The 1964 Jefferson nickel was a transitional year for the coin. Before 1964, Jefferson nickels were composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, in 1964, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of the coin to 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. This was done in response to the rising cost of nickel at the time. As a result, the 1964 Jefferson nickel can be found in both copper-nickel and silver compositions.
So, how can you tell if a 1964 nickel is silver? Here are a few methods:
- Check the date and mint mark
The first step in determining the composition of a 1964 nickel is to check the date and mint mark. All Jefferson nickels minted in 1964 have a large “D,” “S,” or no mint mark located above the dome of Monticello on the reverse side of the coin. If your coin has a “D” or “S” mint mark, it is most likely composed of copper-nickel. This is because the U.S. Mint only produced silver nickels in Philadelphia in 1964. So, if your coin has no mint mark, it may be worth taking a closer look.
- Check the weight
Another way to tell if a 1964 nickel is silver is to check its weight. Silver nickels weigh 5.00 grams, which is slightly more than the weight of a copper-nickel nickel. Copper-nickel nickels weigh 4.67 grams. A gram scale can be used to measure the weight of your nickel.
- Look for a different color
Silver nickels are made of 90% silver and 10% copper, so they have a distinct appearance. They are brighter and have a more lustrous appearance than copper-nickel nickels. Silver nickels also tend to have a more muted sound when dropped on a hard surface.
- Use a magnet
If you have a strong magnet, you can use it to determine if your 1964 nickel is silver. Silver is not magnetic, so if your nickel is attracted to the magnet, it is composed of copper-nickel. If it is not attracted to the magnet, it may be silver.
- Get it graded by a professional
If you’re still not sure whether your 1964 nickel is silver or copper-nickel, you can take it to a professional coin grader. These experts can examine your coin under a microscope and perform tests to determine its composition. Keep in mind that getting your coin graded can be expensive, so this option may not be feasible for everyone.
In summary, there are several ways to tell if a 1964 nickel is silver. You can check the date and mint mark, weigh the coin, look for a different color, use a magnet, or get it graded by a professional. By using these methods, you can determine the composition of your 1964 nickel and find out if it is a valuable collectible.