All 1952 nickels are worth more than face value — at least twice as much.
In fact, there are some 1952 nickels that are worth much more than that. A few are even worth many thousands of dollars!
So, which ones are they?
I’m going to show you which 1952 Jefferson nickels are worth holding on to, along with a list of all 1952 nickel values.
How To Find Valuable Jefferson Nickels
Sure, you could go to a coin dealer and buy old nickels there — but sometimes coin collectors want the thrill of the hunt.
Looking for old and valuable nickels in circulation is a great way to acquire valuable Jefferson nickels for your collection without paying more than face value!
Many collectors turn to searching through bank rolls to find the old nickels they need. Of course, ordinary pocket change can yield some excellent finds as well. And don’t forget to look through old change jars and piggy banks.
The bottom line… rare and valuable nickels may be right at your fingertips!
There are plenty of 1952 nickels still out there, just ripe for the picking from circulation. And many of these old nickels are worth money — lots of money.
All 1952 Nickel Values
Jefferson nickels dated 1952 were struck at 3 different U.S. Mint locations, resulting in 3 different types:
- Those with no mint mark
- Those with a “D” mintmark
- Those with an “S” mint mark
Following are the values for each type of 1952 nickel, as well as the value of 1952 proof nickels today…
1952 No Mintmark Nickel Value
The business-strike 1952 nickel from the Philadelphia Mint is the most common of the 3 different types of circulating nickels minted that year.
A total of 63,988,000 were made that year, and while the numbers of available pieces today is much lower (due to millions of specimens being damaged, destroyed, or worn beyond recognition), the 1952 nickel with no mintmark is still common enough that there are plenty around today for collectors who want them.
Jefferson 1952 nickels are worth 10 to 20 cents each in circulated grades, while most uncirculated specimens trade for between $1 to $3.
The record price for a 1952 Jefferson nickel is $9,400 — which was paid for a specimen graded by Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) as MS66 with Full Steps details.
1952-D Nickel Value
The 1952-D Jefferson nickel from the Denver Mint has a mintage of 30,638,000 pieces and is much scarcer than 1952 nickels from the Philadelphia Mint. Still, there are enough for the collectors who want them — so 1952-D nickels are not considered rare.
A typical, worn 1952-D nickel is worth approximately 25 to 70 cents, while uncirculated specimens trade for $1.25 to $5 — depending on their individual condition.
Claims for the most valuable 1952-D Jefferson nickel go to a specimen graded by PCGS as MS67 Full Steps that sold for $16,450.
1952-S Nickel Value
The scarcest of the 3 circulating 1952 Jefferson nickels was struck at the San Francisco Mint and bears an “S” mintmark. Only 20,572,000 were minted, and far fewer survive today. Still, they are relatively plentiful and can be found in everyday pocket change with enough searching.
A circulated 1952-S nickel is worth 25 to 75 cents, while uncirculated specimens are worth $1.25 to $5.
The record amount paid for a 1952-S nickel is $9,488 — it was graded MS66 Full Steps by PCGS.
1952 Proof Nickel Value
The United States Mint struck a limited number of proof 1952 nickels only for collectors. These were included as part of 1952 proof sets.
Proof Jefferson nickels as a general rule show outstanding strike, reflective surfaces, and have Full Steps details.
The Philadelphia Mint struck 81,980 of the 1952 proof Jefferson nickels. They’re worth about $18 to $20 and up.
The record price for a 1952 proof nickel is $14,950, graded PR68 Deep Cameo by PCGS.
IMPORTANT: What Is The Grade Of Your 1952 Nickel?
To determine the true value of your 1952 Jefferson nickel, you first need to know what condition (or grade) your coin is in.
Grab a coin magnifier and a copy of the U.S. Coin Grading Standards book. Then, watch this video to see how to grade coins yourself at home:
A List Of 1952 Error Nickels To Look For
U.S. Mint errors happen from time to time, and these are commonly found on many 1952 nickels.
The types of coin errors and varieties worth looking for on 1952 nickels range from common minor errors (such as small die breaks and repunched mintmarks) to the scarcer and more valuable doubled dies and drastic off-center errors!
Here are some of the most commonly encountered errors and varieties on 1952 nickels and what they’re worth if you find one…
#1 – 1952 Doubled Die Nickel Error
Doubled dies occur when the working die used to strike a coin is inadvertently impressed by a hubbing device twice — and at two distinctly different angles or positions. When this happens, it creates the type of variety that collectors know as a doubled die. This produces doubling of certain elements on one side of the coin.
On Jefferson nickels, doubled dies are usually evident by:
- Doubling on the eye of Jefferson on the obverse (head’s side) of the coin; or
- Doubling in the inscriptions “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse (tail’s side).
While there are no major and extremely valuable doubled dies known among 1952 nickels, minor doubled dies are generally worth $25 to $50.
#2 – Off-Center 1952 Nickel Error
When a coin isn’t centered on the presses correctly or the dies aren’t aligned properly, the result can be an off-center strike.
These popular errors are worth $3 to $10 when the coin is 5% to 10% off center. More drastic off-center errors are worth significantly higher values.
The most desirable off-center errors are those that are around 50% off center but still show the entire date and mintmark (when applicable). A 1952 nickel with such a degree of off-center strike could fetch well over $100.
#3 – 1952 Repunched Mintmark Nickel Error
Back in the 1950s, coin mintmarks were individually hand-punched onto each working die intended for the Denver or San Francisco Mints. This left plenty of room for error — including tilted mintmarks, upside-down mintmarks, and other weird anomalies.
In many cases, instead of discarding the die, the mint employee would simply repunch the mintmark in the correct position.
A great deal of repunched mintmarks are worth between $5 to $10. However, more drastic varieties involving repunched mintmarks can fetch anywhere from $20 to $50… or more.
#4 – 1952 Die Break Nickel Error
As coin-making dies age, cracks and other forms of deterioration tend to crop up. Usually, such damage presents itself on finished coins by way of raised lines and bumps.
As with most error coins, values for pieces like this are highly individual and increase as the strange artifacts are larger or more prominent on the coin.
A 1952 nickel with tiny die breaks in obscure locations may bring $3 to $15, while bizarre die breaks can command much more. And a 1952 nickel with a die cud (a type of prominent, flat die break attached to the coin’s rim) can be worth over $100.
READ NEXT: A List Of The Most Valuable U.S. Nickels
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
