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1957 Proof

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular Proof
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeProof
Mintage 1,247,952
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1419

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 1,247,952 proof Jefferson nickels in 1957, the first year the proof mintage exceeded one million and reflecting the continued rapid growth of proof set collecting. The coin is abundant by proof standards and available in every grade. Strike quality is typically sharp, and Cameo contrast is available at modest premiums over non-Cameo examples.

The 1957 proof represents a milestone in Jefferson nickel proof production: the first year proof mintage crossed the one-million threshold. This figure indicates that proof set collecting had become a genuinely mainstream hobby activity, with hundreds of thousands of Americans purchasing annual proof sets for personal enjoyment, investment, or gift-giving.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel proof sets acquire the 1957 as a routine late-1950s entry. Cameo and Deep Cameo examples command meaningful premiums, particularly for the highest grades where strong device frosting against deep mirror fields defines specialist collecting quality.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1957 Proof Jefferson Nickels were minted?
1,247,952 were struck.
What is a 1957 Proof Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1957 Proof 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 1957 Proof Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.