As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you make a purchase through the link(s) above.
1964 SMS
| Weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint | Philadelphia |
| Strike | NIFC (Not Intended for Circulation) |
| Mintage | Special Mint Set; mintage included in P total |
| Edge | Plain |
| Alignment | ↑↓ Coin |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel |
| Melt value | — |
| Designer | Felix Schlag |
| Collector's Key ID | CK-1441 |
Collection
Your collection
Sign in to track this coin.
One tap — add details later from your collection list.
No additional varieties recorded for this strike.
External references
The 1964 SMS (Special Mint Set) Jefferson nickel is one of the rarest and most mysterious issues in the entire Jefferson nickel series. SMS coins were a special format produced by the Mint between 1965-1967 to replace traditional proof sets during the coin shortage, but a handful of 1964-dated SMS nickels have been identified by specialists, suggesting they were experimental prototypes or trial strikes produced ahead of the formal 1965 SMS program.
Only a handful of 1964 SMS nickels are known, and their exact origin remains subject to speculation. Some numismatic researchers believe they were struck at Philadelphia in late 1964 or early 1965 as test pieces for the new SMS format. Others suggest they may have been private or semi-official pieces produced for Mint officials or dignitaries. Regardless of their precise origin, they are among the rarest modern Jefferson nickels.
The 1964 SMS coins show distinctive surface characteristics that differentiate them from ordinary circulation strikes: a satin-like finish without the full mirror of traditional proofs, but with crisper strike detail than typical business strikes. PCGS and NGC both attribute confirmed 1964 SMS examples, and certified pieces are the standard for serious collectors.
Heritage Auctions has sold 1964 SMS Jefferson nickels in the $15,000 to $40,000 range when certified examples have appeared at major sales. The coin is genuinely rare at a level well above mere scarcity and is among the most expensive regular-issue Jefferson nickels in high grades. For most collectors, the 1964 SMS remains an aspirational target, but it represents one of the defining rarities in modern Jefferson nickel specialist collecting.
Reference data only — not an appraisal.
| Grade | Description | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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) | — | — |
| MS-63 | Choice Uncirculated (MS) | — | — |
What is a 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel made of?
What is the melt value of a 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel?
Is the 1964 SMS Jefferson Nickel a key date?
Live listings from eBay. As an eBay Affiliate, Collector's Key may be compensated if you click a link and make a purchase. See all on eBay →
It is important that you educate yourself on a coin before making a substantial purchase, as some coins on eBay could be counterfeit or misrepresented. eBay Money Back Guarantee protects the buyer in these cases.