- Year: 1981
- Mint Mark: S
- Type: Jefferson Nickel
- Price: 5 cents-$3.50+
- Face Value: 0.05 USD
- Produced: 4,063,000
- Edge: Smooth
Notes: Even though this coin is white the United States mint did not issue the proofs in silver. The only Silver Jefferson Nickels ever issued were the wartime nickels (mid-1942 to 1945).
Mintages
How much is a 1981 S Jefferson Nickel Proof worth?
In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around 5 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 1981, 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.
Most Valuable
The most valuable Jefferson Nickel's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.
| Image | Year | Mint | Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
1940 | $170 | |
 |
1955 | D | $120 |
 |
1963 | D | $102 |
 |
1942 | D | $100 |
 |
1940 | D | $90 |
 |
1944 | S | $85 |
 |
1939 | S | $80 |
 |
1955 | $80 | |
 |
1983 | S | $80 |
 |
1938 | D | $75 |
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| Image | Name | Mint | Worth |
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***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.
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