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1970-D

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 515,485,380
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1455

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About this coinHistory

Denver's 1970 Jefferson nickel mintage was 515,485,380 coins, a massive production that places the 1970-D among the highest single-year Jefferson nickel mintages ever struck. The coin is abundant 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.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1970-D trivially. The enormous mintage ensures minimal pricing at all grade levels, and high-grade Full Steps examples are readily available through normal channels.

1970 was the year of the Kent State shootings, the first Earth Day celebration, and the beginning of American withdrawal from Cambodia. The Jefferson nickels struck at Denver that year contributed to the massive American coinage supply during a period of continued commercial expansion and political tension over the Vietnam War.

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 1970-D 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 1970-D Jefferson Nickels were minted?
515,485,380 were struck.
What is a 1970-D Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1970-D 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 1970-D Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.