Have a photo? Submit it and we'll credit you.

As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.

1953-S

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 19,210,900
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1405

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

San Francisco struck 19,210,900 Jefferson nickels in 1953, a moderate production that places the 1953-S in the mid-range scarcity category. The coin is common in circulated grades and available in Mint State through major dealer inventories at modest premiums. Strike characteristics are variable, and Full Steps examples command meaningful premiums.

The 1953-S was among the final San Francisco Jefferson nickels produced in meaningful circulation-strike quantity before the facility dramatically reduced its output. After 1954, San Francisco would stop striking circulating Jefferson nickels entirely until the 1968 resumption, making the 1953-S and 1954-S among the last pre-gap San Francisco Jefferson issues.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1953-S without extraordinary difficulty. The coin represents the winding down of San Francisco's circulation-strike Jefferson production in the early 1950s and is a modest "better date" in the series alongside the 1954-S that would follow.

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 $1
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1953-S Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Uncirculated condition it runs about $1. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1953-S Jefferson Nickels were minted?
19,210,900 were struck.
What is a 1953-S Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1953-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 1953-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.