickel worth?
Value depends on mint mark, strike quality, and condition. Circulated coins of any mint are worth face value ($0.05). Standard uncirculated examples range from $1-$75 depending on grade. Full Steps business strikes command $15-$4,500. Proof coins (1986-S only) range from $3 for standard proofs to $175-$500 for PR-70 DCAM examples.
What is the Full Steps designation and why does it matter?
Full Steps (FS) is a designation applied by PCGS and NGC to business strike Jefferson Nickels showing complete, unbroken step lines at the base of Monticello. It requires at least five distinct steps with no interruptions. This designation matters because the 1986 coins, especially from Philadelphia, were poorly struck—most show weak, mushy steps. Full Steps examples are condition rarities commanding 5x to 100x premiums over standard strikes in the same grade.
How do I identify the mint mark on my 1986 nickel?
The mint mark appears on the obverse (front) to the right of Jefferson's portrait and below the date. Philadelphia coins (1986-P) have no mint mark—the space is blank. Denver coins show a small "D" and San Francisco proofs show an "S" in this location. Use magnification and good lighting to locate the mark.
Should I get my 1986 nickel professionally graded?
Professional grading is worthwhile only for coins that might achieve premium grades. If your business strike coin shows obvious wear or contact marks, it's not a candidate. However, if you have an apparently high-grade coin (MS-65 or better) with sharp, complete steps at Monticello's base, grading could be profitable—Full Steps examples command substantial premiums. For proof coins, grading makes sense only if the coin appears perfect (PR-69 or PR-70 candidate) with strong cameo contrast.
Why is the 1986-P Full Steps more valuable than the 1986-D?
Philadelphia's strike quality in 1986 was notoriously poor compared to Denver. The dies and press settings at Philadelphia resulted in weak step definition on most coins, making Full Steps examples extremely rare. Denver produced coins with better overall strikes, so Full Steps examples, while still uncommon, are more readily available. An MS-67 FS from Philadelphia is valued at $4,500 versus $528 for the same grade from Denver—an 8.5x difference reflecting relative scarcity.
Are 1986 Jefferson Nickels made with silver?
No. The 1986 Jefferson Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel (cupronickel alloy). No silver content exists. The current melt value based on metal content is approximately $0.06—essentially face value. The coin's numismatic value comes entirely from condition and strike quality, not precious metal content.
How should I store and handle my valuable 1986 nickel?
Never clean your coin—cleaning destroys value. Handle only by the edges to avoid fingerprints. For valuable examples, store in inert holders (Mylar flips minimum, PCGS/NGC slabs preferred) in a climate-controlled environment away from humidity, temperature extremes, and PVC-containing materials. If your coin is high-grade or shows Full Steps, consider professional grading which provides both authentication and protective encapsulation.
What's the difference between Cameo and Deep Cameo on proof coins?
Both designations describe the contrast between frosted devices (the raised design elements) and mirror fields (the flat background) on proof coins. Cameo (CAM) shows noticeable contrast. Deep Cameo (DCAM) or Ultra Cameo (UC) shows dramatic, heavy contrast with deeply frosted devices and pristine mirror fields. For the 1986-S proof, the Deep Cameo designation, especially in PR-70 grade, creates significant premium value over standard proofs.
Why did 1986-S PR-70 DCAM values drop from $3,525 to $175-$325?
The $3,525 record from April 2013 reflected an early Set Registry market when perfect-grade modern proofs were harder to find. As more 1986 Proof Sets were submitted for grading over the past decade, the population of PR-70 DCAM coins increased substantially, satisfying initial demand. The current market of $175-$325 (with retail at $500) represents a more stable, supply-adjusted equilibrium price.
Are the 1986 doubled die varieties valuable?
No. While minor doubled die varieties (DDO, DDR) and repunched mint marks (RPM) are documented for 1986, none are considered major varieties with established market premiums. These are "cherrypicker" varieties that add no significant value to circulated coins and minimal interest to Mint State examples. The value of a 1986 nickel is determined by its grade and Full Steps designation (for business strikes) or proof designation, not by minor die varieties.
Research Methodology and Sources
This comprehensive analysis draws from authoritative numismatic sources to establish accurate market valuations for the 1986 Jefferson Nickel series. Primary data sources include PCGS CoinFacts and NGC Coin Explorer, which provide price guide values, population reports, and auction tracking for all major grading service holders. These platforms aggregate dealer-to-dealer wholesale markets, retail pricing, and public auction results to establish current market values.
Mintage figures are verified through official U.S. Mint records as compiled by PCGS, NGC, and independent numismatic references. Technical specifications (weight, composition, diameter) derive from U.S. Mint documentation and are cross-referenced across multiple authoritative sources. Die variety information is sourced from Variety Vista, the primary online reference for CONECA-attributed Jefferson Nickel varieties, and supported by specialized variety guides.
Auction records cited in this guide are documented through Heritage Auctions archives, GreatCollections historical data, and PCGS/NGC auction price databases. Metal spot prices for melt value calculations are current as of November 2025 from KITCO, a recognized authority for precious and base metal pricing. All URLs and specific auction results are verified and cited with dates to allow independent confirmation.
Market values represent current pricing as of late 2025 and are subject to fluctuation based on metal markets, collector demand, and economic conditions. For high-value transactions, we recommend consulting current auction results and obtaining multiple professional opinions 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.
