1968-S Jefferson Nickel Value: Price Guide for Collectors

The 1968-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $1,500 for rare Proof specimens in perfect condition. Finding one of these nickels in your pocket change is common, but knowing the difference between a regular business strike and a high-value Proof coin is the key to a big payday.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Value
Circulated (Average Wear)	$0.05 – $0.15
Uncirculated (MS65)	$1.00 – $3.00
Proof (PF69)	$15.00 – $40.00
Deep Cameo (PF70)	$500 – $1,500+

History and Production of the 1968-S Jefferson Nickel

If you’ve just found a shiny nickel with an “S” mint mark, you’re holding a piece of American numismatic history. The year 1968 was a transitional one for the United States Mint. This was the year that mint marks returned to U.S. coins after a three-year hiatus (1965-1967) intended to discourage “hoarding” during the silver shortage.

For the 1968-S Jefferson Nickel, the San Francisco Mint produced more than 100 million of these coins for circulation. This was actually the first time since 1954 that the San Francisco Mint had struck nickels for general use. To identify yours, simply look for the “S” on the obverse (front) of the coin, located just to the right of Thomas Jefferson’s ponytail.

If you are unsure whether your coin is a rare variety or a common find, using a top coin identifier and value app is the fastest way to get an instant estimate. These tools use image recognition to help you determine if your “S” mint mark coin is a standard circulation strike or a special Proof strike intended for collectors. Using CoinKnow can also help you track your collection’s total worth over time as market prices fluctuate.

Difference Between Business Strikes and Proof Coins

Most 1968-S nickels you find in your change are “business strikes.” These were made rapidly on high-speed presses to be used in daily commerce. Because millions were made, a circulated 1968-S nickel today is generally only worth its face value or a small premium to a young collector.

However, the San Francisco Mint also produced Proof sets in 1968. Proof coins are struck using special polished dies and planchets (blanks) to create a mirror-like finish and sharp details. While ordinary nickels have a matte or dull look, a Proof nickel will look like a tiny mirror.

The value gap between these two versions is massive. While most circulated coins are worth five cents, high-grade 1968 nickel price data shows that Proof coins with “Full Steps” or “Deep Cameo” effects can sell for hundreds of dollars at auction. Determining the strike type is the first step in valuation.

Strike Type	Mintage Quantity	Typical Finish
Business Strike (Circulation)	100,396,000	Satin/Lustrous
Proof Strike (Sets)	3,041,506	Mirrored/Reflective

The “Full Steps” Factor for 1968-S Nickels

For serious Jefferson Nickel collectors, the holy grail is the “Full Steps” (FS) designation. This refers to the depiction of Monticello—Jefferson’s home—on the back of the coin. Specifically, the steps leading up to the building must be clearly visible, with 5 or 6 distinct lines showing no interruptions from scratches or weak striking.

Because the San Francisco Mint dies were often worn out or not pressed hard enough, finding a 1968-S with “Full Steps” is incredibly difficult. Most nickels from this era have blurry or “mushy” steps. A 1968-S nickel graded MS65 with Full Steps can be worth significantly more than a standard MS65 without them.

When checking your pocket change, don’t just look at the date. Turn the coin over and look at the bottom of Monticello with a magnifying glass. If you see crisp, clear lines, you might want to open the CoinKnow app and compare your coin’s reverse to professional grade photos. These tiny details are what separate a nickel worth $0.05 from one worth $50.00.

Grading and Condition: Why Your Coin Might Be Worth More

Numismatics is all about condition. Even a tiny scratch can drop a coin’s grade from “Uncirculated” to “About Uncirculated.” For the 1968-S nickel, the market uses the Sheldon Scale, which ranges from 1 to 70.

Most 1968-S nickels found today are in the G-4 (Good) to VF-20 (Very Fine) range. These generally hold zero premium over face value. However, if you find a coin that looks like it just came out of a roll—with its original mint luster intact—you may have a Mint State (MS) coin. According to recent 1968 Jefferson nickel value information, specimens in MS66 or higher are rare and highly sought after by registry set collectors.

Grade (Sheldon Scale)	Description	Price Estimate
VF20 – EF40	Light wear on Jefferson’s hair	$0.05
AU58	Almost Uncirculated; slight rub	$0.25
MS63	Bright luster, few contact marks	$1.50
MS66	Gem Quality; flawless to eye	$35.00

Error Coins: The 1968-S Mint Errors to Watch For

Sometimes the Mint makes a mistake, and these mistakes are worth a lot of money to specialists. While 1968 wasn’t a year for major “doubled die” legends like 1955 or 1972, there are still several errors that pop up in the series.

Common errors for 1968-S nickels include “Off-Center strikes,” where the coin was not properly aligned in the press, and “Die Cracks,” which look like raised jagged lines on the surface of the coin. One of the most interesting errors for this year is the “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM), where the “S” was stamped onto the die twice, creating a shadowed appearance.

If you suspect you have an error, CoinKnow can be a great resource to cross-reference your find with known error types. Minor errors might only add $5 or $10 to the value, but a significant off-center strike (where 50% of the design is missing) can sell for $50 to $100 depending on the demand.

How to Sell and Store Your 1968-S Nickels

If you discover you have a 1968-S nickel worth more than its face value, you need to handle it with care. Never clean your coins! Even using a soft cloth or mild soap can micro-scratch the surface, which ruins the numismatic value and can decrease the price by 50% or more.

For storage, use “flips” or archival-safe plastic holders. Avoid PVC-based plastic, as it can cause a green, sticky residue to form on the nickel over time. If you decide to sell, local coin shops are great for quick cash, but online auctions or professional grading services (like PCGS or NGC) are better if you believe you have a high-value “Full Steps” or “Deep Cameo” specimen.

Remember that prices change based on the “spot” price of metals and collector demand. Checking your collection monthly through an app like CoinKnow ensures you know exactly what your treasure is worth in today’s market.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1968-S Jefferson Nickel made of silver?

A: No. Jefferson Nickels only contained silver during World War II (1942-1945), known as “War Nickels.” The 1968-S nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Q: Does the “S” mint mark mean it is rare?

A: Not necessarily. In 1968, the San Francisco Mint struck over 100 million nickels for circulation and 3 million for Proof sets. While “S” marks are less common than “D” (Denver) or no mint mark (Philadelphia) in some years, millions are still in existence today.

Q: What is a “Cameo” 1968-S Nickel?

A: A Cameo is a Proof coin where the portrait of Jefferson and the Monticello building have a frosted, white appearance that contrasts sharply against a mirror-like field (the background). “Deep Cameo” coins are the most valuable.

Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1968 nickel?

A: Unlike modern nickels where the mint mark is on the front, or older nickels where it was on the back, the 1968-S mint mark is found on the obverse (front) of the coin, just to the right of Jefferson’s hair ribbons.