The 1958-D Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from 10 cents in heavily worn condition to over $50 or more in pristine mint state — and a few exceptional examples have sold for hundreds of dollars. If you just found one in an old jar or coin roll, you’re in the right place to find out exactly what you’ve got.
What Makes the 1958-D Jefferson Nickel Special?
The 1958-D Jefferson Nickel was struck at the Denver Mint, which is why it carries the small “D” mintmark on the reverse, just to the right of Monticello. That single letter matters more than you might think. In 1958, the Denver Mint produced around 168 million nickels — a fairly high mintage — which means circulated examples are common and not particularly rare. However, coins that survived in excellent condition without wear, scratches, or bag marks are a different story entirely.
Jefferson Nickels were designed by Felix Schlag and have been produced since 1938. The series has a dedicated following among collectors, and the 1958-D is considered a mid-series date that’s easy to find but harder to find in top grades. If you’re just getting started identifying old coins in your collection, using the best coin identifier app can save you a lot of time before you dig into research.
The coin’s value really starts climbing when you reach grades of MS-65 and above, where the full steps (FS) designation on Monticello’s steps becomes a major grading factor. Full Steps examples are the holy grail for Jefferson Nickel collectors.
1958-D Jefferson Nickel Value by Grade
Most people find these coins in circulated condition, meaning they’ve been passed through hands, wallets, and vending machines for decades. Here’s a general breakdown of what the 1958-D Jefferson Nickel is worth depending on its condition:
| Grade / Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Good (G-4) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Fine (F-12) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Extremely Fine (EF-40) | $0.50 – $1.50 |
| About Uncirculated (AU-55) | $1.50 – $4.00 |
| Mint State (MS-63) | $5 – $15 |
| Mint State (MS-65) | $20 – $50 |
| MS-65 Full Steps (FS) | $100 – $400+ |
For the most current auction results and pricing data, you can check the 1958-D Jefferson Nickel mint state price history on CoinHix to see how recent sales have trended. The CoinHix platform is especially useful for tracking real-time market values.
How to Tell If Your 1958-D Nickel Is Worth More
The biggest value driver — besides overall grade — is the Full Steps designation. On the reverse of the coin, Monticello’s front steps should show five or six complete, uninterrupted horizontal lines. If those steps are sharp and fully struck with no breaks or fading, your coin could qualify as Full Steps, which dramatically increases its value.
Look at your coin under a good light or a magnifying glass. If you see fuzziness or flat areas on the steps, it’s likely a regular strike. If the steps pop with crisp detail all the way across, you may have something worth submitting to a grading service like PCGS or NGC.
Condition is everything here. A 1958-D Jefferson Nickel graded MS-65FS can sell for ten times what a regular MS-65 example brings. Before spending money on professional grading, it’s worth doing your homework. The CoinHix app lets you scan recent sale prices so you can decide whether grading costs make sense for your specific coin.
Where to Sell or Get Your 1958-D Jefferson Nickel Appraised
If you believe your coin is in excellent shape, a few options are worth considering. eBay is a common starting point where you can see real completed sales for the exact coin you own. Coin shows and local coin dealers are another solid option — bring your coin in person for a free look-over. For coins you think might be high grade, professional certification through PCGS or NGC gives you a certified grade that buyers trust.
For a quick overview of the full 1958 nickel value guide including both Philadelphia and Denver mint versions, that resource breaks things down simply and clearly. And if you want a digital shortcut, CoinHix offers a streamlined way to look up Jefferson Nickel values by date, mintmark, and grade all in one place.
Quick History: The 1958 Jefferson Nickel Series
In 1958, two mints produced Jefferson Nickels: Philadelphia (no mintmark) and Denver (D mintmark). The Philadelphia issue had a much lower mintage of about 17 million coins, making it slightly scarcer in high grades. The 1958-D, with its 168 million mintage, was more heavily circulated but still commands respect in gem condition. This was also one of the last years before the composition or design changed significantly, making the 1958 issues a natural stopping point for many type collectors.
FAQ About the 1958-D Jefferson Nickel
Q: How much is a 1958-D Jefferson Nickel worth in circulated condition?
A: In typical circulated condition, a 1958-D Jefferson Nickel is worth between 10 cents and $1.50 depending on how much wear it shows. Only uncirculated examples start to bring meaningful premiums above face value.
Q: What does the “D” mintmark mean on a 1958 nickel?
A: The “D” stands for Denver, indicating the coin was struck at the Denver Mint in Colorado. You’ll find this small letter on the reverse of the coin, just to the right of the Monticello building.
Q: Is the 1958-D Jefferson Nickel rare?
A: No, it’s not considered rare due to its high mintage of over 168 million coins. However, finding one in gem uncirculated condition — especially with Full Steps — is genuinely difficult, and those coins can be worth a significant premium to collectors.
