A 1979 Jefferson Nickel sold for $2,115 at Heritage Auctions in January 2016 — graded MS-66 Full Steps. Meanwhile, most 1979 nickels pulled from pocket change are worth exactly five cents. The difference comes down to one thing: whether Monticello's steps are complete. This free tool tells you exactly where your coin falls.
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The Full Steps (FS) designation is the single most important value driver on a 1979 nickel. Use this checker to see if your coin might qualify.
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Five documented varieties drive collector premiums on 1979 Jefferson Nickels. Most fall into two categories: striking perfections (Full Steps, Type 2 Proof) and genuine mint errors (wrong planchet, off-center, RPM). Understanding the difference separates real finds from face-value coins with internet hype.
The Full Steps designation is not a mint error but a strike quality classification that separates the top fraction of 1979 Jefferson Nickels from the overwhelming majority. PCGS assigns the FS label when at least five of the six steps at Monticello's base are complete, sharp, and uninterrupted from side to side — a standard that fewer than 100 certified examples meet for the entire Philadelphia mintage of 463 million coins.
Visually, a Full Steps coin shows crisp, parallel horizontal lines at the base of Monticello's portico under a 10× loupe. On standard 1979 nickels, these lines merge, blur, or disappear entirely because both the Philadelphia and Denver mints ran dies with excessive wear and poor striking pressure that year, leaving the step area chronically underdetailed even on fresh, never-circulated coins.
Values climb steeply with grade because of registry set competition. An MS-65 FS commands roughly $200, but an MS-66 FS has sold for $2,115 at Heritage Auctions (January 2016), confirmed by PCGS CoinFacts. The jump from MS-65 to MS-66 FS reflects exponentially fewer certified examples, not just incremental improvement in eye appeal.
The 1979-S proof nickel was struck from two distinct hub punches at the San Francisco Mint. The Type 1 "Filled S" variety uses an older, worn punch where the interior loops of the S letter filled with debris or collapsed from die fatigue, producing a rounded, indistinct mint mark that looks like a blob under magnification. Mid-year in 1979, the Mint replaced this worn punch with a fresh one, creating the sharper Type 2 "Clear S."
Under magnification, the Type 2 S displays crisp, well-defined edges with distinct bulb-shaped serifs at the top and bottom of both loops. The interior space of the S is fully open and clearly separated. The Type 1 by contrast shows soft, merged edges where the S appears partially filled or has rounded corners that blur into the field. The distinction requires at least 5× magnification to identify reliably.
Type 2 represents an estimated 15–20% of the 3,677,175 total proof mintage, making it significantly scarcer. In perfect PR-70 DCAM condition, Type 2 examples have sold for $2,530 (documented 2008 auction, PCGS CoinFacts), compared to under $200 for the equivalent Type 1. Most PR-69 DCAM Type 2 specimens trade for $14–$25, but PR-70 examples command a dramatic premium due to extreme scarcity at that grade level.
Wrong planchet errors occur when a coin planchet intended for a different denomination accidentally enters the striking chamber and receives the wrong design. For 1979 nickels, the most significant documented wrong planchet error involves a Jefferson Nickel die set striking a 3.1-gram copper cent planchet — producing a copper-colored coin bearing Monticello and Jefferson's portrait instead of the standard silver-gray cupro-nickel appearance.
The visual tell is immediately obvious: the coin looks copper or reddish-brown instead of the standard silver color of a nickel. Weight is the diagnostic confirmation — a correct 1979 nickel weighs 5.0 grams, while a cent planchet weighs 3.1 grams. Any coin in the 2.8–3.3 gram range bearing nickel designs warrants immediate expert authentication. The die impression may appear slightly undersized or shallow because the softer copper planchet flows differently under the same striking pressure.
Certified wrong planchet examples typically sell in the $175–$300 range when accompanied by PCGS or NGC holders confirming the error. These errors result from mechanical failures at the mint where planchets from different feeder hoppers were accidentally mixed. Genuine examples are scarce; most claimed "copper nickels" are simply post-mint altered coins that have been copper-plated, making professional authentication essential.
Off-center strikes happen when the planchet is not properly positioned between the dies when the press fires, resulting in a coin where the design is shifted away from center by a percentage of the coin's diameter. The blank area of the planchet where no design was impressed appears flat and often shows a crescent or arc of unstruck metal, which is one of the most visually dramatic error types in U.S. coinage.
Value rises sharply with the degree of displacement and whether the date remains visible. Minor off-center strikes of 10–20% produce interesting but modestly valued coins selling for $5–$30 when certified. Major strikes of 40–90% off-center with the full date and mint mark visible in the struck portion command $50–$125 or more depending on centering, grade, and eye appeal. Collectors specifically seek examples where both the date and any mint mark are clearly readable despite the extreme displacement.
The 1979 Jefferson Nickel's high mintage of nearly 800 million pieces means off-center errors, while uncommon, do appear at auction more regularly than for rarer dates. The key grading factors are the severity of the off-centering, preservation of the date, absence of post-mint damage, and overall visual drama of the struck portion. Coins showing 50%+ displacement with intact dates consistently attract competitive bidding.
The 1979-D RPM-001 is a repunched mint mark variety where the "D" punch was applied twice to the working die, with the second application positioned slightly to the southeast of the first. This creates a doubled mint mark impression visible under magnification, where the primary D appears normally positioned but a faint secondary D ghost image is detectable to its lower-right. The variety is documented in the Jefferson Nickel RPM Book and recognized by CONECA.
Identification requires a quality 10× loupe focused on the "D" mint mark on the obverse, located just below and to the right of the date. The secondary impression is faint but diagnostic — look specifically for a curved remnant of the D's bowl or stem extending toward the southeast (lower-right) from the primary mint mark. Casual inspection at low magnification will miss it entirely, which is part of what makes RPM varieties a rewarding specialty for detail-oriented collectors.
As a minor die variety rather than a dramatic error, the RPM-001 commands modest collector premiums — typically $5–$35 over standard 1979-D values depending on coin grade and the visibility of the secondary impression. Higher-grade Mint State examples with strong RPM separation are the most desirable. CONECA designates this variety as "D/D Southeast" in its reference files, providing a standardized attribution for certified examples.
| Mint | Mint Mark | Type | Mintage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | None (P) | Business Strike | 463,188,000 | Most common; no P mark used until 1980 |
| Denver | D | Business Strike | 325,867,672 | RPM-001 variety documented by CONECA |
| San Francisco | S | Proof Only | 3,677,175 | Type 1 Filled S (~80%) and Type 2 Clear S (~20%) |
| TOTAL | — | — | 792,732,847 | Combined production across all three facilities |
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Describe what you see on your 1979 nickel in your own words. Mention the mint mark, condition, any unusual features, and what the steps look like.
For a comprehensive in-depth step-by-step 1979 nickel identification breakdown with photos, bookmark that resource alongside this chart. The table below covers all varieties and conditions — Full Steps rows are highlighted in gold; wrong planchet row in red.
| Variety | Worn / Circ. | Good XF | Uncirculated (MS-64) | Gem (MS-65+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979-P (No Mint Mark) | $0.05 – $0.20 | $0.20 – $0.50 | $1 – $7 | $30 – $90 |
| 1979-D | $0.05 – $0.20 | $0.20 – $0.50 | $1 – $7 | $12 – $60 |
| 1979-P Full Steps (FS) | N/A | N/A | $7 – $55 | $225 – $2,115 |
| 1979-D Full Steps (FS) | N/A | N/A | $3 – $40 | $24 – $4,500 |
| 1979-S Type 1 Proof (Filled S) | N/A | $1 – $3 | $4 – $10 (PR-69) | $40 – $192 (PR-70) |
| 1979-S Type 2 Proof (Clear S) | N/A | $5 – $15 | $14 – $25 (PR-69) | $200 – $2,530+ (PR-70) |
| Off-Center Strike (40%+) | $15 – $40 | $40 – $70 | $50 – $125 | $100 – $150+ |
| Wrong Planchet Error | $175 – $300+ (requires PCGS/NGC certification) | |||
| 1979-D RPM-001 | $0.25 – $1 | $1 – $5 | $5 – $15 | $15 – $35 |
⭐ = Full Steps (signature variety) 🔥 = Rarest certified error Values reflect problem-free certified examples; raw coins may be less.
📱 CoinHix is a fast on-the-go way to scan your 1979 nickel and get an estimated value from a photo — a coin identifier and value app.
Jefferson's portrait is flat with minimal hair detail. Cheekbone merges into the field. Monticello's steps are completely gone. Date and lettering remain readable. Worth face value — five cents.
Most design details sharp, but Jefferson's cheekbone and hair above the ear show friction. Monticello's columns visible. Traces of original luster in recessed areas. Worth $0.20–$0.50.
Full original cartwheel luster. No wear on high points. Bag marks visible on Jefferson's cheek and Monticello columns under magnification. Steps likely incomplete. Worth $1–$10 typically.
Exceptional luster with minimal marks. Strong eye appeal. Finest coins may show Full Steps on Monticello. MS-65+ without FS: $12–$90. MS-65 FS: $100–$2,000+ depending on grade.
🔎 CoinHix lets you compare your coin against graded reference images to match its condition tier quickly — a coin identifier and value app.
The best option for Full Steps specimens or Type 2 Proof examples in high grades. Heritage reaches registry set collectors who pay top dollar for condition rarities. Their January and August sales consistently produce strong results for gem Jefferson Nickels. Submit through their consignment portal or a PCGS/NGC-certified dealer. Best for coins valued at $500+.
eBay is ideal for mid-range examples — certified MS-65 FS, MS-66 standard, or interesting error coins. Check recently sold prices for 1979 Jefferson Nickels on completed listings before setting your opening bid. Standard circulated or lower uncirculated coins don't justify eBay fees — sell those in bulk lots instead. Always photograph both sides clearly and disclose any issues.
For quick cash on uncertified coins, a local dealer offers convenience with no shipping risk. Expect 40–60% of retail for standard examples — dealers need margin. For genuinely rare Full Steps coins, get at least two opinions from different dealers before accepting an offer. Bring printed auction comps from PCGS CoinFacts to anchor the negotiation.
r/coins, r/coincollecting, and the CoinTalk forums are excellent for getting free second opinions before selling. Post clear photos of both sides and ask for attribution on potential Full Steps coins. The community can often identify RPM varieties and errors. Be cautious of direct sales from strangers online; use PayPal Goods & Services for buyer/seller protection.
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