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1951-S

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 7,776,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1397

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco's 1951 Jefferson nickel mintage was 7,776,000 coins, a moderate figure that places the 1951-S in the scarcer tier of early-1950s issues. The coin is available in circulated grades and accessible in Mint State at modest premiums. Strike characteristics are variable, and Full Steps examples command meaningful premiums for well-struck pieces.

The 1951-S was among the last San Francisco Jefferson nickels produced in circulation-strike quantity before the facility wound down its regular Jefferson nickel production. After 1954, San Francisco would stop striking Jefferson nickels for circulation entirely until the 1960s, and by that point the facility was producing proof coins for collector subscription orders.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1951-S as a routine but mildly challenging acquisition. The coin presents typical San Francisco strike quality concerns, and finding a Gem Full Steps example requires patient searching. For high-grade specialists, the 1951-S is one of several early-1950s San Francisco dates that reward careful selection.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $1.50 $2
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1951-S Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Uncirculated condition it runs about $1.50–$2. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1951-S Jefferson Nickels were minted?
7,776,000 were struck.
What is a 1951-S Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1951-S Jefferson Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1951-S Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.