1982-S Jefferson Nickel Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
The 1982-S Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $1 in typical proof condition to over $100 for high-grade Deep Cameo specimens. While you won’t find this specific “S” mint mark coin in your pocket change, it remains an affordable and beautiful favorite for hobbyists and casual collectors alike.
| Condition / Grade | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| PR 65 (Standard Proof) | $1.50 – $3.00 |
| PR 67 Deep Cameo | $5.00 – $8.00 |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $15.00 – $25.00 |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo (Perfect) | $125.00+ |
Understanding the 1982-S Jefferson Nickel
If you have stumbled upon a 1982 nickel with a small “S” next to the building on the back, you are holding a Proof coin. Unlike the nickels minted in Philadelphia or Denver for general circulation, the San Francisco Mint produced these specifically for collectors. You can quickly check your own collection using a free coin identifier app to see if your coin matches the proof characteristics.
Proof coins are struck using polished dies and specially prepared blanks. This process creates a mirror-like field (the flat background) and frosted details on Thomas Jefferson’s portrait. Because these were sold in protective plastic sets, finding one in your spare change is rare.
However, if you do find one in a jar of coins, it likely escaped from a broken set. In the world of numismatics, these are called “impaired proofs.” While they are still neat to look at, their value is significantly lower than those still in their original mint packaging. Using the CoinKnow app can help you distinguish between a standard strike and a proof strike in seconds.
What Makes the 1982-S Proof Nickel Special?
The year 1982 was a strange time for the U.S. Mint. Due to budget cuts, the Mint did not produce official “Uncirculated Mint Sets” for that year. This makes the 1982-S Proof Set one of the few ways collectors could get high-quality 1982 coinage directly from the government.
Because of this lack of standard mint sets, many collectors pay close attention to the 1982 nickel value across all three mints. The “S” version is particularly prized for its “Deep Cameo” finish. This refers to the high contrast between the shiny background and the white, snowy appearance of Jefferson’s face.
Most 1982-S Nickels are graded as “PR” (Proof) followed by a number from 60 to 70. A PR 70 is a perfect coin with no visible flaws even under magnification. If you think your coin looks perfect, it might be worth sending to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
1982-S Jefferson Nickel Value Chart by Grade
When determining the price of your 1982-S nickel, condition is everything. A single scratch can drop the price from $20 down to $2. Professionals look for “Full Steps” on the back of the coin (Monticello’s steps), though this is more commonly a factor for circulation coins. For proof coins, we look for the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation.
| Grade Designation | Market Price | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| PR 63 (Impaired) | $0.50 – $1.00 | Low |
| PR 68 Deep Cameo | $10.00 | Medium |
| PR 69 Deep Cameo | $22.00 | High |
| PR 70 Deep Cameo | $150.00+ | Very High |
The higher the grade, the harder it is to find the coin. You can compare these figures against the 1982 nickel price trends for uncirculated coins to see why proofs often hold a steadier floor price than the 1982-P or 1982-D versions found in your pocket.
Identifying Errors on the 1982-S Nickel
While most proof coins are inspected carefully at the Mint, errors can still happen. The most common things to look for are “Doubled Dies.” This happens when the coin is struck by a die that has a misaligned or doubled image.
On a 1982-S Jefferson Nickel, check the lettering in “LIBERTY” and the date. If you see a slight ghosting or a second set of serifs on the letters, you might have a Doubled Die Obverse (DDO). These errors can push the value of a standard proof coin into the hundreds of dollars.
Another error to watch for is the “Repunched Mint Mark” (RPM). Since the “S” was hand-punched into the dies back then, sometimes it was struck twice in slightly different positions. Using the CoinKnow app’s zoom feature can help you spot these tiny details that are invisible to the naked eye.
Comparing the 1982-S to Other 1982 Nickels
To understand the 1982-S value, you have to look at the three main types of nickels produced that year. The Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) mints all had different production goals. The 1982-S had the lowest mintage of the three, but because they were saved by collectors, they aren’t necessarily the “rarest” in terms of survival.
| Mint Mark | Type | Total Minted |
|---|---|---|
| P (Philadelphia) | Circulation | 292,355,000 |
| D (Denver) | Circulation | 374,490,283 |
| S (San Francisco) | Proof Only | 3,857,479 |
Since the “P” and “D” nickels were intended for use in vending machines and grocery stores, finding one in “Mint State” (MS) condition is actually quite difficult. This is why a high-grade 1982-P can sometimes be more expensive than a 1982-S proof. However, for a casual collector, the 1982-S is the most attractive coin to display.
Is the 1982-S Jefferson Nickel a Good Investment?
For most people, the 1982-S Jefferson Nickel is a “hobby coin” rather than a financial investment. Because nearly 4 million were made and most were kept in pristine condition, the supply is very high. It is a great coin for beginners or for children starting their first collection because it is shiny, historic, and cheap.
If you are looking for investment-grade 1982-S nickels, you should only target coins graded PR70 Deep Cameo by PCGS. These are the “best of the best” and have a much higher chance of increasing in value over the decades.
To keep track of your collection’s growing value, you should use a tool like CoinKnow. It allows you to log each coin you find and see real-time market updates. Whether you have one proof nickel or an entire box of sets, staying organized is the key to enjoying the hobby of coin collecting.
FAQ
Q: How can I tell if my 1982 nickel is a proof?
A: Look for the mint mark “S” on the right side of the building (Monticello) on the back. Also, look for a mirror-like background. If the coin is very shiny and has a sharp strike, it is likely a proof coin.
Q: Is a 1982-S Jefferson Nickel made of silver?
A: No. Jefferson Nickels from 1982 are made of a cupro-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel). The only silver nickels were “War Nickels” produced between 1942 and 1945.
Q: Where can I sell my 1982-S Proof Nickel?
A: For common proof nickels worth a few dollars, your best bet is a local coin shop or a listing on eBay. If you have a certified PR70 coin, you might consider a professional auction house or a specialty numismatic dealer.
Q: What is the most expensive 1982-S nickel ever sold?
A: The record prices usually hover around $200-$300 for perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens. Most 1982-S nickels you find will be in the $1 to $5 range.
