Contrary to what the question implies, the 1964 D nickel is not considered rare; in fact, it holds the distinction of having the highest mintage of any nickel ever produced by the U.S. Mint. This makes it one of the most common nickels in existence.
Dispelling the Myth of Rarity
The notion that the 1964 D Jefferson Nickel is rare is a misconception. Historical mint records clearly show that the Denver Mint produced an unprecedented number of these coins. This particular year marked the first time the U.S. Mint struck over a billion nickels for any single date. Such an enormous production volume directly contradicts the idea of its rarity.
The sheer volume of 1964 D nickels minted means they are widely available, even decades later. Their abundance makes them a common find in circulation and among coin collectors, particularly in lower grades.
Mintage Comparison: 1964-D vs. Truly Rare Nickels
To understand just how common the 1964 D nickel is, it's helpful to compare its mintage figures with those of genuinely rare nickels. The mintage directly correlates with a coin's scarcity, meaning a higher mintage results in lower rarity and vice-versa.
| Coin Designation | Mintage Figure | Rarity Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1964-D Jefferson Nickel | Over 1 billion | Extremely Common |
| 1950-D Jefferson Nickel | 2,630,000 | Key Date/Rare |
As illustrated, the 1964-D nickel's production vastly overshadows that of coins like the 1950-D Jefferson Nickel, which is considered a key date due to its significantly lower mintage of just 2,630,000. This stark contrast highlights that nothing makes the 1964 D nickel rare; instead, its record-breaking mintage makes it one of the most abundant issues.
