The 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $5,000 for rare, high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While most found in old collections are worth a few dollars, identifying the specific “Type 2” mint mark is the key to unlocking its true market value.

Condition/Grade	Estimated Market Value
PR 65 (Standard Proof)	$5 – $8
PR 69 Deep Cameo (DCAM)	$15 – $25
PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect)	$150 – $400+
Rare Error Varieties	$50 – $5,000+

Understanding the 1981-S Jefferson Nickel Varieties

If you have recently inherited a coin collection or found a shiny nickel in a proof set, you might be looking at a small fortune. In 1981, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct types of proof nickels. Because these were not meant for general circulation, you won’t typically find them in your pocket change, but they are common in “Proof Sets” sold to collectors. To get an instant appraisal of your collection, many hobbyists utilize a top coin identifier app to distinguish between subtle mint mark variations.

The difference between a Type 1 and a Type 2 coin lies entirely in the “S” mint mark located to the right of Monticello on the reverse side. The Type 1 “S” is often referred to as the “Filled S.” It looks blobby, indistinct, and the loops of the letter are nearly filled with metal. This was caused by the minting die wearing down over time.

The 1981-S Type 2, however, features a “Clear S.” This mark is sharp, well-defined, and has bulbous ends on the letter S. The Type 2 is significantly scarcer than the Type 1 because the Mint replaced the aging dies late in the production year. Because it is harder to find, collectors are willing to pay a premium for this specific variety. If you aren’t sure which one you have, the CoinKnow app can help you zoom in on the mint mark for a precise identification.

Historical Context and Rarity of the Clear S Mint Mark

In the early 1980s, the United States Mint was struggling with the longevity of their minting dies. The San Francisco Mint, which specialized in Proof coins—coins struck twice with specially polished dies to create a mirror-like finish—noticed that the “S” mint mark was becoming illegible. This led to the introduction of a new mint mark punch midway through 1981.

By the time the “Clear S” (Type 2) punch was introduced, a large portion of the year’s proof sets had already been produced using the Type 1 “Filled S” dies. Consequently, the Type 2 variety is the “key” to the series for that year. While it isn’t “ultra-rare” in the grand scheme of numismatics, it is the most sought-after version of the 1981 Jefferson nickel.

According to 1981 Jefferson nickel value data, the total mintage for 1981-S proof nickels was over 4 million, but it is estimated that only about 15-20% of those are the Type 2 variety. For everyday Americans, this means if you have a 1981 Proof Set, there is about a 1 in 5 chance that your nickel is the more valuable Type 2 version.

Feature	Type 1 (Filled S)	Type 2 (Clear S)
Visual Appearance	Indistinct, “Blobby” S	Sharp, Clear S
Scarcity	Common	Scarce
Typical Price	$1 – $3	$5 – $25+

Grading and the Deep Cameo (DCAM) Premium

When determining the price of a 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel, the condition (or grade) is everything. Since these are proof coins, they are expected to be in nearly perfect condition. Professional graders use a 70-point scale. A grade of PR 69 indicates a nearly perfect coin, while PR 70 denotes absolute perfection under 5x magnification.

Furthermore, collectors look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) or “Ultra Cameo” designation. This refers to the contrast between the frosted, white elements (like Jefferson’s portrait) and the mirror-like, shiny background. A 1981-S Type 2 with intense contrast is much more valuable than one with a “brilliant” but flat finish.

If you find a pristine coin, checking the current Jefferson Nickel price trends will show that while uncirculated business strikes from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) are worth less, the Type 2 Proof in PR 70 DCAM can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction. Using the CoinKnow mobile tool allows you to compare your coin against high-resolution images of these top-tier grades to see if yours might be worth professional certification.

Grade (PCGS/NGC)	Type 2 Proof Value
PR 67 DCAM	$10
PR 68 DCAM	$15
PR 69 DCAM	$35
PR 70 DCAM	$250 – $600

How to Identify the Type 2 Clear S at Home

You don’t need to be a professional numismatist to identify this coin. All you need is a 10x magnifying glass (a jeweler’s loupe) or a high-quality smartphone camera. Look specifically at the mint mark “S.” In the Type 1 version, the top and bottom loops of the S are squeezed so tightly against the middle bar that they often appear as solid circles of metal or a blurred “8.”

On the Type 2 Clear S, you will see a distinct separation. The ends of the S have clear “serifs” (the little feet on the ends of the letter). The gaps between the curves of the S and the center are open and filled with the mirrored background of the coin. It looks much “cleaner” and more deliberate.

If you are still unsure, the CoinKnow app features AI-driven recognition that can provide a second opinion. Simply snap a clear photo of the “S” and let the software analyze the punch style. This is the easiest way for casual collectors to avoid mistakenly selling a Type 2 coin for the price of a Type 1.

Valuable Errors for the 1981-S Jefferson Nickel

While the Type 1 and Type 2 varieties are the main focus, error hunters should also keep an eye out for “Off-Center strikes” and “Double Dies.” Although rare in proof sets, a 1981-S nickel struck off-center would be a massive find, potentially worth over $1,000.

Additionally, look for “Repunched Mint Marks” (RPM). Some 1981-S nickels show evidence that the mint mark was punched into the die twice, creating a shadowed or doubled effect. While the Type 2 is already a punch variety, an RPM on a Type 2 would be a “holy grail” for Jefferson Nickel specialists.

Always keep your coins in their original plastic holders if they are in a proof set. Removing them can cause scratches or “hairlines” that drastically reduce the grade. A single fingerprint can leave oils that eventually turn into permanent black spots, destroying the “Deep Cameo” appeal and dropping the price from hundreds of dollars to just a few bucks.

Error Type	Estimated Value Range
50% Off-Center Strike	$500 – $1,500
Struck on Penny Planchet	$2,000 – $4,500
Double Die Obverse	$20 – $100

Where to Sell Your 1981-S Type 2 Nickel

Once you’ve identified your coin as a 1981-S Type 2, you might be wondering where to cash in. For coins worth under $50, eBay is often the best marketplace. Ensure you take high-quality macros photos of the mint mark to prove it is the “Clear S” variety.

For coins that appear to be in “Perfect” PR 70 condition, it is worth sending them to a third-party grading service like PCGS or NGC. A certified PR 70 Type 2 is a significant asset and is best sold through major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or GreatCollections, where serious collectors bid top dollar for “top pop” (highest population) coins.

Ultimately, most people find that the 1981-S Type 2 is a wonderful “gateway” coin—it’s affordable enough for beginners to appreciate, but rare enough to make the hunt exciting. Whether you’re holding a $10 treasure or a $400 gem, every find is a piece of American history.

FAQ

Q: Is a 1981 nickel with a ‘P’ or ‘D’ mint mark valuable?

A: Generally, no. Nickels from the Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints were produced for circulation by the hundreds of millions. Unless they are in absolutely pristine, uncirculated condition (MS 66 or higher), they are only worth their face value of 5 cents.

Q: How many 1981-S Type 2 nickels were made?

A: While the exact number isn’t known, it is estimated that out of the 4,063,083 proof nickels made in 1981, roughly 800,000 to 900,000 were the Type 2 Clear S variety.

Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel in my pocket change?

A: It is highly unlikely. “S” mint coins from 1981 were only issued in Proof Sets intended for collectors. If you find one in change, it was likely “broken out” of a set and spent. In that case, it will likely be scratched and worth only a dollar or two.

Q: What is the most ever paid for a 1981-S Type 2 Nickel?

A: High-grade specimens in PR 70 Deep Cameo condition have sold at auction for over $500. Some unique error versions of this coin have reached even higher prices in specialized auctions.