1964 US Nickel: A Guide To Value, History, And Rarities

What is a 1964 US nickel?

A 1964 US nickel is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint in 1964. It is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel and weighs 5 grams. The obverse (heads) of the coin features the Jefferson Memorial, while the reverse (tails) features Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson.

The 1964 US nickel is significant because it was the last year that the coin was struck in 90% silver. In 1965, the composition of the nickel was changed to 75% copper and 25% nickel in order to reduce the cost of production.

Today, the 1964 US nickel is a popular collector's item. It is also a valuable coin, with some examples selling for hundreds of dollars.

Here are some additional facts about the 1964 US nickel:

• The coin was designed by Felix Schlag.
• It was the first US coin to feature a building on the obverse.
• The 1964 US nickel was the last coin to be struck in 90% silver.
• The coin is a popular collector's item.

The 1964 US nickel is a significant coin in American history. It is a reminder of a time when the United States was still using silver in its coinage. The coin is also a beautiful work of art, and it is a valuable collector's item.

1964 US nickel

The 1964 US nickel is a significant coin in American history. It is the last year that the coin was struck in 90% silver, and it is also the first US coin to feature a building on the obverse. Here are seven key aspects of the 1964 US nickel:

• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
• Weight: 5 grams
• Diameter: 21.21 mm
• Obverse: Jefferson Memorial
• Reverse: Monticello
• Designer: Felix Schlag
• Mintage: 1,042,920,000

These seven key aspects provide a comprehensive overview of the 1964 US nickel. The coin's composition, weight, diameter, obverse, reverse, designer, and mintage are all important factors that contribute to its significance. The 1964 US nickel is a valuable coin, both in terms of its historical significance and its collector value.

1. Composition

The composition of the 1964 US nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition was chosen because it is relatively inexpensive to produce, and it is also durable and resistant to wear and tear. The copper gives the coin its reddish color, while the nickel helps to strengthen the coin and prevent it from tarnishing.

• Corrosion resistance: The addition of nickel to the copper alloy significantly improves the coin's resistance to corrosion. Nickel forms a protective oxide layer on the surface of the coin, which prevents the underlying copper from reacting with oxygen and moisture in the air.
• Hardness and durability: Nickel is a hard metal, and it helps to increase the hardness and durability of the coin. This makes the coin more resistant to wear and tear, and it also helps to prevent the coin from becoming scratched or dented.
• Electrical conductivity: Nickel is a good conductor of electricity, and this property can be useful in certain applications. For example, the 1964 US nickel can be used in electrical circuits as a conductor.
• Cost-effectiveness: Nickel is a relatively inexpensive metal, and this makes it a cost-effective choice for use in coinage. The use of nickel in the 1964 US nickel helped to keep the cost of production down.

The composition of the 1964 US nickel is a key factor in its durability, appearance, and cost-effectiveness. The combination of copper and nickel gives the coin a number of desirable properties, making it a suitable choice for use in coinage.

2. Weight

The weight of the 1964 US nickel is 5 grams. This is a significant aspect of the coin, as it affects its overall feel, durability, and value.

• Composition: The weight of the 1964 US nickel is due in part to its composition. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Copper is a relatively heavy metal, and it contributes to the coin's overall weight. Nickel is a lighter metal, but it helps to strengthen the coin and prevent it from tarnishing. The combination of these two metals gives the coin a weight that is both substantial and durable.
• Durability: The weight of the 1964 US nickel also contributes to its durability. A heavier coin is less likely to be damaged or bent. This is important for a coin that is intended to circulate for many years. The weight of the 1964 US nickel helps to ensure that it will remain in good condition, even after years of use.
• Value: The weight of the 1964 US nickel can also affect its value. A heavier coin is often seen as being more valuable than a lighter coin. This is because a heavier coin is typically made of more valuable metals. In the case of the 1964 US nickel, the weight of the coin is one of the factors that contributes to its collector value.

The weight of the 1964 US nickel is a significant aspect of the coin. It affects the coin's composition, durability, and value. The weight of the coin is one of the factors that makes it a desirable collector's item.

3. Diameter

The diameter of the 1964 US nickel is 21.21 mm. This measurement is significant because it affects the coin's overall appearance, weight, and value.

• Appearance: The diameter of the 1964 US nickel contributes to its overall appearance. A larger diameter coin will have a more substantial appearance than a smaller diameter coin. The 1964 US nickel's diameter of 21.21 mm gives it a classic and timeless look.
• Weight: The diameter of the 1964 US nickel also affects its weight. A larger diameter coin will typically weigh more than a smaller diameter coin. The 1964 US nickel's diameter of 21.21 mm gives it a weight of 5 grams, which is a comfortable weight for a coin that is intended to circulate.
• Value: The diameter of the 1964 US nickel can also affect its value. A larger diameter coin is often seen as being more valuable than a smaller diameter coin. This is because a larger diameter coin is typically made of more valuable metals. The 1964 US nickel's diameter of 21.21 mm is one of the factors that contributes to its collector value.

The diameter of the 1964 US nickel is a significant aspect of the coin. It affects the coin's appearance, weight, and value. The diameter of the coin is one of the factors that makes it a desirable collector's item.

4. Obverse

The obverse (heads) of the 1964 US nickel features the Jefferson Memorial. This is a significant design element, as it connects the coin to Thomas Jefferson, one of the most important figures in American history.

• Historical significance: Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. He was a renowned statesman, diplomat, architect, and philosopher. The Jefferson Memorial is a fitting tribute to his life and legacy.
• Design: The Jefferson Memorial was designed by John Russell Pope and completed in 1943. It is a large, circular building with a colonnade of Ionic columns. The interior of the memorial features a statue of Jefferson by Rudulph Evans.
• Symbolism: The Jefferson Memorial is a symbol of Jefferson's ideals and his contributions to the United States. The building's circular shape represents the unity of the nation, while the columns represent the strength and stability of the government. The statue of Jefferson depicts him as a wise and benevolent leader.
• Connection to the 1964 US nickel: The 1964 US nickel was the first US coin to feature a building on the obverse. The choice of the Jefferson Memorial was a fitting tribute to Jefferson's importance in American history. The coin's design also reflects the Jefferson Memorial's status as a national landmark.

The Jefferson Memorial is a significant symbol of American history and culture. Its appearance on the 1964 US nickel is a reminder of Jefferson's legacy and the importance of his ideals.

5. Reverse

The reverse (tails) of the 1964 US nickel features Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. This is a significant design element, as it connects the coin to Jefferson and his legacy.

• Jefferson's home: Monticello was Jefferson's home for over 40 years. He designed the house himself, and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in the United States.
• Symbol of Jefferson's ideals: Monticello is more than just a house. It is a symbol of Jefferson's ideals and his vision for the United States. The house is surrounded by gardens and farmland, reflecting Jefferson's belief in the importance of agriculture and self-sufficiency.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Monticello was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. This designation recognizes the house's outstanding universal value and its importance to world culture.
• Connection to the 1964 US nickel: The 1964 US nickel was the first US coin to feature a private residence on the reverse. The choice of Monticello was a fitting tribute to Jefferson's importance in American history. The coin's design also reflects Monticello's status as a national landmark.

Monticello is a significant symbol of American history and culture. Its appearance on the 1964 US nickel is a reminder of Jefferson's legacy and the importance of his ideals.

6. Designer

Felix Schlag was a renowned Austrian-American sculptor and coin designer. He is best known for designing the 1964 US nickel, which is still in circulation today. Schlag's design for the nickel is a classic example of his unique style, which combined elements of realism and abstraction.

• Artistic style: Schlag's artistic style was characterized by its simplicity and elegance. He often used geometric shapes and stylized figures to create designs that were both visually appealing and easy to understand. His design for the 1964 US nickel is a perfect example of this style.
• Attention to detail: Schlag was a master of detail. His designs are often filled with intricate details that are carefully rendered. This attention to detail is evident in the 1964 US nickel, which features a highly detailed depiction of the Jefferson Memorial.
• Use of symbolism: Schlag often used symbolism in his designs. The 1964 US nickel is no exception. The obverse of the coin features a depiction of the Jefferson Memorial, which is a symbol of Jefferson's ideals and his contributions to the United States. The reverse of the coin features a depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's home, which is a symbol of his love of nature and his commitment to self-sufficiency.
• Legacy: Schlag's designs have had a lasting impact on American coinage. His work is still admired by collectors and designers alike. The 1964 US nickel is one of his most enduring legacies.

Felix Schlag was a talented artist and designer. His work has had a lasting impact on American coinage. The 1964 US nickel is a classic example of his unique style and his commitment to creating beautiful and meaningful designs.

7. Mintage

The mintage of a coin refers to the number of coins that are produced by a mint in a particular year. The mintage of the 1964 US nickel was 1,042,920,000, which was a significant number of coins.

• High demand: The high mintage of the 1964 US nickel is an indication of the high demand for the coin. The nickel was a popular coin at the time, and it was used in a wide variety of transactions.
• Large population: The high mintage of the 1964 US nickel is also an indication of the large population of the United States at the time. In 1964, the population of the United States was over 190 million people, and the demand for coinage was high.
• Economic growth: The high mintage of the 1964 US nickel is also an indication of the strong economy of the United States at the time. The economy was growing rapidly, and the demand for coinage was increasing.
• Historical significance: The high mintage of the 1964 US nickel is also an indication of the historical significance of the coin. The coin was the last US nickel to be struck in 90% silver, and it is a popular collector's item today.

The mintage of the 1964 US nickel is a significant number, and it is a reflection of the high demand for the coin, the large population of the United States at the time, the strong economy, and the historical significance of the coin.

FAQs about the 1964 US nickel

The 1964 US nickel is a significant coin in American history. It is the last year that the coin was struck in 90% silver, and it is also the first US coin to feature a building on the obverse. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1964 US nickel:

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1964 US nickel?

Answer: The 1964 US nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Question 2: What is the weight of the 1964 US nickel?

Answer: The 1964 US nickel weighs 5 grams.

Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1964 US nickel?

Answer: The 1964 US nickel has a diameter of 21.21 mm.

Question 4: What is depicted on the obverse of the 1964 US nickel?

Answer: The obverse of the 1964 US nickel features the Jefferson Memorial.

Question 5: What is depicted on the reverse of the 1964 US nickel?

Answer: The reverse of the 1964 US nickel features Monticello.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 1964 US nickel. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact a coin dealer or numismatic expert.

Summary: The 1964 US nickel is a significant coin in American history. It is the last year that the coin was struck in 90% silver, and it is also the first US coin to feature a building on the obverse. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighs 5 grams, and has a diameter of 21.21 mm. The obverse of the coin features the Jefferson Memorial, while the reverse features Monticello.

Transition: The 1964 US nickel is a popular collector's item. It is a valuable coin, both in terms of its historical significance and its collector value.

Conclusion

The 1964 US nickel is a significant coin in American history. It is the last year that the coin was struck in 90% silver, and it is also the first US coin to feature a building on the obverse. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weighs 5 grams, and has a diameter of 21.21 mm. The obverse of the coin features the Jefferson Memorial, while the reverse features Monticello.

The 1964 US nickel is a popular collector's item. It is a valuable coin, both in terms of its historical significance and its collector value. The coin is a reminder of a time when the United States was still using silver in its coinage. It is also a beautiful work of art, and it is a valuable collector's item.

The 1964 US nickel is a reminder of the rich history of American coinage. It is a coin that is both beautiful and valuable. If you are interested in collecting coins, the 1964 US nickel is a great place to start.