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1966 SMS

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular NIFC
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeNIFC (Not Intended for Circulation)
Mintage 2,261,583
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1446

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About this coinHistory

The 1966 SMS Jefferson nickel continued the Special Mint Set program that had begun in 1965. Production and quality characteristics are similar to the 1965 SMS, with satin-like surfaces on polished planchets producing coins that differ from both ordinary circulation strikes and traditional proofs. The 1966 SMS is available in all grades and accessible through specialist channels at modest premiums.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel proof sets (including the SMS interlude) acquire the 1966 SMS as a required entry. The coin represents the middle year of the three-year SMS program and is typical of the format in both production method and preservation characteristics. Cameo designations are rare but occasionally encountered on well-preserved examples.

The 1966 SMS is sometimes overshadowed by the 1965 and 1967 SMS coins in collector attention, but it is essential for complete SMS sub-series representation. For specialists building high-grade SMS sets, the 1966 presents the typical challenges of the format: acceptable strike quality, satin surfaces, and modest but not prohibitive pricing at the top grades.

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)
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How many 1966 SMS Jefferson Nickels were minted?
2,261,583 were struck.
What is a 1966 SMS Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1966 SMS 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 1966 SMS Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.