1955 Nickel Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
Although 1955 nickels have a face value of five cents, the scarcity of both circulated and uncirculated 1955 nickels places the value of several of these coins above their face value. For error coins, the value is much higher.
How can you then determine the value of a 1955 nickel?
To determine the 1955 nickel value, knowledge of the grading process, the history of this coin, and the varieties of this coin in circulation are essential to collectors and enthusiasts.
1955 Nickel Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good – Extremely Fine | Uncirculated
MS60 |
Choice Uncirculated
MS63 |
Gem Uncirculated
MS65 |
| 1955 No Mint Mark Nickel Value | $1 | $2 | $5 – $8 | $28 – $38 |
| 1955 No Mint Mark Nickel Value (First Strike) | N/A | N/A | $75 – $110 | $$550 – $1050 |
| 1955 D Mint Mark Nickel Value | $1 | $2 | $7 – $8 | $20 – $26 |
| 1955 D Mint Mark Nickel (First Strike) | N/A | N/A | $650 – $675 | $3150 – $7500 |
| 1955 Proof Nickel | N/A | $6 | $10 | $20 – $22 |
| 1955 Nickel D/S | $5 – $11 | $40 | $65 – $75 | $275 – $400 |
1955 No Mint Mark Nickel Value
1955 nickels without mint marks are nickels that were minted in the Philadelphia mint. Compared to the Denver mint, which produced 74 million coins, the Philadelphia 7,888,000 mintage is very low.
History
Popularly referred to as the Jefferson nickel because the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, a founding father and the third President of the United States of America from 1801-1809, adorns the center of the obverse of the 1955 nickel is a coin that was created as a replacement for the buffalo nickel.
Thomas Jefferson served as Minister of State, Secretary of State, and Vice President, to John Adams before he became the President in 1801, lived from April 13, 1971, till the age of 83, when he died on July 4, 1826.
One of the notable contributions of Thomas Jefferson to the United States of America is that he was the primary draftsperson of “the declaration of independence.
The story begins in 1938 when Felix Schlag’s design won the competition held to determine who would design the obverse and reverse of the Jefferson nickel coin. The design he came up with remained on the Jefferson nickel from 1938 to 2004.
In 2004 however, a new design by Joe Fitzgerald replaced Schalg’s design. This Fitzgerald’s design lasted only a short time, as it was later replaced by Jamie Franki’s design in 2006.
Obverse
The obverse of the 1955 nickel coin is the same as several other Jefferson nickels that have been in production since 1938. Felix Schlag designed the obverse of this coin which displays a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson.
You’ll find along the left rim the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST”, along the right rim, and still on the obverse is the inscription “LIBERTY and 1955,” separated by a dot.
Reverse
On the 1955 nickel’s reverse is the Monticello. The Monticello was Thomas Jefferson’s house that he designed and owned. Felix Schlag also designed the reverse. Some other inscriptions on the reverse include the American motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Details
As you probably already know, the no mint mark 1955 nickel carries no mint mark on its reverse, obverse, or edge. This chosen replacement for the Buffalo coin is made out of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It weighs 5 grams, features a smooth edge, and has a diameter of 21.20mm.
Value
Regardless of their grade, 1955 nickel coins with no mint mark are worth a face value of $0.05; this applies to coins at the lower end of Sheldon’s scale.
However, several of these nickels are worth more than face value, subject to their increased ranking on the Sheldon scale and an error on the coin.
First strikes 1955 no mint mark nickels range between $75 – $1050. Also, in 2007, Bowers and Merena sold the most expensive 1955 no-mint nickel for 12,650.
1955 D Mint Mark Nickel Value
The mint in Denver produced a little over 74 million 1955 nickel coins; this accounts for the bulk of the 1955 nickels in circulation. Unlike the Philadelphia mint, Denver minted nickels have a D mint mark located to the right of the MONTICELLO.
Since a little over 74 million of these coins were minted, finding 1955 D mint mark nickels isn’t difficult. However, 1955 nickel coins with the D mint mark specified as grade MS66 and above are scarce.
Finally, regarding design, it has been noted that the 1955 nickels with a D mint mark are much more appealing than the no-mint Philadelphia coins. They have a shinier outlook than the no-mint mark Jefferson nickels.
In 2023, when the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) carried out a pricing survey for the 1955 D mint mark nickel coins, they discovered that a 1955 D nickel coin in an averagely circulated condition would currently sell for $1, while a 1955 D nickel coin in an uncirculated condition sells for $2.
First strike 1955 D mint marked nickel coins high on the Sheldon scale range between $650 – $7500. Finally, Legend rare coin auctions sold the most expensive 1955 D mint mark nickel in 2019 for $9,694.
1955 Proof Nickel Value
1955 nickel coins that are tagged Proof were struck in Philadelphia. Over 378,000 P-proof nickel coin coins were produced at the end of 1955. However, just like the 1955 nickel coins with no mint mark, the P-proof 1955 nickels also had no mint mark.
These P-proof coins are not for public circulation but only for the collectors’ community; hence there is a low mintage for this variety of 1955 nickels. This has led to an increased demand for these coins by collectors.
The most in-demand 1955 P-proof nickels are those with a deep cameo surface and those graded as PR69. Since these P-proof nickel coins were packed in a Pliofilm packet and delivered in an envelope, the preservation rate of these coins is very high.
The Professional Grading Service (PCGS) values uncirculated PR68 and PR69 at $110 and $225, respectively. Also, according to the Numismatic Guaranty Company, 1955 P-proof uncirculated PR67 ranges between $32 – $45. Proof of the value of these coins is seen when Heritage auctions sold the most expensive proof coin for $4,025 in 2004.
1955 Nickel Coin Grading
Although US-minted coins are graded from good to uncirculated mint state, the bulk of the 1955 nickels are worth only face value if they fall below the uncirculated grade. To decipher if the 1955 nickel in your possession is of any value, examine the obverse, reverse, and edges of Proof, uncirculated, and error 1955 Jefferson nickels.
We also recommend using professional coin grading services like Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) if you are having issues grading 1955 nickels. These grading organizations are better positioned to give you accurate grading details according to the condition of your coin.
1955 Nickel Coin Errors List
It is no news that error coins tend to be more valuable than those without errors. Here is a list of rare mistakes on the 1955 Jefferson nickel.
1955 Nickel D Over S Error
Among the list of errors of the 1955 nickel coins, the D over S error is the most intentional error. The San Francisco mint had put a halt on production in 1955. However, there were still unused reverse dies.
Rather than throwing these dies away, the US mint reused them. This implied that the previous mint mark S was to be erased; however, since that was an impossible task, the D mint mark was directly punched over the S.
This ultimately led to the D over S error; this is why they are referred to as intentional errors. An error coin like this ranges between $275 – $400. In fact, an MS66 sold for $3,738 at a heritage auction in 2008.
1955 No Mint Mark Nickel Double Struck Error
The no-mint nickel double error occurs when the die strikes one side of the coin twice, resulting in the 1955 no-mint nickel having a doubling effect that makes images and letterings on the coin appear twice.
Aside from the doubling effect, images and letters on the coin also become blurry. Errors of this type are infrequent, and they are good money makers which can fetch you between $50 – $60 in the coin market.
1955 No Mint Mark Nickel Proof Triple Struck Error
The triple-struck error is one error to look out for in your no mint mark proof nickel coin. This type of error occurs when the reverse of the 1955 no-mint nickel Proof coin is struck three times. This results in the lettering appearing thrice, each on the other.
It is crucial to remember that this type of error cannot be seen by just looking with the eyes; it is detected under a microscope. These rare coins can fetch up to $50 and above.
1955 Nickel Double Die Error
This type of error occurs when the steel die strikes the steel die of the coin. The result of the double die is either partial or total. Also, two identical items appear on either the reverse or obverse and the images are slightly offset.
The doubling occurs during the die hubbing process. As a result, more than one image appears on the coin.
1955 Nickel Struck-through Error
This type of error occurs when foreign objects are struck on the coin die. This creates an impression on the coin. This error coin is more appealing if the object’s nature and origin are known.
Currently, this error on a 1955 nickel sells for $100 and above. The price of the struck-through error coin rises to thousands or hundreds of dollars if the object struck through is dramatic and retained.
1955 Nickel Off-Center Error
This type of error is more common than you would think. It occurs when a coin is not correctly positioned in the center of the coin die. Another scenario that may cause this error is when coin dies are poorly set.
The off-center error of most 1955 nickels under this category is less than 5% off the center. Therefore, the most valuable of this type of error are those missing up to 50% of their center. Currently, 10-20% of missing centers range between $10-$50.
1955 Nickel Coin FAQs
Are 1955 Nickels Rare?
The 1955 nickel is a valuable and rare coin. It is prevalent among collectors. However, the value of the 1955 nickel coin is dependent on the condition of the coin. Is it in good, fine, extremely fine, or uncirculated condition?
Do 1955 Nickels Have Silver?
The 1955 nickels are not made of silver. Nickels made of silver were minted between the years 1942-1945. However, the 1955 nickel coin contains 75% copper and 25% nickel.
How Much is a 1955 No Mint Mark Nickel Worth?
1955 no mint nickel is worth between $0.05-$0.10 in circulated condition. However, in uncirculated condition, the 1955 nickel is worth more. Finding an error coin is like finding gold. Ultimately, using a professional grading service will help you know what grade of coin you own.
What Makes the 1955 Nickel Rare?
The low mintage number of the 1955 nickel makes it a rare coin. Unlike most mintages that range from 74 million and above, only over 7 million 1955 nickel coins were minted.
What is the Rarest Nickel Coin?
Many nickels are valuable and rare, but the 1913 Liberty head V is the rarest and most valuable coin of the nickel series.
