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The Jefferson Nickel Roll dated 1964 in Uncirculated condition represents a fascinating slice of American coinage history and a popular collectible for numismatists and roll hunters alike. Each roll consists of forty coins, totaling two dollars in face value, and offers a consistent, high-grade presentation of the final-year issue before major design and compositional changes began to affect the Jefferson series. As these nickels are in Uncirculated condition, they retain their original mint luster and have not been subjected to wear or circulation, preserving the crispness of their design and the brilliance of their surfaces.
The Jefferson nickel was first introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel. Its obverse was designed by German-American sculptor Felix Schlag, whose work featured a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson’s image on the 1964 nickel remains faithful to Schlag’s original vision, showcasing his likeness in profile with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” along the left rim and “LIBERTY” followed by the date “1964” along the right. A small five-pointed star separates the word “LIBERTY” from the year, anchoring the obverse composition.
The reverse of the 1964 Jefferson nickel displays Jefferson’s Virginia estate, Monticello, depicted in neoclassical style and rendered with clean architectural lines. Above the image is the word “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with “MONTICELLO” inscribed below the structure, followed by “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The design is framed by a denticled rim, enhancing its formal balance. Although early versions of the Jefferson nickel suffered from soft strikes and poor detail, improvements in minting technology by the 1960s resulted in clearer impressions, especially in Uncirculated examples such as those found in this 1964 roll.
The year 1964 was a landmark moment in U.S. coinage, not only due to it being the last year before the U.S. Mint removed silver from circulating dimes and quarters, but also because of the immense number of coins produced to combat a national coin shortage. With over 1 billion Jefferson nickels struck in 1964—more than in any other year—the Mint operated at full capacity, producing coins in both Philadelphia and Denver. The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 1.024 billion nickels, while Denver contributed over 1.787 billion. Despite the high mintage, finding original Uncirculated rolls today is much less common due to circulation, hoarding, and deterioration over time.
Each Uncirculated 1964 Jefferson nickel in this roll is composed of a cupronickel alloy: 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin has a diameter of 21.2 mm and a weight of 5 grams, with a smooth (plain) edge. As Uncirculated examples, the coins display their original mint luster, typically exhibiting a satiny or slightly frosty surface depending on how they were stored. No wear should be visible on the high points of Jefferson’s cheek or jaw, and Monticello should show strong definition on its columns, steps, and dome. Coins with full steps—a designation awarded to specimens showing uninterrupted detail on Monticello’s staircase—are particularly prized among specialists.
The 1964 nickels, while abundant, carry unique interest due to their transitional context. Though dated 1964, many were minted well into 1965, as the U.S. Treasury froze the date to reduce coin hoarding during the nationwide coin shortage. As a result, no nickels dated 1965 were produced until much later. This unusual situation makes 1964 the final Jefferson nickel date before the reintroduction of mintmarks in 1968 and the eventual redesign in 2006. For collectors, 1964 nickels serve as a historical benchmark, linking the postwar coinage era with the modern numismatic landscape.
Condition is critical for Uncirculated rolls. These rolls are typically either bank-wrapped or dealer-rewrapped and should be inspected for originality. High-quality rolls will feature coins free from toning, corrosion, or contact marks. Most 1964 nickels will exhibit contact marks from the minting and bagging process, but premium rolls will have examples with superior strike and minimal abrasions. Luster should be intact and reflect light in a uniform manner across the surface. Rolls that have been well-preserved in archival materials will maintain their brilliance decades after minting.
The market value of a 1964 Jefferson Nickel Roll in Uncirculated condition remains modest due to the high original mintage, but certain rolls carry collector premiums. Rolls with full step coins, sharp strikes, or from early die states are especially desirable. Values generally range from $10 to $25 per roll depending on condition and whether they are Philadelphia or Denver issues. Denver-mint rolls tend to be more plentiful, but sharp Philadelphia strikes—especially with potential full steps—can command slightly more in specialized markets. Investors may also see value in holding uncirculated rolls for future grading or for possible cherry-picking of superior examples.
Despite their abundance, 1964 Jefferson nickels continue to be a cornerstone of roll hunting and modern U.S. coin collecting. They offer an accessible entry point for new collectors while remaining relevant for seasoned numismatists interested in die varieties, full step coins, and transitional minting periods. Some 1964 nickels are known to exhibit minor doubled die varieties or over-polished dies that remove design elements—traits which can add numismatic intrigue to Uncirculated rolls. As such, rolls provide not only a quantity of coins for collection building but also the thrill of potential discoveries within.
In conclusion, the Jefferson Nickel Roll 1964 Uncirculated is both a time capsule and a practical collecting piece. It encapsulates the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the evolution of 20th-century U.S. coinage, and the enduring appeal of the five-cent denomination. With every coin in the roll preserved in Uncirculated condition, collectors are offered both aesthetic enjoyment and the potential for hidden gems. Whether kept intact for long-term appreciation, used for cherry-picking full steps, or incorporated into a date-and-mint set, this 1964 roll stands as a durable and historically resonant addition to any U.S. coin collection.