View All Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003

1951 Jefferson Nickel

Base
1951 Jefferson Nickel

About This Coin

The 1951 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series — 14th of 66 years in the series. In 1951, coins were struck at the Denver, San Francisco, and Philadelphia Mints with a combined mintage of 56.8 million. This ranks 3rd of 66 years by total mintage, below the series median of 617.5 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. All three mints active. Denver production exceeded Philadelphia for the first time in the series. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 19 known die varieties for this date across 3 categories, including doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse, repunched mint mark. Struck one year after the 1950 key date, the lowest-mintage regular issue in the series. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $81 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $1.2K in PR69 grade at eBay. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Value Estimates

$0.05 - $81

Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.

Specifications

Year
1951
Denomination
Nickel
Series
Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003
Weight
5g
Diameter
21.2mm
Designer
Felix Schlag
Edge
Plain

Strike Types & Varieties(4)

Showing all 4 listings