Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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The 1973-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $0.05 in circulated condition to over $1,500 in top-tier proof grades. While most of these coins you find in pocket change are only worth their face value, the “S” mint mark indicates a special history that collectors often look for.
Why the 1973-S Jefferson Nickel is Unique Among Modern Coins
If you have discovered a nickel with a 1973 date and a small “S” next to the ponytail of Thomas Jefferson, you are holding a piece of history from the San Francisco Assay Office. Unlike the nickels minted in Philadelphia or Denver, items from San Francisco in 1973 were produced exclusively for collectors. If you are unsure about the specific variety you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you distinguish between a standard business strike and a specialized proof strike in seconds.
During this era, the United States Mint was focusing its San Francisco operations on Proof Sets. These coins were struck with specially polished dies and planchets to create a mirror-like finish. Finding one today in your spare change is quite rare, as it likely means someone broke open a collector’s set and spent the coins as regular money. If you find one that still looks exceptionally shiny, it might be worth more than a few cents. To get a better idea of the rarity, many casual hunters use the CoinKnow app to scan their change and track the market value of their finds.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Understanding the Market Value and Condition of Your 1973 Nickel
Value in the world of coin collecting is almost entirely dependent on “Grade,” which refers to the physical condition of the coin. For a 1973-S nickel, the market is primarily interested in “Proof” (PR) grades. A coin that has been scratched or dulled by being spent at a grocery store will rarely carry a premium. However, a specimen that has remained in its original plastic packaging can be surprisingly valuable.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
When looking at the current auction prices for 1973 Jeffersons, you will see a massive leap between average coins and those graded PR69 or PR70. A PR70 specimen represents a perfect coin with no visible flaws under 5x magnification. Because these are so difficult to find, professional collectors will pay hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to add one to their registry sets. For the average person, the CoinKnow app offers a quick way to compare your coin against high-resolution images of these perfect specimens.
1973 Jefferson Nickel Price Comparison Table
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect a 1973 nickel to be worth based on where it was minted and its current condition. Note that “S” mint marks are almost always Proofs for this specific year.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
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| Mint Mark & Type | Circulated Value | Uncirculated/Proof Value | Record Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973-P (Philadelphia) | $0.05 | $1.00 – $15.00 | $2,400 (MS67) |
| 1973-D (Denver) | $0.05 | $1.00 – $10.00 | $1,100 (MS67) |
| 1973-S (San Francisco Proof) | $0.10 – $0.50 | $2.00 – $40.00 | $1,600+ (PR70DCAM) |
Identifying Key Features and Errors on 1973 Nickels
When examining your coin, look closely at the steps on the back of the coin, which depicts Monticello. For business strikes (P and D mint marks), a “Full Steps” designation can drastically increase the price. This means all five or six steps are clearly visible and not blended together. Collectors are often willing to pay a high premium for “Full Steps” coins because the 1973 dies were often worn out, leading to very weak details.
You should also keep an eye out for errors. While common, some 1973 nickels feature “clashed dies” or “DDR” (Double Die Reverse) errors. If you see doubling in the lettering or the pillars of Monticello, you might have something worth much more than the standard 1973 Jefferson nickel estimate found in most price guides. If you suspect an error, using CoinKnow can help you identify similar documented errors in their database to confirm your find.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Conclusion for Casual Collectors
Finding a 1973-S nickel in your change is a fun discovery. Even if it isn’t worth a fortune, it represents a proof coin that survived a long journey into the wild. Most 1973-S nickels you find will be worth about 25 to 50 cents to a casual collector, but if the coin looks like a mirror and has no scratches, it is worth setting aside for professional evaluation. Always handle these coins by the edges to ensure you don’t leave fingerprints, which can damage the delicate finish and decrease the potential value over time.
FAQ
Q: Is the 1973-S nickel made of silver?
A: No, the 1973-S Jefferson nickel is made of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). The US Mint stopped using silver for nickels in 1945.
Q: Why is there an “S” on my 1973 nickel?
A: The “S” stands for the San Francisco Mint. In 1973, this mint only produced proof coins for collectors, meaning your coin was originally part of a special set.
Your Old Coin Could Be Valuable!
Identify It & Know Its Real Value — Free Download
Q: What is a Deep Cameo (DCAM) 1973-S Nickel?
A: A Deep Cameo is a proof coin where the flat fields are highly reflective like a mirror, and the raised design (Jefferson’s face) has a frosted, white appearance. These are the most valuable versions of the 1973-S.
Q: Where can I sell my 1973 nickel?
A: If it is a common circulated coin, most coin shops won’t buy it. However, if it is a high-grade proof or an error coin, you can sell it on eBay, at local coin shows, or through specialized auction houses.