1985-S Jefferson Nickel
- Denomination
- Nickel
- Mint
- S
- Composition
- 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Mintage
- 3,362,821
- Strike
- Proof
This page has imported grade-level guide data and is ready for normal collector comparison.
| Grade | Quality | Est. Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Gem Proof | $3 |
| PR-69 | Near Perfect Proof | $8 |
| PR-70 | Perfect Proof | $30 |
Estimates from published guides and recent sold data. Grade is everything. Verify before you buy.
What is the 1985-S Jefferson Nickel worth?
Current guide estimates on this page range from $3.00 to $30.00 depending on grade.
Why does grade matter for the 1985-S Jefferson Nickel?
Coin value can change sharply by condition. Use the grade ladder and price-by-grade table before relying on any single headline estimate.
Does melt value affect the 1985-S Jefferson Nickel?
This page does not show a meaningful melt floor for this coin, but silver and gold issues can have metal value that affects lower-grade outcomes.
- Minted
- 1985 · S
- Denomination
- Nickel
- Composition
- 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Mintage
- 3,362,821
Jefferson Nickel series: Won a public design competition with prize money of $1,000 - one of few US coin designs chosen by open competition. The wartime alloy (35% silver, 1942–1945) marked the silver content with a large mintmark above Monticello - the first time the Philadelphia Mint used a P mintmark. Designed by Felix Schlag. Struck 1938–present.
Wartime Composition Changes (1942–1946): WWII forced metal substitutions. The nickel was rebalanced as 35% silver to free up nickel for armor (1942–1945). The cent went to zinc-coated steel in 1943, then shell-case brass 1944–1946 as recycled artillery brass came back from Europe. Each year tells a piece of the war effort.
Use the grade ladder, pricing confidence, and melt floor together before making a buying decision.
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