The 1979-S Type 1 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $1.50 in typical Proof condition to over $1,200 for rare, high-grade specimens. While you won’t find this specific San Francisco minted coin in your pocket change, it is a common treasure found in estate collections and vintage proof sets.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Value
Proof 65 (Standard)	$1.50 – $3.00
Proof 69 Deep Cameo	$15.00 – $25.00
Proof 70 Deep Cameo	$350.00 – $1,200.00+

Identifying the 1979-S Type 1 Jefferson Nickel

If you have stumbled upon a shiny, mirror-like nickel dated 1979 with an “S” mint mark, you are looking at a Proof coin produced by the San Francisco Mint. Unlike the nickels we use at the grocery store, these were specially struck for collectors using polished dies and planchets. To accurately identify your find, using a top coin identifier app is the fastest way to distinguish between the two distinct “S” mint mark varieties produced that year.

The “Type 1” variety is officially known as the “Filled S” mint mark. During the early months of 1979, the punch used to create the “S” on the coin dies was worn down. This resulted in a mint mark that looks like a solid blob or an indistinct “S” where the center loops are filled with metal. Later in the year, the Mint replaced this with a much clearer, sharper punch known as the Type 2 or “Clear S.”

To the untrained eye, the 1979-S Type 1 might look like a mistake or a mint error. However, it is a recognized variety. Thousands of these were released in the 1979 Proof Sets. If you want to know if yours is a high-value specimen, you can use CoinKnow to compare high-resolution images of your coin against known Type 1 and Type 2 examples.

Understanding the Value of Type 1 vs Type 2 Varieties

When collectors discuss the 1979-S Jefferson Nickel, the conversation almost always revolves around which variety is worth more. History usually favors the rarer version, and in this case, the Type 2 (Clear S) is generally considered more desirable because it was introduced later and exists in slightly smaller quantities in top-tier grades.

However, the 1979-S Type 1 still holds significant value if it is in “Deep Cameo” condition. This refers to the contrast between the frosted portrait of Thomas Jefferson and the mirror-like background fields of the coin. Most 1979 Proofs have this look, but only those with perfect, heavy frosting receive the highest prices.

Variety	Mintage	Rarity Factor
1979-S Type 1 (Filled S)	Estimated 2.5 Million	Common
1979-S Type 2 (Clear S)	Estimated 1.1 Million	Scarcer

For those curious about market trends, checking the current auction results for 1979 nickels can provide real-time insight into what collectors are currently paying for these varieties.

Grading and Condition: Why it Matters

The difference between a $2 nickel and a $200 nickel is almost entirely dependent on the “Grade.” Coin grading follows a 70-point scale. Since all 1979-S nickels were struck as Proofs, they should technically start at a high grade. However, handling these coins with bare fingers or keeping them in poor storage can cause “clouding” or “hairs,” which are tiny scratches on the surface.

A “Proof 65” is a coin with a few visible marks. A “Proof 70” is a perfect coin with no flaws even under 5x magnification. Because the 1979-S Type 1 is relatively common, only those that achieve a grade of PF69 or PF70 are worth substantial money. If you aren’t sure where your coin falls on this scale, the CoinKnow app can help you analyze the surface quality and estimate a potential grade before you spend money on professional certification.

Most everyday Americans will find these coins in “Proof 67” or “Proof 68” condition. In these grades, the 1979-S Type 1 is a great entry-level collectible but isn’t a “get rich quick” coin. It is a piece of numismatic history that represents a transitional period in how the U.S. Mint applied mint marks.

Detailed Price Guide for 1979-S Nickels

Prices for these coins fluctuate based on demand from “Registry Set” collectors—people who try to build the absolute best collection of Jefferson Nickels possible. When two such collectors compete for a perfect PF70 Deep Cameo, the price can skyrocket. For the rest of us, the standard 1979 Jefferson Nickel price data suggests a much more modest valuation for coins that show even slight signs of wear.

Many people wonder if they can find a 1979-S in circulation. It is highly unlikely. If you do find an “S” mint nickel in your change, it was likely broken out of a proof set and spent. In that case, the coin is considered “Impaired” and usually only worth its face value of five cents, or perhaps 25 cents to a curious beginner.

Grade (Deep Cameo)	Market Value
PR67 DCAM	$6 – $10
PR68 DCAM	$12 – $18
PR69 DCAM	$25 – $45
PR70 DCAM	$250 – $1,250

Common Errors Found in the 1979 Jefferson Nickel Series

Beyond the Type 1 and Type 2 mint mark varieties, some 1979 nickels feature mint errors that can drive up the value significantly. While the “Filled S” is a variety (caused by a worn punch), a “true error” is caused by a mechanical failure during the striking process.

Common errors to look for include “Off-Center Strikes,” where the coin design is shifted to one side, leaving a blank crescent on the edge. You might also find “Die Cracks,” which look like raised lightning bolts of metal on the surface. These errors are rare on Proof coins because the San Francisco Mint has much stricter quality control than the Philadelphia or Denver mints.

If you think you’ve found an error, use CoinKnow to zoom in on the details. Many “errors” found by beginners are actually post-mint damage (PMD), which is just wear and tear from the coin being in the real world. A true mint error on a 1979-S nickel is a “holy grail” for many Jefferson Nickel enthusiasts.

Final Verdict: Should You Sell or Keep Your 1979-S Type 1?

The 1979-S Type 1 Jefferson Nickel is a beautiful coin that serves as a great introduction to the hobby of coin collecting. Because most examples are worth under $10, it may not be worth the cost of professional grading (which can cost $20-$50 per coin) unless the coin is absolutely flawless.

If you have a collection of these, the best strategy is often to keep them in their original government-issued plastic lenses from the 1979 Proof Set. This protects them from the elements and preserves their “Cameo” contrast. If you decide to sell, look for local coin shops or online auctions where collectors specifically look for “Type 1” varieties.

Always remember that coin values change with the market. Keeping an eye on recent sales and using digital tools to track your inventory is the best way to ensure you get the most money for your collection when the time comes to sell.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 1979-S nickel?

A: Look at the “S” mint mark under a magnifying glass. The Type 1 (Filled S) has rounded ends and the center of the “S” is usually filled with metal, making it look like a blob. The Type 2 (Clear S) has very sharp, defined ends and the loops of the “S” are clearly open.

Q: Is a 1979 nickel with no mint mark worth anything?

A: A 1979 nickel with no mint mark was struck in Philadelphia. These are extremely common and were made for general circulation. Unless it is in perfect “Uncirculated” condition (MS67 or higher), it is generally only worth its face value of five cents.

Q: Why is my 1979-S nickel so shiny compared to others?

A: The “S” signifies it is a “Proof” coin. These were struck using a special process to create a mirrored finish for collectors. They were never intended to be spent in stores, which is why they look so much better than regular nickels.

Q: Should I clean my 1979 nickel to make it worth more?

A: No! Never clean a coin. Cleaning creates microscopic scratches that professional graders can detect instantly. Cleaning a rare coin can reduce its value by 50% to 90%. Always handle coins by the edges only.