The 1966 Jefferson nickel, struck during a transitional period in U.S. coinage history, is a fascinating collectible. While it contains no silver, its value can climb significantly depending on condition, strike quality, and the presence of rare mint errors. Collectors particularly seek Full Steps (FS) examples and Special Mint Set (SMS) coins with high grades or cameo contrasts.
1966 Nickel Value Chart
| Type | Good | MS65 | MS66 | MS67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 No Mint Mark Nickel | – | $20 | $85 | $2,000 |
| 1966 FS (Full Steps) Nickel | – | $8,000 | $40,000 | – |
| 1966 SMS (Special Strike) Nickel | – | $18 | $20 | $26 |
1966 Nickel Grading
Grading directly determines a coin’s market value. Coins are assessed on the Sheldon scale from 1 to 70:
| # | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basal State-1 |
| 2 | Fair |
| 3 | Very Fair |
| 4, 5, 6 | Good |
| 7, 8, 10 | Very Good |
| 12, 15 | Fine |
| 20, 30 | Very Fine |
| 40 | Extremely Fine |
| 50 | About Uncirculated |
| 60 | Mint State |
| 65 | Mint State |
| 70 | Mint State |
History
The 1966 nickel belongs to the Jefferson nickel series introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo nickel. Felix Schlag’s original design was modified before release, removing a palm tree and changing the font style.
During 1965–1967, the U.S. Mint removed mint marks to discourage coin hoarding, so all 1966 nickels were struck in Philadelphia without a mint mark. A total of 156,208,283 circulation strikes were produced, most entering everyday commerce.
Features of the 1966 Nickel
Obverse
Features President Thomas Jefferson facing left, with IN GOD WE TRUST along the left rim, and LIBERTY followed by the year 1966 on the right, separated by a star.
Reverse
Depicts Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia home, with the building name MONTICELLO below, denomination FIVE CENTS beneath that, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along the bottom rim. The motto E PLURIBUS UNUM is above Monticello.
Other Details
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Weight: 5.00 g
- Diameter: 21.21 mm
- Edge: Plain
Mintage and Value
Most circulated coins are worth about $0.10.
- MS65: ~$20
- MS66: ~$85
- MS67: ~$2,000 (very rare, only a few certified)
1965 Nickel Value Guides
1966 Nickel SMS Special Strike Value
In addition to the regular strike 1966 nickel, the Philadelphia Mint produced a limited run of 2,260,000 Special Mint Set (SMS) nickels. These coins were struck with higher quality, featuring sharper details and more defined elements compared to circulation strikes. Each SMS included a 1966 Lincoln Cent, Jefferson Nickel, Roosevelt Dime, Washington Quarter, and Kennedy Half Dollar.
Standard SMS Values
- MS65: ~$18
- MS66: ~$20
- MS67: ~$26
- MS68: ~$120 (record sale: $712, eBay 2021)
Cameo (CAM) SMS Values
Coins with light to moderate frosting on the devices:
- Range: $17 to $450
- MS68 CAM: ~$1,000
- Record: $3,738 for MS67 CAM (2006)
Deep Cameo (DCAM) SMS Values
Coins with deep, even frost and strong mirror-like fields:
- Range: $30 to $6,500
- MS65 DCAM: ~$360
- MS66 DCAM: ~$550
- MS68 DCAM: ~$6,500 (record: $9,718)
1966 Nickel (FS) Full Steps Value
The Full Steps (FS) designation is given to Jefferson nickels where the steps of Monticello are fully visible and uninterrupted, indicating an exceptional strike. Only mint state coins (MS60–MS70) can qualify.
FS Value Guide
- MS64 FS: ~$2,000 (sold for $1,260 in 2022)
- MS65 FS: ~$8,000 (recent sale: $6,300 in 2022, record $11,750)
- MS65+ FS: ~$8,500
- MS66 FS: ~$40,000 (only two known examples)
These are the most coveted 1966 nickels, often bringing premium prices at major auctions.
Rare 1966 Nickel Error List
Although most 1966 nickels have modest values, certain mint errors can make them highly collectible and significantly increase their price at auction. Here are the most notable examples:
1966 Nickel Struck 60% Off-Center Error
This error occurs when the coin blank (planchet) is not correctly aligned in the press, causing the design to be struck far off-center. In the case of a 60% off-center strike, a large portion of the coin is blank, while the remaining area shows a partial design.
- Example Sale: 1966 SMS Nickel, MS66, sold for over $550 — far more than a normal SMS coin.
1966 Nickel Double Struck – Second Strike Off-Center
In this error, the coin is struck twice. The first strike is normal, but the second strike is misaligned, producing a doubled and shifted design. This creates a dramatic and highly collectible appearance.
- Value Impact: Prices vary widely depending on the degree of misalignment and coin condition.
1966 Nickel Struck on a 10¢ (Dime) Planchet
This happens when a nickel design is struck on a smaller dime planchet instead of the correct nickel planchet. Because the dime is smaller in diameter, part of the nickel design is missing.
- Weight Difference: About 2.27 g vs. the normal 5 g nickel.
- Example Sale: AU58 example sold for $300+.
Other Wrong Planchet Errors
In rare cases, 1966 nickels were struck on other denominations’ planchets, such as the 1¢ copper cent planchet.
- Example Sale: MS64 Red-Brown (RB) example sold for $800+.
Where to sell your nickel?
Now that you’re aware of your nickel’s value, you may be curious about the best places to sell it. Don’t worry: here’s a rundown of some top online marketplaces where you can conveniently sell your nickels, along with their benefits and drawbacks.
Explore the best platforms for selling nickels online (advantages and disadvantages).
1966 Nickel FAQS
Does a 1966 nickel have silver in it?
No. It is made of copper-nickel alloy.
What is a valuable 1966 nickel worth?
High-grade Full Steps examples can reach $40,000. High-grade SMS DCAM coins can exceed $6,000.
What errors should I look for on 1966 nickels?
Off-center strikes, double strikes, and wrong planchet errors are the most valuable.
How can I tell if my 1966 nickel is SMS?
SMS coins have sharper detail, smoother surfaces, and a satin-like finish.
Should I grade my 1966 nickel?
Yes—especially if it appears uncirculated, has Full Steps, or shows a dramatic error.
