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1980-P

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 502,323,448
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1487

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About this coinHistory

The 1980-P Jefferson nickel is historically significant as the first Jefferson nickel to carry the P mintmark for Philadelphia. Before 1980, Philadelphia Jefferson nickels (except the 1942-1945 Wartime Silver issues) had no mintmark, continuing the traditional practice of omitting mintmarks on Philadelphia coins. The Mint's decision to add the P mintmark in 1980 reflected updated policies that gave all production facilities visible mintmark identification.

Philadelphia struck 593,004,000 Jefferson nickels in 1980, a substantial production year. 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.

For collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets with mintmark varieties, the 1980-P is an important transitional piece. It represents the first Philadelphia Jefferson nickel with a mintmark since the Wartime Silver period (1942-1945), and it establishes the P mintmark convention that would continue through subsequent years. The coin is common at every grade level, yet it carries historical significance as the first-year-of-issue for the P mintmark convention on Jefferson nickels.

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 1980-P 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 1980-P Jefferson Nickels were minted?
502,323,448 were struck.
What is a 1980-P Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1980-P 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 1980-P Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.