Yes, there is something quite unique about the 1964-D Jefferson nickel: it holds the distinction of having the highest mintage of any nickel ever struck by the United States Mint. This was also the first time in U.S. coinage history that over a billion nickels were produced for a single date.
The Record-Breaking Mintage
The 1964-D Jefferson nickel was minted at the Denver Mint and saw an unprecedented production volume. This massive mintage directly impacts its availability and general value today.
- Unprecedented Production: The U.S. Mint produced an astounding number of 1964-D nickels, making them incredibly common.
- Historical Significance: This year marked a significant milestone in U.S. coin production, being the first time any nickel denomination surpassed the one billion mark in mintage.
What Does High Mintage Mean for Collectors?
For most collectors, the high mintage means that a typical circulated 1964-D nickel is not rare and therefore holds very little premium above its face value. They are easily found in pocket change or old coin jars.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Mintage | Highest ever for a U.S. nickel |
| Rarity | Generally considered very common in circulated condition |
| Value | Most circulated examples are worth only face value (5 cents). Uncirculated examples can fetch slightly more, especially if they are in top condition. |
| Key Dates | The 1964-D is not considered a "key date" or "semi-key date" due to its abundance, unlike some other Jefferson nickel issues. For a broader overview of Jefferson nickels, you can refer to numismatic resources like PCGS CoinFacts. |
When is a 1964-D Nickel Valuable?
While common, certain 1964-D nickels can still be of interest to collectors and command a premium, especially those in exceptional condition:
- Uncirculated Condition: Coins that show no signs of wear and retain their original mint luster are more desirable.
- "Full Steps" Designation: For Jefferson Nickels, the "Full Steps" (FS) designation on the reverse side (showing all five steps of Monticello clearly defined) is a key factor for higher grades. A 1964-D nickel with a clear "Full Steps" designation is much rarer than a standard one and can be worth significantly more.
- Errors and Varieties: As with any coin, off-center strikes, double dies, or other minting errors can make a specific coin rare and valuable. However, widely recognized errors for the 1964-D nickel are not common.
In summary, the "special" aspect of the 1964-D nickel lies in its record-breaking production volume, making it a unique piece of minting history, rather than its rarity or high intrinsic value in most cases.
