Where is the mint mark on a 1964 nickel? If you have a 1964 nickel and want to know where the mint mark is located, you’ve come to the right place. Knowing where to find the mint mark is key to determining the origin and potential value of your coin.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The mint mark on a 1964 nickel can be found on the reverse of the coin, just above the Monticello building to the right of Thomas Jefferson’s head. It will be a small letter denoting which mint it came from – D for Denver, P for Philadelphia, or blank for Philadelphia as well.
A Brief Background on 1964 Nickels
The 1964 nickel marked the last year that the iconic design first introduced in 1913 was used. After 1964, the composition of the 5-cent coin was changed from silver to copper and nickel, necessitating a design change as well.
But in its final year, the 1964 nickel featured the same obverse and reverse that had graced the small denomination for over 50 years.
Key Details About the Coin’s Design and Production
The obverse of the 1964 nickel depicted a left-facing profile bust of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. This design is a modified version of the Rembrandt Peale portrait of Jefferson that first appeared on the 5-cent coin back in 1883.
The reverse featured a design of Jefferson’s home, Monticello, surrounded by the words “Monticello” and “5 Cents” along with the Latin phrase “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of Many, One).
In 1964, over 2.8 billion coins were struck for circulation at two different U.S. Mints – Philadelphia, and Denver.
Mint Marks and What They Signify
Up until 1964, some nickels featured a mint mark indicating which mint the coin was struck at. The mint mark was placed above Monticello on the reverse of the coin. Nickels struck at the Philadelphia Mint generally carried no mint mark. Coins struck at the Denver mint featured a prominent D.
Finding a 1964 nickel with a mint mark, especially one from the San Francisco mint can have an impact on the coin’s value to collectors and dealers. According to information from USA Coin Book, a 1964-D nickel in lightly circulated condition could be worth around $2, while a 1964 proof version could trade for $8-$10 if graded PR 65 by PCGS or NGC.
So in checking the mint mark location on a 1964 nickel, one needs to examine the space just above Monticello. If no mint mark appears, then chances are it is a plain 1964 nickel from Philadelphia worth face value. But if that hard-to-see D is found, the coin could be worth holding on to!
Locating the Mint Mark on a 1964 Nickel
When examining a 1964 nickel, one of the key things to look for is the mint mark indicating which mint the coin was struck at. This small letter is located on the reverse (tail side) of the coin and can have a significant impact on the coin’s value and collectability.
Where to Look on the Reverse of the Coin
The mint mark on a 1964 nickel can be found directly above Monticello’s dome on the reverse side of the coin. It is positioned between the word “Monticello” and Thomas Jefferson’s home. The mark is quite small, so you will need to examine the coin carefully under good lighting to spot it.
There are three potential mint marks you may encounter on a 1964 nickel:
- No mint mark – Indicates the coin was struck at the main Philadelphia mint
- D – Struck at the Denver mint
- P – Struck at the San Francisco proof coinage mint
The Philadelphia Mint did not place mint marks on coins in 1964, so a missing mark signifies an ordinary Philadelphia issue. The other two marks are more rare and desirable to collectors.
Spotting a Visible Mint Mark vs No Mint Mark
Due to the small size of the mint mark on 1964 nickels, it can be difficult to discern whether there is a letter present or if the coin lacks a mint mark entirely:
| Visible Mint Mark | If you see a raised, distinct letter like a “D” or “P”, then you have a mint marked 1964 nickel from Denver or San Francisco. |
| No Mint Mark | If there is no visible letter, just an empty smooth space between “Monticello” and the building, then you likely have a common Philadelphia issue. |
One good method is to use a jeweler’s loupe or magnifying glass. The 5-10x magnification makes the presence or absence of a mint mark much clearer. Tilting the coin at different angles under good light can also help a mark stand out.
According to the website USA Coin Book, Philadelphia struck over 1 billion nickels in 1964 lacking a mint mark. The marked 1964-D nickels had a larger mintage of 1.7 billion nickels.
An average circulated Denver issue sells for $1-2. On the other hand common date, Philadelphia nickels trade for face value or just a small premium due to the huge supply available.
So when analyzing your 1964 nickels, be sure to closely inspect the space above Monticello for a mint mark. Use good tools and techniques to determine if there is a letter, indicating one of the more uncommon dates, or simply smooth metal signifying yet another common Philadelphia mint nickel.
Identifying the mint and mark is key to valuing these classic 1960s Jefferson nickels accurately.
Determining a 1964 Nickel’s Value Based on Mint Mark
Key Factors Impacting Value
There are a few key factors that impact the value of a 1964 nickel, depending on which mint it was produced at:
- Mint marks – 1964 nickels were produced at the Philadelphia (no mint mark), and (D mint mark). The mint marks are located on the reverse of the coin below the Monticello building.
- Condition – Higher grade examples in uncirculated conditions are worth more than circulated coins. Condition is evaluated on a numeric scale from 1 to 70.
- Rarity – The 1964 Philadelphia nickels are less common, while the 1964 Denver nickels had a larger mintage.
These factors combine to make some 1964 nickels worth just face value, while others can be worth significantly more to collectors and investors. Understanding the mint marks, condition, mintage figures, and overall demand is essential to determining market values.
Relative Values of Coins from Each Mint
The mint marks make a significant difference in the value of 1964 nickels. Here is a comparison of average market values (as of December 2023):
| Mint Mark | Average Market Value |
| No mint mark (Philadelphia) | Face value of $0.05 |
| D (Denver) | $0.50 to $1 in average circulated grades |
The 1964 Philadelphia nickels had a mintage of over 2.7 billion, making them plentiful in circulation. Uncirculated condition examples can be worth much more. A 1964 Philadelphia nickel-graded MS-65 can sell for around $8, while the rarer 1964-D coins can sell for over $100 in top grades like MS-66. So be sure to closely check those mint marks to see if your 1964 nickel has extra value!
PCGS 1964 Nickel Values
NGC 1964 Nickel Values
Caring for and Preserving Your 1964 Nickel
Proper Storage and Handling
Collecting coins like the 1964 nickel can be an enjoyable hobby, but proper storage and handling is key to preserving their condition. Here are some tips from numismatic experts:
- Store coins in inert plastic holders or acid-free cardboard holders to protect them from exposure to air and moisture.
- Wash hands before handling to prevent skin oils from getting on the coins.
- Avoid cleaning the coins as this can diminish their value. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away debris if needed.
- Keep coins in a cool, dark, stable environment to prevent damage from light, heat, and humidity fluctuations.
- Take coins out of holders only when necessary and handle them by the edges to not disturb the surface.
Following these best practices will maintain your 1964 nickel’s condition so it retains its collectible value. Rare specimens with mint marks, especially in pristine states, are worth protecting.
Professional Grading If Mint Mark Variety is Rare
If your 1964 nickel contains a rare mint mark variety distinguishing it from ordinary circulation strikes, professional grading, and certification can be a smart move for preserving its value.
Top coin grading services like PCGS, NGC, and ANACS evaluate coins based on strict standards for attributes like sharpness of strike, luster, surface preservation, and eye appeal. They encapsulate the coins in protective, tamper-proof sonically-sealed holders with labels indicating the grade.
| Grade | Condition |
| MS-67 or Higher | Gem uncirculated specimen with virtually perfect surfaces |
| MS-64 to MS-66 | Choice uncirculated coin with slight imperfections visible under magnification |
| MS-60 to MS-63 | Mint state but with more obvious contact marks or weak spots in the strike |
The cost ranges from $20-$100+ depending on tier and turnaround time. But for a rare 1964 nickel variety like one with the elusive Deep cameo proof coins from Denver or Philadelphia, the valuable designation and protection for resale can be worth the investment.
Where Is The Mint Mark On A 1964 Nickel – Conclusion
As you can see, knowing where the mint mark is located on a 1964 nickel – above Monticello on the reverse – is crucial to identifying the coin’s origin and assessing any potential collector value.
Armed with the knowledge of mint mark positions and meanings, you can confidently examine your 1964 nickel, interpret any markings, and determine the next steps as far as safekeeping or selling goes.
We hope this guide gives you clarity on where to locate the mint mark and how to leverage that information. Check your 1964 nickels and enjoy the history and excitement of this classic American coinage!
