Are you curious about the 1962 nickel value that you discovered in your pocket change? Or maybe you're curious about the price so you can add one to your collection of coins?
In either case, you've arrived at the ideal location!
We'll go over all you need to know about the 1962 nickel value! We will discuss everything from the effect of coin condition to the fascinating Mint errors that can raise the 1962 nickel value.
So go this route if you want to explore more!
Among the vintage years' coinage issues that are still in circulation are Jefferson Nickels. Over 377 million coins were produced for distribution, making it an extremely high mintage. It's necessary to distinguish between the mint varieties in Philadelphia and Denver. As of April 2026, the demand for high-grade specimens remains robust, especially for coins exhibiting the elusive "Full Steps" designation.
"D" Mintmark on Reverse: Denver Mint Struck the Coin The Denver facility of the US Mint struck the third most nickels in 1962 of all mint combinations of the vintage era thanks to increasing production. Numerous were kept out of circulation throughout time and are now widely accessible. Most 1962-D nickels are of ordinary grade, ranging from light to moderately worn.
The "D" mintmark on the reverse helps you identify the Denver mint variety. All Denver nickels from that era have a little "D" mark next to the rim, to the right of Monticello.
No Mintmark on Reverse: Philadelphia Mint Struck the Coin The other mint variety of 1962 was struck in the Philadelphia mint, adding 97 million nickels to the total. Both types display similar values, suggesting sufficient supply to satisfy collector demand. The secret to locating quality nickels is condition.
In the early 1960s, mintmarks were not applied to coinage in Philadelphia. When examining the reverse, it is clear that Philadelphia minted the coin because the area to the right of Monticello and the rim is blank.
In 1962, the Philadelphia Mint produced more than 97 million Jefferson nickels. And even if a lot have vanished over time, it's still simple to locate them. About 78 million, according to independent coin graders PCGS, are thought to have survived. Your coin is very unlikely to be worth more than its face value if it is in circulating condition. It would only constitute an exception if it displayed a mint error (Read below).
Coins can be purchased for as little as uncirculated. Uncirculated coins, sometimes referred to as "mint state" coins, are classed from 60 and above on the coin grading scale, which goes from 1 to 70.
The value of a typical mint state 1962 Philadelphia nickel graded MS60 is only worth a few dollars. That increases to about $7 if the strike is good enough to make it a full-step coin.
"Gems" are defined as coins with a grade of MS65 or higher. Even these are available in large quantities. With the complete step designation, a 1962 Philadelphia Nickel, graded MS65 will be valued at approximately $55, while without it, it will only be worth $15.
Coins graded MS67 are among the best examples that have surfaced to date. The PCGS values a regular coin at that level at $3,750, but a full step example is worth ten times that amount.
Additionally, a single 1962 cent without a mint mark has been fully step designated and graded MS67+, which was bought at $21,150 at an auction in 2013. However, the price fell to $9,600 when it was sold again in 2021. By early 2026, bidding competition for these high-tier MS67+ populations has stabilized, though they remain the "holy grail" for Jefferson collectors.
| Condition | Grade | Value Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated | - | Face value | Common, unlikely to be worth more than face value |
| Uncirculated | MS60 | $2 | Entry-level mint state coins |
| Uncirculated | MS65 | $15 | Gem-quality coins in large quantities |
| Full Steps | MS60 | $7 | Higher value due to a better strike |
| Full Steps | MS65 | $55 | Significant premium for full steps |
| Full Steps | MS67 | $37,500 | One of the best examples known |
| Full Steps | MS67+ | $21,150 | Auction record in 2013, sold for $9,600 in 2021 |
The most nickels from 1962 were produced in the Denver Mint operation. In that year, more than 280 million nickels bearing the mint mark "D" were produced.
About 225 million, in all grades, are thought to survive today, according to the PCGS. Of those, 30,000 whole-step samples and a healthy 155,000 standard nickels are in mint condition.
Coins that are in circulation, like those made in Philadelphia, will not increase in value above face value unless they include a noteworthy Mint fault.
Coins that are not circulated have higher values. However, they can still be obtained for a small investment because they are readily available in most grades.
In the lower end of the spectrum, the value of a 1962-D nickel graded MS60 is approximately $20, while at MS65, it rises to $40. A complete step example carries a premium that is greater than that of Philadelphia nickels. A 1962 complete step Denver nickel is valued at $20 at MS60 and $4,250 at MS65.
That high PCGS worth is a reflection of the fact that a 1962 complete step Denver nickel has been graded MS65, the highest grade that the organization has ever given. Nonetheless, entire step coins have been certified as MS66 by rival coin graders, the NGC.
Grades go up to MS67 among common examples. At that level, the PCGS has only certified one coin, which is valued at $5,000.
| Condition | Grade | Value Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circulated | - | Face value | Common, no increase in value unless an error is found |
| Uncirculated | MS60 | $20 | Entry-level mint state for Denver |
| Uncirculated | MS65 | $40 | Moderate value for gem-quality coins |
| Full Steps | MS60 | $20 | Small premium for full steps |
| Full Steps | MS65 | $4,250 | Highest grade for 1962-D with full steps |
| Full Steps | MS66 | Higher value | Graded by NGC, surpassing MS65 |
| Full Steps | MS67 | $5,000 | Only one coin certified by PCGS at this level |
Coins minted on carefully chosen and polished planchets with intricate dies are known as proofs. Their primary purpose throughout the 1800s was to make coins for coin archives. However, when coin collecting gained popularity as a pastime, the Mint produced an increasing number of proofs for enthusiasts, much like how modern collectors pursue silver coins today.
From the 3.2 million coins produced in Philadelphia, it is estimated that around half of them still exist today, with about 120,000 of them of gem-like quality.
Because of their level of availability, premium coins can be obtained without shelling out a lot of money. You may purchase a proof-rated PR60 for about £4. Furthermore, the value of a nearly flawless PR69 sample is only about $70.
However, there are more costly instances. A proof may receive a "cameo" or "deep cameo" rating. These coins feature frosted devices and highly reflective fields that contrast pleasingly. Deep cameos are one instance when the contrast is noticeable.
Around $7 is the value of a cameo classed PR60; at PR69, it rises to $250. Additionally, the range for deep cameos is $12 at PR64 to $800 at PR69.
| Condition | Grade | Value Range | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proof | PR60 | $4 | Basic proof coins |
| Proof | PR69 | $70 | Nearly flawless proof |
| Cameo | PR60 | $7 | Coins with frosted devices and shiny fields |
| Cameo | PR69 | $250 | Higher value due to cameo effect |
| Deep Cameo | PR64 | $12 | Strong contrast between frosted and shiny areas |
| Deep Cameo | PR69 | $800 | Highest value for deep cameo examples |
A 1962 nickel's condition is one of the deciding factors of its worth. "Mint state (MS)" means a coin that has no scratches or signs of wear, and this currency grade is of higher quality; examples include MS-65. Coins with only slight flaws could have their price considerably reduced.
1962 nickels are not particularly scarce; however, certain issues or nice coins can be a little harder to locate. If fewer 1962 nickels are uncovered, particularly in decent condition, then those nickels become much more valuable. As more collectors search for these nickels, the demand also rises, and, as a general rule of thumb, so does the price.
Errors on some 1962 Nickels were mistakenly minted in the respective mints. These include double strikes (in which the picture was stamped twice, off-center strikes (in which the coin design was not pounded completely into place), and die cracks. Such errors make these coins unique and could hugely increase their value. Collectors do pay a considerable premium for the unusual varieties, such as these different kinds of nickels.
Do Your Homework: Know the 1962 nickel, general characteristics, and notable varieties. Knowing what you want shall enable you to make good choices.
Purchasing Coins: Buy your nickels from reputable dealers or reliable online sellers so that you do not end up getting counterfeit coins, just as you would when purchasing silver rounds or other precious metal products.
Handle Cautiously: Handle your coins carefully when you intend to hold them by their edges so that you do not break them. Keep them in a coin holder or album.
Price Guides: On every coin, check in a price guide or online for what the 1962 nickels can sell for today. These sources have current information about what collectors are paying.
Professional Appraisers: Talk to a professional appraiser, who can give you an idea of the value of the coins. He can glance at the overall condition and rarity and tell you the relative prices of your coins.
Online Forums: Participate in online coin collecting forums or social media groups. Collectors will often share tips, prices, and appraisal advice with one another.
Condition Overlook: Condition should not be overlooked. A worn-out nickel is worth less than a mint-condition nickel.
Over Paying: Do not pay too much for a nickel. Do your research on the price and value before purchasing, and avoid auction sites that like to inflate the prices of things.
Poor storage can damage your coins: Keep them away from scratching places or tarnished spots as well. Recommended are proper coin holders, and they must be in a cool, dry place.
In short, the 1962 nickel value depends on a few important details that have to be given careful consideration. These details include the coin's condition, rarity, and whether or not an error exists in minting the coin. These details will determine its overall value.
If you are a buyer, seller, or collector looking to expand your inventory, these factors will arm you with insight in making wise decisions. Always treat your coins carefully, search and use good resources for their valuation, and avoid some common mistakes with this guide in your pocket, set to go for the vast world of 1962 nickel value.
Happy collecting.
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