Rare 1964 Jefferson Nickel with Accented Hair Sells for Over $100,000 – When most people think of valuable coins, rare gold pieces or centuries-old silver dollars come to mind. But in a surprising twist, a 1964 Jefferson Nickel — worth just five cents in face value — recently sold at auction for over $100,000, proving that even modern-era coins can carry extraordinary value.
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What Makes the 1964 Accented Hair Nickel So Special?
The key to this nickel’s incredible price tag lies in a subtle but significant design variation: the “Accented Hair” variety.
Also Read: Why Collectors Pay $460K for the 1919-D Buffalo Nickel
The standard 1964 Jefferson Nickel features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse, based on a design by artist Felix Schlag. However, some early-die versions of the coin display a more detailed rendering of Jefferson’s hair, with clearly defined strands and added depth — known as the “Accented Hair” variety.
This version was only used briefly at the beginning of production before being modified, making it extremely rare. In fact, experts estimate that fewer than 100 examples of the Accented Hair variety exist today, with high-grade specimens being even rarer.
Why Collectors Are Willing to Pay a Premium
What drives such a high price for a single nickel?
- Rarity: As a low-mintage variety within a common year, the Accented Hair is highly sought after.
- Condition: The example that sold for over $100,000 was graded MS-67 Full Steps (FS) by PCGS. The “Full Steps” designation means the steps of Monticello on the reverse are fully visible — a trait that collectors prize.
- Historical Interest: While not an error coin, the Accented Hair variety represents a transitional moment in U.S. coin design history and appeals to both type collectors and Jefferson Nickel specialists.
Also Read: This 1913 Liberty Head Nickel Sold for $3.7 Million — Here’s Why
A Growing Market for Modern Coins
This sale also reflects a broader trend in numismatics: increasing interest in high-quality, post-war coins. Once overlooked by serious collectors, coins from the 1950s and 1960s are now gaining attention due to their scarcity in top grades and unique varieties.
Final Thoughts
The sale of the 1964 Accented Hair Jefferson Nickel for over $100,000 is a powerful reminder that rarity and desirability aren’t limited to ancient or gold coins. Even a simple-looking nickel from the mid-20th century can become a prized collectible — especially when it carries a hidden detail that sets it apart from the rest.
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the hobby, this story proves one thing: sometimes, the next big find is hiding in plain sight — in your pocket change.
FAQs
What is the 1964 Accented Hair Jefferson Nickel?
It’s a rare variety of the 1964 nickel with more detailed hair strands on Jefferson’s portrait.
How much did it sell for?
A high-grade example sold for over $100,000.
Why is it so rare?
The accented hair design was used only briefly before being changed, resulting in very few surviving examples.
How many exist today?
Fewer than 100 are believed to still exist, with even fewer in top condition.
What does “Full Steps” mean on a Jefferson Nickel?
It refers to clearly defined steps on the Monticello building, a desirable trait among collectors.
