How to Spot the 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel Proof Variety

Most people see nickels as just five-cent coins. But for collectors, some nickels can be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. One rare example is the 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel Proof, a coin that looks ordinary at first glance but is one of the rarest modern U.S. coin varieties. What makes it special is a tiny detail that’s missing—the “S” mint mark. While this mark usually appears on proof coins made in San Francisco, a small number of 1971 proof nickels were struck without it. This rare error has made the 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel a valuable and sought-after coin. If you know what to look for, you might just find one hiding in a forgotten proof set.

Coin Name: 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel Proof

To understand this rare coin, it’s important to know how proof coins are made. Proof coins are not meant for general use. They are specially made for collectors and are struck with extra care using polished dies, giving them a shiny, mirror-like appearance. In 1971, all U.S. proof coins were made at the San Francisco Mint, and therefore, each should have an “S” mint mark. But due to a minting mistake, a small number of 1971 Jefferson Nickels were struck using a die that did not have the “S” mint mark. As a result, these coins appear just like other Jefferson Nickels, but without the mint mark—making them an unexpected error in a proof set.

It’s believed that only a few hundred of these coins exist. Since proof sets were sold directly to collectors, most were kept in good condition, which adds even more value to these rare pieces today.

Why This Coin Is Valuable

The 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel is valuable for several reasons:

• It’s a mint error: Proof coins are expected to go through strict quality control. The missing “S” makes this coin an unusual mistake.
• It’s very rare: Only a small number of these coins were made before the error was caught.
• It’s a proof variety: Proof coins are already limited in number, and this variety is even rarer.
• It’s in high demand: Coin collectors love rare varieties and errors, especially from the modern era.

Depending on the condition and grading, this coin can sell for $800 to over $4,000. In top-grade, deep cameo condition, it can even fetch higher prices at auctions.

How to Spot the 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel

Here’s how you can check if you have this rare proof variety:

1. Look in Proof Sets: This coin was only released in 1971 proof sets sold to collectors.
2. Check for Shine: It should have a mirror-like finish—this is the proof strike.
3. Examine the Mint Mark: Flip to the front (obverse) side of the coin. Look closely to the right of Jefferson’s bust, just behind his ponytail. If there is no “S” mint mark, you may have found the rare variety.
4. Compare to Others: Most 1971 proof nickels will have the “S” mint mark. Place yours side by side to be sure.
5. Get It Graded: If it looks like the No S variety, send it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC for professional confirmation and authentication.

Table: Quick Facts – 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel Proof

Feature	Details
Coin Name	1971 No S Jefferson Nickel Proof
Year	1971
Mint Location	San Francisco (S), but mark is missing
Coin Type	Proof
Error Type	No mint mark (No “S”)
Known Examples	Estimated a few hundred
Estimated Value	$800 to $4,000+

The 1971 No S Jefferson Nickel is a small coin with big value, all because of a missing mint mark. It’s a rare proof variety that most people would never notice without a close look. If you or someone you know owns old proof sets from 1971, it’s worth taking a careful look at the nickel. This missing “S” might seem like a tiny detail, but it can lead to a big reward. Coins like this prove that sometimes, the smallest errors make the biggest treasures in the world of coin collecting.

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