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1960

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 57,107,602
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1427

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 55,416,000 Jefferson nickels in 1960, beginning the 1960s Jefferson production at substantial levels. 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 at modest premiums.

The 1960 Philadelphia is typical of early-1960s Jefferson production. Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the coin without difficulty. 1960 was a presidential election year in which John F. Kennedy defeated Richard Nixon in one of the closest elections in American history. The televised debates between the candidates marked a turning point in American political communication.

The Jefferson nickels struck in 1960 circulated through a country on the edge of the 1960s transformation. Kennedy's inauguration in January 1961 would open a new era defined by the civil rights movement, Vietnam, the counterculture, and the space race culminating in the moon landing. For the moment, however, 1960 still belonged to the Eisenhower era of prosperity, conformity, and Cold War tension.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $0.05 $0.05
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $0.05 $0.05
F-12 Fine (F) $0.05 $0.05
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $0.05 $0.05
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $0.05 $0.05
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $0.05 $0.05
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $0.20 $0.25
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1960 Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.05, rising to roughly $0.20–$0.25 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1960 Jefferson Nickels were minted?
57,107,602 were struck.
What is a 1960 Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1960 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 1960 Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.