1967 Jefferson Nickel Value: How Much Is Your Coin Worth?

The 1967 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from its $0.05 face value in worn condition to over $1,000 for rare “SMS” specimens in pristine condition. While most of these nickels found in pocket change today are only worth five cents, certain high-grade examples and rare errors can fetch a significant premium from collectors.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.05 – $0.15
Uncirculated (MS60-MS64)	$1.00 – $15.00
Special Mint Set (SP65+)	$20.00 – $150.00
Full Steps (Rare High Grade)	$500.00+

History of the 1967 Jefferson Nickel No Mint Mark

If you have looked at your 1967 nickel and noticed there is no mint mark, you are not alone—in fact, none of them have one! During the mid-1960s, the United States was facing a severe coin shortage. The Mint Director at the time believed that collectors were “hoarding” coins based on their mint marks (like “D” for Denver or “S” for San Francisco), which kept money out of circulation. To discourage this, the Coinage Act of 1965 temporarily removed all mint marks from U.S. coins.

Because of this law, every Jefferson nickel produced in 1965, 1966, and 1967 lacks a mint mark, regardless of where it was actually struck. Most were minted in Philadelphia, but Denver and San Francisco also contributed. If you are struggling to identify your coin or unsure about its luster, using a top coin identifier and value app can help you distinguish between a common circulated nickel and an uncirculated gem.

By 1968, the Mint realized that removing mint marks hadn’t really stopped the shortage, and they were reinstated. This makes the 1967 Jefferson Nickel a unique piece of “silent history” from an era of transition in the American monetary system. For the average person, this means your coin was likely one of the hundreds of millions produced to keep the economy moving.

Grading and Condition: Why It Matters for Your Nickel

When determining the 1967 Jefferson Nickel value, condition is the most critical factor. Coins are graded on a scale from 1 to 70. Most nickels you find in a jar at home will be “Circulated,” meaning they show signs of wear and tear from being handled. These typically sell for their face value because collectors want coins that look brand new.

“Uncirculated” coins, also known as Mint State (MS), have never been used in commerce. They still have their original “mint frost” or shine. For professional numismatists, the 1967 Jefferson nickel price guide for Mint State grades shows a sharp increase in value once a coin reaches MS65 or higher. At these levels, even a tiny scratch visible only under a microscope can drop the value by dozens of dollars.

To get a better idea of how your coin stacks up, you can use Tools like CoinKnow. This app allows you to upload a clear photo of your nickel to see how its condition compares to known high-value specimens. It is a great way for beginners to learn the nuances of coin grading without spending money on professional appraisals.

Grade Detail	Physical Appearance
Good (G4)	Jefferson’s profile is flat; lettering is faint.
Fine (F12)	Some hair detail is visible; Monticello is flat.
Extremely Fine (EF40)	Minor wear on high points; sharp details.
Mint State (MS65)	Strong luster; very few marks or scratches.

Special Mint Sets (SMS) vs. Business Strikes

In 1967, the U.S. Mint did not produce traditional “Proof Sets.” Instead, they produced something called “Special Mint Sets” (SMS). These coins were struck with higher pressure on specially polished planchets. They aren’t quite proofs, but they are much shinier and more detailed than the nickels intended for your pocket.

SMS nickels generally have a higher 1967 nickel market value because they were sold directly to collectors in protective plastic. Identifying an SMS nickel in the wild is rare, but possible. They appear almost reflective, especially in the “fields” (the flat parts of the coin).

If you find a 1967 nickel that looks exceptionally pristine and “mirrored,” it may be an SMS coin. While an average SMS 1967 nickel might be worth $5 to $10, one with “Cameo” or “Deep Cameo” contrast (where Jefferson’s portrait looks frosted against a black, mirror-like background) can sell for several hundred dollars at auction.

The “Full Steps” Rarity: The Holy Grail for Nickel Collectors

For Jefferson Nickel enthusiasts, the most important detail isn’t on the front (obverse) of the coin—it’s on the back (reverse). Specifically, you want to look at the steps on Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home. On most 1967 nickels, these steps are “mushy” or blended together due to old, worn-out dies.

A coin designated as “Full Steps” (FS) must have five or six clearly defined horizontal lines on the stairs of Monticello. Because the 1967 striking quality was notoriously poor, finding a 1967 Jefferson Nickel with Full Steps is incredibly difficult. This rarity drives the price up significantly for serious collectors.

If you think you see clear lines on those tiny stairs, it is time to use CoinKnow. By magnifying your photo, you can check if those lines are actually complete or if they are interrupted by nicks or strike weakness. A 1967 MS66 Full Steps nickel can easily reach values exceeding $1,000, making it the most valuable non-error version of this coin.

Condition	Price (Standard)	Price (Full Steps)
MS64	$15	$60
MS65	$35	$150
MS66	$100	$1,200+

1967 Jefferson Nickel Error Coins to Look For

Errors are often how “normal” pocket change becomes a valuable treasure. Because millions of 1967 nickels were rushed through production, many mistakes made it out of the mint. The most common errors include off-center strikes, where the design isn’t centered on the coin, and “doubled dies.”

A doubled die error occurs when the hub strikes the die twice at slightly different angles, creating a blurry or “doubled” appearance on the lettering or date. While there aren’t many famous 1967 doubled dies compared to other years, they still exist. Another interesting error is the “die crack,” where a crack in the metal stamp leaves a raised line of silver-colored metal on the coin’s surface.

When hunting for errors, remember that post-mint damage (PMD) is not the same as a mint error. If a coin was smashed by a hammer or run over by a car, it isn’t worth more. True mint errors occur during the manufacturing process. Using CoinKnow can help you identify these nuances and separate genuine mint errors from common damage.

Should You Get Your 1967 Nickel Professionally Graded?

Grading a coin with a service like PCGS or NGC costs money—usually around $30 to $50 per coin plus shipping. Because of this, it only makes sense to grade a 1967 Jefferson Nickel if it is in virtually perfect condition or possesses the elusive “Full Steps” designation.

If your nickel is shiny but has visible scratches when you look at it under a desk lamp, it likely won’t grade high enough to justify the cost. However, if you’ve used an app or a magnifying glass and believe you have an MS66 or better, professional grading is necessary to prove its value to potential buyers at auction.

For most people, the best path is to keep the coin in a protective flip or a small plastic bag to prevent further wear. Even if it’s currently only worth a few dollars, uncirculated coins from this era continue to grow in popularity among collectors who are looking to complete “No Mint Mark” sets from the 1960s.

FAQ

Q: Why doesn’t my 1967 nickel have a mint mark?

A: No 1967 nickels have mint marks. The U.S. Mint purposefully removed them from 1965 to 1967 to discourage coin hoarding during a national coin shortage.

Q: Is a 1967 nickel made of silver?

A: No. Jefferson nickels only contained silver during World War II (1942–1945). The 1967 nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It will not have the “silver ping” sound when dropped.

Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1967 Jefferson Nickel?

A: High-grade specimens with “Full Steps” have sold for over $4,000 at major heritage auctions. However, these are extremely rare and in nearly perfect condition.

Q: How can I tell if my 1967 nickel is an SMS (Special Mint Set) coin?

A: SMS coins have a much sharper strike and a satin or mirror-like finish compared to the duller look of regular business strikes. They were never intended for circulation, so they should show no wear.