1979-S Type 1 Jefferson Nickel Value: Collector Pricing Guide

The 1979-S Type 1 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $1.50 in typical Proof condition to over $50 for deep cameo specimens. While these coins were minted specifically for collectors, finding one in your family’s old coin stash is a common and exciting discovery for many Americans.

Condition / Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$1.50 – $3.00
PR 69 DCAM (Near Perfect)	$15.00 – $25.00
PR 70 DCAM (Perfect Specimen)	$150.00+

Understanding the 1979-S Type 1 Nickel Mystery

If you have found a shiny 1979 nickel with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin produced at the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the nickels you find in your pocket change, these were struck twice on specially polished blanks to create a mirror-like finish. 1979 was a unique year for these coins because the mint changed the design of the “S” mint mark halfway through production.

The “Type 1” version is known as the “Filled S” variety. This means the mint mark looks a bit “blobby” or indistinct, as if the center of the ‘S’ is filled with metal. If you are unsure which variety you have, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on the mint mark to see if the loops of the ‘S’ are clear or filled.

Many beginners find that the CoinKnow app is incredibly helpful for distinguishing these micro-details. Because millions of these were produced, the value today depends heavily on how “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) the coin is. A Deep Cameo coin has a heavy frost on Jefferson’s portrait that contrasts sharply against the mirror-like background.

Current Market Prices for 1979-S Nickels

When looking at the 1979 Jefferson Nickel price trends, you will notice that most Type 1 coins are relatively affordable. This is because they were sold in official Mint Sets, meaning thousands of them have been preserved in plastic cases for decades.

The real value lies in the “perfect” grades. Most 1979-S Type 1 nickels you find in an old collection will grade around PR 67 or PR 68. However, if your coin has zero scratches, even under a magnifying glass, it might be a candidate for professional grading.

Coin Variety	PR 67 DCAM	PR 69 DCAM	PR 70 DCAM
1979-S Type 1 (Filled S)	$5.00	$22.00	$185.00
1979-S Type 2 (Clear S)	$8.00	$35.00	$350.00

How to Identify the Filled S vs. Clear S

Identifying the 1979-S Type 1 requires a close look at the mint mark located just to the right of Thomas Jefferson’s ponytail. The Type 1 “Filled S” was created from a worn-out punch. The resulting “S” looks like a solid rectangular blob or a very thick letter where the center hole is almost non-existent.

In late 1979, the Mint replaced this with the “Type 2” or “Clear S,” which has distinct, sharp loops. Because the Type 2 was introduced late in the year, it is generally considered more valuable than the Type 1. If you check the professional valuation of 1979-S Jefferson Nickels, you’ll see that the Clear S carries a premium in almost every condition grade.

Using an app like CoinKnow can save you from guessing. By snapping a high-resolution photo, you can compare your coin against high-grade samples of both types to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.

Why Condition and “Deep Cameo” Status Matter

In the world of modern proof coins, “Deep Cameo” is everything. For a 1979-S Type 1 Nickel to reach its maximum value, the fields (the flat background) must be as smooth as a black mirror, and the devices (Jefferson and the building) must look like white frosting.

If your nickel looks slightly “cloudy” or has tiny “hairlines” (micro-scratches from being wiped with a cloth), the value drops significantly to just a few dollars. Collectors are very picky about 1970s proof coins because they are so common. Only the most visually stunning examples fetch the high prices you see in auction records.

Surface Quality	Effect on Value
Brilliant (No Frost)	Low ($1 – $2)
Cameo (Light Frost)	Moderate ($3 – $7)
Deep Cameo (Heavy Frost)	High ($15 – $200)

Collecting 1979-S Nickels for the Future

Is it worth holding onto a 1979-S Type 1 Nickel? For most casual finders, these are a “gateway” coin into the hobby of numismatics. While they won’t pay for a new car, they represent a specific moment in U.S. Mint history where quality control was transitioning.

If you enjoy the hunt, try to find a “Full Steps” version of a business strike nickel from 1979 (the ones without the S mark). While the 1979-S Proof is beautiful, a rare business strike with “Full Steps” on Monticello can sometimes be worth more than a standard proof.

Always keep your 1979-S Proof in a protective flip or the original mint packaging. Touching the surface with your fingers can leave oils that eventually turn into permanent dark spots, ruining the coin’s “Cameo” appeal and destroying its resale value. CoinKnow is a great tool to keep a digital inventory of your collection so you don’t have to handle the physical coins more than necessary.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1979 nickel with no mint mark rare?

A: No, nickels from 1979 with no mint mark were made in Philadelphia and are very common. They are typically only worth their face value ($0.05) unless they are in exceptional uncirculated condition.

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-S is Type 1 or Type 2?

A: Look at the “S.” If the “S” looks like a solid blob or the center of the letter is “filled” with metal, it is Type 1. If the “S” has clear, well-defined openings in the top and bottom loops, it is Type 2.

Q: Are 1979-S Nickels made of silver?

A: No, they are not. The 1979-S Jefferson Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The U.S. Mint did not produce silver nickels in 1979.

Q: Can I find a 1979-S Type 1 Nickel in circulation?

A: It is rare but possible. Occasionally, someone will spend a Proof set, and the coins will enter general circulation. However, once they are circulated, they lose their mirror finish and are usually only worth a few cents over face value.