1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel Value: Collector Price Guide

The 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $5 in standard Proof condition to over $3,500 for specimens with perfect Deep Cameo contrast. While most circulated nickels in your pocket change are only worth face value, this specific “Clear S” mint mark variety is a prized find for everyday collectors.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value
PR 65 (Standard)	$5.00 – $8.00
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$25.00 – $40.00
PR 70 Deep Cameo	$500.00 – $3,500.00

Identifying the Rare 1979-S Type 2 Variety

Finding an old coin in a drawer often sparks the question: “Is this the one everyone is looking for?” In 1979, the San Francisco Mint updated its mint mark punch mid-year, creating two distinct versions of the Proof Jefferson Nickel. To verify your find, you can use a top coin identifier app to zoom in on the specific details of the “S” mark located to the right of Monticello.

The “Type 1” (Filled S) features a mint mark that looks like a blob or a filled-in letter. It was the result of a worn-out punch. However, the Type 2 (Clear S) is far more desirable. On the Type 2, the “S” is sharp, distinct, and features clear bulbous ends. This subtle difference can mean a jump in value from a couple of dollars to hundreds of dollars depending on the strike quality.

If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you compare high-resolution images of both types. Collectors specifically hunt for the Type 2 because it represents the “corrected” version of the mint mark, and fewer of them were produced compared to the Type 1 earlier that year.

The Major Price Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2

When assessing your coin, understanding the 1979 Jefferson Nickel price and grading tiers is crucial. While both were minted for collectors in Proof Sets, the market demand heavily favors the Type 2. Most Type 1 coins sell for roughly $1 to $3. The Type 2 usually starts at $5 and climbs rapidly.

The real money is found in coins that have been kept in their original protective packaging. Exposure to air can cause toning or “clouding” on the surface, which lowers the appraisal value. If your coin looks like a mirror and the “S” is clearly defined with distinct loops, you are looking at a premium item.

Variety Type	Average Value (Proof-67)	Typical Scarcity
Type 1 “Filled S”	$2.50	Common
Type 2 “Clear S”	$12.00	Less Common

Why the Proof Finish Affects 1979-S Nickel Value

Proof coins are not meant for circulation. They are struck twice with specially polished dies to create a mirror-like background and frosted details. For the 1979-S Nickel, the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is the gold standard. This means the contrast between the shiny field and the white, frosted portrait of Thomas Jefferson is intense.

A standard Proof might have some frosting, but if it has faded over time, it won’t fetch top dollar. Experts use tools like CoinKnow to track auction records for these specific DCAM grades. A Type 2 Nickel without the Deep Cameo finish is worth significantly less than one that looks like a black-and-white photograph.

When checking your 1979-S Type 2 Nickel auction values, you will see that the highest prices ever paid were for “flawless” coins graded by services like PCGS or NGC. A PR70 (the highest grade possible) is extremely rare because even the tiniest microscopic scratch from the minting process can drop it down to a PR69.

Detailed Price Guide for High-Grade Specimens

Most people who find a 1979-S nickel have a coin that grades around PR65 to PR67. If you are lucky enough to have a PR69 or PR70, you are looking at a significant investment piece. Grading is the process of having a professional verify the condition and authenticity of the coin.

Using the CoinKnow app can give you a “pre-grade” estimate so you don’t spend money on professional grading fees for a coin that might only be worth $10. Remember, the cost to grade a coin is often $20 to $40, so it is only worth it for Type 2 Clear S coins that appear absolutely perfect under a magnifying glass.

Grade Designation	1979-S Type 1 Value	1979-S Type 2 Value
PR 68 Deep Cameo	$10	$25
PR 69 Deep Cameo	$18	$45
PR 70 Deep Cameo	$150	$3,800+

Key Errors and Varieties to Look For

Beyond the Type 2 Clear S, there are other mint errors that can occur on 1979 Nickels. While the San Francisco Mint is known for high quality control, errors like “Off-Center Strikes” or “Double Dies” occasionally slip through. An off-center strike on a proof coin is incredibly rare and can be worth hundreds regardless of the mint mark type.

Double Die Obverse (DDO) errors involve a slight doubling of the letters in “IN GOD WE TRUST” or the date. These are very subtle and usually require a 10x jeweler’s loupe to see. If you find one, it adds a unique “error premium” to the 1979-S Type 2 value.

It is also important to look for “Full Steps” (FS) on the reverse side of the coin. The steps on Monticello are the first things to wear down. On a Proof coin, the steps should always be sharp, but if they are particularly crisp and well-defined, it ensures the coin remains in the top-tier price bracket for collectors.

Tips for Storing Your 1979-S Nickel

If you discover you have a Type 2 Clear S, how you store it will determine if it keeps its value. Oils from your skin can permanently damage the surface of a proof coin. Always handle your nickel by the edges, or better yet, wear cotton gloves.

Keep your coin in a PVC-free plastic flip or a hard plastic capsule. Avoid “the old jar of coins” at all costs; if a proof coin bangs against other nickels and quarters, it will develop “bag marks.” These tiny scratches instantly disqualify a coin from the prestigious PR69 or PR70 grades, potentially costing you thousands in resale value.

Summary: Should You Sell or Hold?

The market for 1979-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickels remains stable because the story of the “Filled S vs Clear S” is a classic piece of numismatic history. If you have a specimen that looks average, it may be a nice keepsake or a $10 sale on an online marketplace.

However, if your coin is flawless, holding onto it or getting it professionally graded is the smarter move. As the years go by, the number of “perfect” PR70 Type 2 coins will not increase, making them rarer and more valuable to serious investors who want the best of the best from the late 1970s era.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if my 1979-S Nickel is Type 2 without an expert?

A: Look closely at the “S” mint mark. If the “S” has clear, round bulbs at the ends and looks like a crisp letter, it is a Type 2. If it looks like a flat, solid blob where you can barely see the curves of the S, it is a Type 1.

Q: Are there any 1979 nickels worth money that don’t have an “S”?

A: Most 1979 nickels with no mint mark (made in Philadelphia) or a “D” (Denver) are only worth their face value of 5 cents if they have been used in daily commerce. Only those in “Uncirculated” condition or with major errors carry a premium.

Q: Why is the Type 2 much more expensive than the Type 1?

A: It is a matter of supply and demand. The Type 2 was introduced later in the year, so fewer were made. Additionally, collectors prefer the “Clear S” because it is aesthetically more pleasing and represents the corrected version of the mint’s equipment.

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

A: It is very unlikely. These were originally sold in Proof Sets for collectors. While someone might have broken a set and spent the coin, its mirror-like finish would quickly be destroyed by sliding around with other coins, making it worth very little by the time you found it.