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The 1968-D Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from its face value of $0.05 in worn condition to over $1,500 for rare “Full Steps” specimens in high mint grades. While most of these coins found in pocket change are only worth five cents, certain luster and strike characteristics can significantly increase their market price.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated (Good to About Uncirculated) | $0.05 – $0.25 |
| Uncirculated (MS60 – MS64) | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| Choice Uncirculated (MS65+) | $15.00 – $150.00 |
| Gem Mint with Full Steps (FS) | $500.00+ |
Identifying Your 1968-D Jefferson Nickel
If you have just pulled a 1968 nickel from a jar of coins, the first thing to check is the mint mark. In 1968, the United States Mint moved the mint mark from the reverse side (next to Monticello) to the obverse side (the front). You can find the small “D” symbol just to the right of Thomas Jefferson’s ponytail, under the date. This “D” indicates that the coin was struck at the Denver Mint. Identifying coins accurately is the first step for any hobbyist, and using a top coin identifier app can help you confirm the minting location and basic variety within seconds.
The Denver Mint was prolific in 1968, churning out over 191 million of these five-cent pieces. Because so many were made, they are extremely common in everyday circulation. However, the late 1960s were known for poor striking quality at the US Mint. Most 1968-D nickels were struck with worn-out dies, leading to mushy details and a lack of definition. This makes high-quality, sharp examples much more valuable to collectors.
When examining your coin, look for the original “mint luster”—that satiny, spinning light effect found on new coins. If your coin is dull or scratched, it is likely only worth its face value. But if it looks like it just came from the bank, you might want to use CoinKnow to track its potential auction history.
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Grading and the Impact on 1968-D Nickel Prices
In the world of coin collecting, “grade” is everything. The professional grading scale goes from 1 to 70. A coin in “Mint State” (MS) starts at grade 60. For the 1968-D nickel, a jump of just one or two points in grade can mean a difference of hundreds of dollars. Most 1968-D nickels fall into the MS63 or MS64 range, which are relatively affordable.
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Once you reach MS65 or MS66, the survival rate drops significantly. Collectors are always on the lookout for coins that escaped the rough handling of the minting process. For a detailed breakdown of how condition affects the market, you can check the 1968-D Jefferson Nickel MS price charts to see why a pristine surface is so vital.
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| Grade | Value (Standard Strike) | Value (Full Steps) |
|---|---|---|
| MS63 | $2 | $35 |
| MS65 | $18 | $165 |
| MS66 | $55 | $850 |
| MS67 | $250+ | $1,800+ |
The “Full Steps” Rarity for Denver Nickels
Professional collectors look at one specific area of the Jefferson Nickel to determine its ultimate value: the steps of Monticello on the reverse side. A “Full Steps” (FS) designation is awarded to coins that show at least five or six clear, uninterrupted horizontal lines on the building’s staircase. Because Denver’s dies in 1968 were often overused, finding a 1968-D with a sharp enough strike to show these steps is incredibly difficult.
A standard 1968-D in MS65 might sell for under $20, but a 1968-D MS65 with the Full Steps designation can easily fetch over $150. If you find an example that looks exceptionally crisp on the back, CoinKnow can help you compare it against certified images of FS nickels. This rarity factor is what separates a common pocket coin from a high-tier investment.
1968-D Nickel Error Coins to Look For
Error coins are the “wild cards” of the hobby. Even if a 1968-D nickel isn’t in perfect condition, a manufacturing mistake can make it worth a significant amount. Some common errors for this year include “clipped planchets,” where a piece of the coin is missing, and “off-center strikes,” where the design is pushed to one side.
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The most famous errors often involve the mint mark. Look for “repunched mint marks” (RPM), where the letter ‘D’ appears to have a shadow or a double edge. Another interesting error is the “Double Die,” though major doubled dies are rare for the 1968-D. If you think you’ve spotted a mistake, verifying the current market worth of 1968 nickels is essential before trying to sell it.
| Error Type | Description | Potential Value |
|---|---|---|
| Off-Center Strike | Design shifted 10% – 50% | $10 – $100 |
| Clipped Planchet | Moon-shaped cut on edge | $15 – $50 |
| Die Crack | Raised lines from broken die | $1 – $5 |
Why the 1968-D Nickel is a Collector Favorite
While it might not be a “key date” like the 1939-D or the 1950-D, the 1968-D nickel represents a specific era in American coinage. This was the first year the mint mark moved back to the obverse after the “Mint Mark-less” years of 1965-1967. Collectors who are building “dated sets” need a high-quality 1968-D to complete their collection.
For many everyday Americans, finding one of these in a coin roll is a gateway into the hobby. The search for a “Full Steps” version creates a treasure-hunt atmosphere that keeps the market for these coins active. Using tools like CoinKnow helps new collectors stay organized and understand exactly what to look for when sorting through their change.
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How to Store and Protect Your 1968-D Nickel
If you discover a high-grade 1968-D nickel, you must protect it from the elements. Exposure to air, moisture, and the oils from your fingers can tarnish the surface and lower the grade. For coins that appear to be in Mint State, we recommend using PVC-free coin flips or plastic capsules.
Never clean your coins. Wiping a nickel with a cloth or using a chemical cleaner creates microscopic scratches that professional graders will instantly recognize. A cleaned coin can lose up to 90% of its collector value. Keep it in its original state, and if you believe it is a high-value specimen, consider sending it to a service like PCGS or NGC for professional certification.
FAQ
Q: Where is the mint mark on a 1968-D Jefferson Nickel?
A: Unlike older nickels where the mint mark is on the back, the 1968-D nickel has the “D” on the front (obverse). It is located just below the date, to the right of Jefferson’s ponytail.
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Q: Is there a silver version of the 1968 nickel?
A: No, the U.S. Mint only used silver for nickels during WWII (1942-1945). The 1968-D nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Q: What is the highest price ever paid for a 1968-D nickel?
A: The record for a 1968-D Jefferson Nickel is over $1,500, which was paid for a specimen graded MS67 with Full Steps. Most circulated coins are only worth face value.
Q: How can I tell if my 1968-D nickel has “Full Steps”?
A: Flip the coin to the reverse side and look at the base of Monticello. You must be able to see 5 or 6 complete, horizontal lines representing the stairs. If the lines are blurry or merged together, it is not a Full Steps coin.