View All Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003

1959 Jefferson Nickel

Base
1959 Jefferson Nickel

About This Coin

The 1959 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series — 22nd of 66 years in the series. In 1959, coins were struck at the Philadelphia and Denver Mints with a combined mintage of 189.1 million. This ranks 18th 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. Standard production year from both Philadelphia and Denver. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 44 known die varieties for this date across 4 categories, including cud, doubled die obverse, doubled die reverse and 1 other types. Produced 9 years after the celebrated 1950 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $0 to $19 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $12K in MS67 grade at eBay. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Value Estimates

$0.05 - $19

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
1959
Denomination
Nickel
Series
Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003
Weight
5g
Diameter
21.2mm
Designer
Felix Schlag
Edge
Plain

Strike Types & Varieties(3)

Showing all 3 listings