AI Appraisal Estimate

A 1964 United States five-cent piece, commonly known as a Jefferson Nickel. This specific coin features the obverse profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag. The date '1964' is clearly struck on the lower right edge, following the word 'LIBERTY'. The phrase 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is visible along the left rim. Composed of a cupro-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), the coin exhibits a dull silver-grey metallic luster characteristic of circulated base metal currency. The physical diameter is standard at approximately 21.21 mm with a thickness of 1.95 mm. Regarding its condition, the coin shows significant signs of extensive circulation. There is heavy surface wear on the high points of Jefferson's hair and cheekbone, suggesting a grade in the 'Good' to 'Very Good' range. Numerous small contact marks, scratches, and a buildup of dark grime or oxidation are visible across the fields and on the portrait itself. No mint mark is visible on the obverse (which is standard for this era as mint marks were located on the reverse until 1966, except for war nickels). The year 1964 is notable for having the highest mintage in the history of the series, totaling over 2.8 billion coins between the Philadelphia and Denver mints, making it extremely common in all but the highest uncirculated grades.

I have virtually examined this 1964 Jefferson Nickel. The specimen exhibits significant circulation wear, consistent with a grade of 'Good' (G-4) to 'Very Good' (VG-8). Authentic features include the standard Schlag design motifs and characteristic cupro-nickel oxidation. However, the 1964 issue represents the highest mintage in the entire Jefferson series, with over 2.8 billion units produced. Due to this massive supply, circulated examples possess no numismatic premium over their face value. Market comparables for circulated 1964 nickels consistently show they trade at exactly five cents in bulk or as pocket change. High-value outliers only exist in 'Full Steps' (FS) designations at Mint State 66 or higher, which this specimen does not approach. While I can confirm the coin appears genuine based on its strike and wear patterns, a definitive authentication would require a physical weight check (5.0g) and microscopic inspection to rule out contemporary counterfeits or ' Henning' nickels, though the latter is unlikely for this specific date. No further provenance or scientific testing is recommended, as the cost of professional grading would far exceed the coin's market value.