Is the 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel Worth Money?

The 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $3 in typical Proof condition to over $450 for flawless deep cameo specimens. While most found in old collections are worth a few dollars, specific minting details make certain versions highly sought after by serious coin collectors today.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$3.00 – $5.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$400.00 – $600.00+

The Mystery of the 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel

If you have stumbled upon a shiny 1979 nickel with an “S” mint mark, you might have something more valuable than just five cents. In 1979, the San Francisco Mint underwent a transition that created two distinct varieties of the Jefferson Nickel. For everyday Americans, distinguishing between a “Type 1” and a “Type 2” is the key to unlocking hidden value. Using a top coin identifier and value app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see which version you hold.

The primary difference lies in the clarity of the “S” mint mark. During the middle of the year, the mint replaced a worn-out, “blobby” mint mark punch with a new, much clearer one. This newer version is what we call the Type 2, or the “Clear S.” Because it was introduced later in the production cycle, it is generally scarcer than its predecessor.

Collectors often use tools like CoinKnow to track the rarity of these variations. When you find a nickel that looks remarkably polished—as if it has a mirror-like background—it is a Proof coin. Unlike regular nickels meant for vending machines, these were sold in special sets to collectors. Identifying the specific variety is the first step in determining if your pocket change is a hidden treasure.

Identifying the Type 2 Clear S vs. Type 1 Filled S

The difference between these two varieties is subtle but crucial for pricing. The Type 1 “Filled S” looks like a rounded blob. The loops of the “S” are almost touching the center diagonal, making it look congested. In contrast, the 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel features a very sharp, distinct “S” with bulbous ends and clear space within the loops.

When viewing your coin, look closely at the mint mark located to the right of Monticello on the reverse side. If the “S” is crisp and easy to read, you likely have the more valuable Type 2. If it looks like a smudged letter, it is the more common Type 1.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled S)	Type 2 (Clear S)
Appearance	Blurred, blob-like shape	Sharp, clear Serifs
Rarity	Very Common	Scarce / Desirable

Managing a large collection can be daunting, but apps like CoinKnow allow you to categorize your finds and compare your mint mark photos to high-resolution reference images. This ensures you never accidentally spend a Type 2 nickel at the grocery store.

Current Market Value and Pricing for 1979-S Nickels

Market pricing for these coins depends heavily on the “grade” or condition. A Proof-65 (PR65) coin is standard, often showing some light hazy spotting or micro-scratches. However, as you move up to PR69 or the elusive PR70, the price skyrockets. You can find detailed 1979 nickel auction records and price data to see how recently sold coins have performed.

Most 1979-S Type 2 nickels found in original government proof sets will sell for $5 to $15. The real money comes when the coin is certified by a grading service like PCGS or NGC as “Deep Cameo.” A Deep Cameo (DCAM) coin has a heavy frosted appearance on Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello, which creates a stunning contrast against the black, mirror-like fields of the coin.

If you are curious about the broader market, checking the 1979 Jefferson Nickel price and variety guide provides a comprehensive look at how the Type 2 compares to the P and D mint marks from the same year. While billions of nickels were made in Philadelphia and Denver, only about 3.6 million proof sets were produced in San Francisco, making the “S” mark naturally more interesting.

Why Condition Matters: The Hunt for PR70

In the world of coin collecting, the difference between a grade of 69 and 70 is invisible to the naked eye, but it can mean hundreds of dollars in value. A PR70 coin is technically “perfect” under five-times magnification. For the 1979-S Type 2, a perfect grade is quite rare because of how coins were handled at the mint.

Scratches, known as “hairlines,” often occur when the coin is wiped with a cloth or slides around inside its plastic case. Even the smallest fingerprint can leave oils that eventually eat into the metal, permanently lowering the grade. This is why collectors pay a premium for coins that have been professionally sealed and certified.

If you have a coin that looks flawless, using CoinKnow to estimate its potential grade can be a great first step before paying for professional grading services. Remember, most “shiny” coins you find in circulation are not Proofs; they are just well-preserved business strikes. Proofs have a distinct, mirror-like finish that makes them stand out immediately.

Grade Level	Visual Characteristics	Price Range
PR67 DCAM	Strong contrast, few marks	$8 – $12
PR68 DCAM	Excellent frost, near perfect	$15 – $25
PR69 DCAM	Virtually flawless	$30 – $60
PR70 DCAM	Perfect specimen	$450+

Historical Context: The 1979 Transition Year

1979 was a busy year for the United States Mint. Not only were they producing billions of nickels, but they also introduced the Susan B. Anthony dollar. Because of the sheer volume of coins being struck, the dies (the metal stamps that hit the coins) wore out faster than usual.

The mint marks were hand-punched into the dies back then. When the 1979 “S” punch became worn down, the impressions turned into the “Filled S” variety. Eventually, the mint officials realized the quality was dropping and commissioned a new punch. This second punch had much better definition, creating the Type 2 variety.

This transition didn’t just happen with nickels. You can find Type 1 and Type 2 varieties for 1979 pennies, dimes, quarters, and dollars too. However, the Jefferson Nickel Type 2 remains a favorite for collectors because the nickel’s large surface area makes the distinction quite easy to see once you know what to look for.

How to Safely Store Your 1979-S Nickel

If you discover that you own a 1979-S Type 2, your next goal should be preservation. Copper-nickel coins are susceptible to “environmental damage,” which looks like dark spotting or green corrosion. These marks will instantly drop a coin’s value to almost nothing.

Never clean your coins. Even a soft cloth can leave micro-scratches that a professional grader will notice. Instead, handle the coin by its edges only. The best way to store a high-value nickel is in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic collector’s capsule.

For those who enjoy the hobby of “roll hunting”—searching through boxes of coins from the bank—finding an “S” mint mark is rare because they were not intended for circulation. Most “S” marks found in the wild are from broken-up proof sets. If you find one, protect it immediately, as its journey through cash registers has likely already caused some wear.

Conclusion: Is Your Nickel a Treasure?

While the 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel might not make you a millionaire, it is a fantastic piece of numismatic history. It represents a specific moment in time when the U.S. Mint caught a mistake and corrected it, creating a “chase” item for generations to come.

Whether you have a single coin or a full proof set, knowing how to identify the Clear S variety gives you an edge. Keep an eye on the market, use modern tools to verify your finds, and you might just find that your spare change is worth significantly more than its face value.

FAQ

Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 2 nickel in my pocket change?

A: It is very rare, but possible. These were originally part of Proof sets sold to collectors. If someone broke a set and spent the coins, they could end up in circulation. However, they will likely be scratched and worth only a small premium over five cents.

Q: How can I tell for sure if mine is a Type 2?

A: Use a magnifying glass or a jewelry loupe. Look at the “S.” If the ends of the S have clear, round bulbs and there is a clear “tunnel” through the middle of the letter, it is a Type 2. If it looks like a solid blob, it is a Type 1.

Q: Is the 1979-S Type 2 more valuable than the 1981-S Type 2?

A: Generally, the 1981-S Type 2 (Clear S) is considered rarer and more valuable than the 1979-S Type 2, but both are highly collected and carry a significant premium in perfect condition.

Q: Should I get my 1979-S nickel professionally graded?

A: Only if it appears to be in perfect condition (PR69 or PR70). The cost of grading (usually $30-$50) is more than the value of the coin unless it achieves a top-tier grade. If the coin has any scratches or fingerprints, it is better to keep it in a simple plastic holder.