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.

1959

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 28,397,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1425

Collection

collectors own this
on want lists

Your collection

Sign in to track this coin.

About this coinHistory

Philadelphia's 1959 Jefferson nickel mintage was 27,248,000 coins, a modest production that places the 1959 Philadelphia in the mid-range scarcity category. The coin is common in all grades and readily available in Mint State. Strike characteristics are generally strong, and Full Steps examples exist in adequate numbers for specialist demand.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1959 without difficulty. 1959 was the year Alaska and Hawaii became states, completing the 50-state union, and the year Castro took power in Cuba. The Jefferson nickels struck that year circulated through a country that was simultaneously expanding its boundaries and entering a period of Cold War tension that would soon include the Cuban Missile Crisis.

For high-grade specialists, 1959 examples in MS65 Full Steps and better are readily available at modest premiums. The coin represents typical late-1950s Jefferson nickel production at its stable quality level.

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) $0.20 $0.25
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1959 Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Uncirculated condition it runs about $0.20–$0.25. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1959 Jefferson Nickels were minted?
28,397,000 were struck.
What is a 1959 Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1959 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 1959 Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.