1958 Jefferson Nickel Value Guide

The 1958 Jefferson Nickel is a significant mid-century find for collectors due to its relatively low mintage of approximately 17 million coins from the Philadelphia mint. Designed by Felix Schlag, this specific year stands out as a key date for those completing circulated sets of the series that replaced the Buffalo nickel.

What affects the value of 1958 Jefferson Nickel?

• The presence of 'Full Steps' on the reverse depiction of Monticello significantly increases market value.
• Overall strike quality and the level of detail remaining on Jefferson's hair and the building's pillars.
• Surface preservation, including the lack of heavy scratches, carbon spots, or significant circulation wear.
• The relatively low production volume of 17 million compared to the much higher mintages of the early 1960s.

How to Identify 1958 Jefferson Nickel?

• Check for the absence of a mint mark on the reverse, which identifies it as a Philadelphia mintage.
• Verify the 1958 date located on the right side of the obverse near the rim.
• Look for the designer's initials 'FS' which were restored to the base of the portrait in later years but appear on the original Schlag design.
• Confirm the composition is the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy used for non-war years.

History of 1958 Jefferson Nickel

Designed by Felix Schlag, the Jefferson nickel replaced the Buffalo nickel in 1938. The 1958 Philadelphia mintage is notable for having a relatively low production volume of approximately 17 million coins compared to contemporary years, making it a key date for collectors of circulated Jefferson nickels from the mid-20th century.