1972 S Jefferson Nickel Proof

Notes: Proofs were minted in limited quantities here at the San Francisco mint.

Full steps is the standard when looking at the reverse. All lines present and clean are what you should look for when buying and selling.

1972 Jefferson Nickel Key Points

These are the key points to remember for the 1972 p, d, and s nickels.

1. minted at P (no mark), D, S
2. many errors are known
3. proofs have S mint mark
4. Full Steps (FS) are the gold standard (see image above for full steps)

Are there any 1972 Nickel Errors?

There are almost to many 1972 Nickel Errors to count, but here are the major ones.

Struck on 1c Planchet

This error occurred when a 1c planchet meant for a penny was instead struck by a nickel die. Easy enough to spot, just look for a copper colored nickel that has the same weight as a penny of the same year

Die Break 1972 Nickel Error

There appear to be a large number of errors occurred by a broken die. We are seeing many 1972 Nickels Die Break errors across the board.

Uniface

Look for a nickel with either a blank obverse (front) or reverse (back).

Double Strike

For whatever reason there are many 1972 Double Strike errors to be found. Where there is a double strike there are usually even more rare triple strikes to be found.

Historic Sales

1. 1972 5C MS67 Full Steps - Sold on Apr 15, 2024 for: $4,800.00 - learn more
2. 1972-D 5C Jefferson Nickel -- Struck on a Philippines 5 Sentimos Planchet -- MS63 - Sold on Mar 20, 2023 for: $1,920.00 - learn more
3. 1972 Jefferson Nickel. MS-66 FS - Sold $1,080 on Aug 16, 2021 - learn more

1972 Nickel Quick Video Guide

How much is a 1972 S Jefferson Nickel Proof worth?

In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 45 cents, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $4 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1972, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].

What are your coins really worth?

Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any jefferson nickel in your collection.

Specs & Design

This coin has a total mass of 5 g, a diameter of 21.21 mm, and a thickness of 1.95 mm. It's edge is smooth, and the coins are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Designer: Felix Schlag

Front (Obverse): The front of this coin has the bust of Thomas Jefferson featured front and center. The words IN GOD WE TRUST are on the left most portion, with the word LIBERTY on the right just above the date. If a mint mark is present it will be just below the date.

Back (Reverse): The reverse features the Monticello located in Albemarle County, VA. The Monticello was the long time home of Jefferson. The words E PLUIRIBUS UNUM, meaning out of many one are draped across the top, while the words FIVE CENTS, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are featured on the bottom.