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1986-P

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 536,883,483
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1506

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 536,883,483 Jefferson nickels in 1986, continuing substantial mid-1980s production. 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.

1986 was the year of the Challenger space shuttle disaster in January and the year of the Iran-Contra scandal revelations. The Jefferson nickels struck that year circulated through a country reckoning with the loss of the Challenger crew while simultaneously beginning to process the implications of the Reagan administration's secret arms deals.

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) $0.40 $0.45
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1986-P Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $0.05, rising to roughly $0.40–$0.45 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1986-P Jefferson Nickels were minted?
536,883,483 were struck.
What is a 1986-P Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1986-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 1986-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.