# The 1973 Nickel Value Guide: How Much Is a 1973 Nickel Worth? (Expert Answer)
If you are searching for “how much is a 1973 nickel worth,” you have likely found one in pocket change or an old collection. The short answer is that most 1973 nickels are worth only face value. However, specific conditions and mint marks can transform this common coin into a valuable collectible. This comprehensive guide will provide the expert insight you need to accurately assess your coin.
We will explore the key factors that determine a 1973 nickel’s value, including mint marks, condition, and rare errors. You will also learn a step-by-step method to grade your coin and discover where to sell it for the best price. Let us begin by understanding the coin itself.
## Understanding the 1973 Nickel: Composition and Design
The 1973 nickel is a Jefferson Nickel, a series that began in 1938. By 1973, these coins were composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving them their distinctive silver-like appearance. The obverse (heads) features a left-facing portrait of President Thomas Jefferson designed by Felix Schlag. The reverse (tails) depicts his historic home, Monticello.
A critical element for value is the mint mark. This small letter indicates where the coin was produced. For 1973, nickels were struck at three different U.S. Mints:
– No mint mark: Coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint.
– D: Coins struck at the Denver Mint.
– S: Coins struck at the San Francisco Mint. IMPORTANT: San Francisco primarily produced proof coins for collectors in 1973, not circulation coins.
Understanding these basics is the first step. Next, we must examine the single most important factor that answers “how much is a 1973 nickel worth”: its physical condition or grade.
## The #1 Factor: Condition and Grading
A coin’s condition, or grade, directly dictates its market value. Two identical 1973 nickels can have wildly different values based on wear. Here is a simplified grading guide you can use:
1. Examine the high points of the design. On Jefferson’s portrait, check the hair above his forehead and his cheekbone. On Monticello, inspect the steps and the pillars.
2. Compare what you see to these key grades:
– Circulated (Worn): Details are soft or flat. Most coins found in change fall here and are worth 5 cents.
– Extremely Fine: Light wear on the highest points, but most finer details are sharp. A collector might pay a small premium.
– Uncirculated (Mint State): No wear from circulation. The coin retains its original luster and may have bag marks from contact with other coins. This is where value increases.
– Proof: A special finish made for collectors. 1973-S nickels are often proofs. They have mirror-like fields and frosted, detailed designs.
According to the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), a leading coin authentication company, over 1.2 billion Jefferson Nickels were minted in 1973 across all mints (来源: PCGS CoinFacts). This massive number means only coins in superb condition are valuable. To see how condition and mint mark interact, refer to the following value comparison.
## 1973 Nickel Value Chart: Mint Marks and Condition
This table provides a clear snapshot of approximate retail values for different types of 1973 nickels. Remember, these are estimates for coins graded by professional services like PCGS or NGC. A raw, ungraded coin typically sells for less.
| Coin Type | Circulated Value | Uncirculated (MS-60) Value | Proof (PR-65) Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 No Mint Mark | $0.05 – $0.25 | $1 – $3 | N/A |
| 1973-D | $0.05 – $0.25 | $1 – $3 | N/A |
| 1973-S | N/A (Not circulated) | N/A | $5 – $10 |
As you can see, regular circulation strikes are not highly valuable in average grades. The exciting potential lies in exceptional quality and, as we will discuss next, rare errors.
## Rare Varieties and Error Coins That Increase Value
This is where the question “how much is a 1973 nickel worth” gets interesting. Certain manufacturing mistakes can make a common coin rare and desirable. The most famous error for Jefferson Nickels is the doubled die.
A doubled die coin shows clear doubling in the lettering and date, caused by a misalignment during the die-making process. These are different from common “machine doubling,” which appears as a flat, shelf-like doubling and adds no value.
Other valuable errors include:
– Off-center strikes: The coin is struck misaligned, showing a blank crescent of the blank planchet.
– Clipped planchet: A coin struck on a blank that was improperly cut, leaving a curved “bite” out of the edge.
WARNING: DO NOT CLEAN YOUR COINS. A common and costly mistake is attempting to clean a nickel to make it look shiny. Cleaning, whether with polish, baking soda, or even soap, creates microscopic scratches that permanently damage the surface. Collectors and dealers can easily spot a cleaned coin, and it will be worth far less than a naturally toned one with original surfaces. If you think you have a rare error or high-grade coin, leave it exactly as is.
## A 5-Step Action Plan to Determine Your Coin’s Worth
Follow this practical guide to evaluate your 1973 nickel accurately.
STEP 1: IDENTIFY THE MINT MARK. Look on the reverse (tails) side of the coin, to the right of Monticello. You will see either a “D,” an “S,” or no letter at all.
STEP 2: ASSESS THE CONDITION. Use the grading guidelines above. Under a good light, preferably with a magnifying glass, check for wear on Jefferson’s hair and cheek.
STEP 3: CHECK FOR ERRORS. Carefully examine the date and words like “LIBERTY” and “MONTICELLO” for any signs of doubling, notching, or separation. Look at the coin’s edge and shape for clips or off-center strikes.
STEP 4: RESEARCH COMPARABLE SALES. For coins that appear uncirculated or show potential errors, search completed listings on eBay. Filter for “Sold Items” to see what collectors have actually paid recently. This is real-world market data.
STEP 5: CONSULT AN EXPERT. If your coin appears exceptionally shiny with no wear, or you suspect a major error, take it to a local coin shop or consider submitting it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for professional authentication and encapsulation. Based on my experience, this step is crucial for truly valuable pieces, as third-party grading provides buyer confidence and maximizes sale value.
## Where to Buy and Sell a 1973 Nickel
If you are looking to sell a valuable 1973 nickel, you have several options. Online marketplaces like eBay reach a global audience but involve fees and shipping. Dedicated coin auction houses like Heritage Auctions are ideal for high-value error coins or top-grade specimens. Local coin shops offer immediate payment but may offer a lower price, as they need to resell for a profit.
For buyers, the same venues apply. Reputable dealers and certified coins from grading services offer security against counterfeits or misrepresented grades. Whether buying or selling, knowledge is your greatest asset in determining how much a 1973 nickel is truly worth.
To conclude, while most 1973 nickels are common, the pursuit of a high-grade or error specimen makes coin collecting exciting. By applying the knowledge from this guide, you can confidently assess any Jefferson nickel you find.
FINAL CHECKLIST FOR YOUR 1973 NICKEL:
– Locate the mint mark (D, S, or none).
– Grade the condition by checking for wear on high points.
– Inspect carefully for doubling or other errors.
– Research sold prices online for similar coins.
– Never clean or polish the coin.
– Seek professional opinion for potentially valuable pieces.
