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1959 Proof

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular Proof
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeProof
Mintage 1,149,291
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1424

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 1,149,291 proof Jefferson nickels in 1959, crossing the million-mark again after a brief dip in 1958. The coin is common by proof standards and available in every grade. Strike quality is typically sharp, with Cameo contrast available at meaningful premiums for well-frosted examples.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel proof sets acquire the 1959 as a straightforward late-1950s entry. The coin represents the continued expansion of proof set collecting as proof mintages consistently exceeded one million through the late 1950s and into the 1960s.

Cameo and Deep Cameo 1959 proofs command meaningful premiums over non-Cameo examples. The highest-grade pieces with strong frosting and deep mirror fields are particularly prized by specialists building complete high-grade Jefferson proof sets.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
PR-63 Proof (PR)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1959 Proof Jefferson Nickels were minted?
1,149,291 were struck.
What is a 1959 Proof Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1959 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 1959 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.