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The Jefferson Nickel Roll 1968-S Uncirculated represents a significant and transitional issue in the modern history of American coinage. Each roll contains forty Uncirculated five-cent pieces struck at the San Francisco Mint, totaling two dollars in face value. The 1968-S Jefferson nickels mark the first year since 1955 that the San Francisco Mint struck coins for general circulation, making this roll a historically noteworthy acquisition. As these coins are preserved in Uncirculated condition, they offer collectors an excellent opportunity to examine high-quality examples of a key issue from the late 1960s, preserved with original mint luster and detail.
The Jefferson nickel, introduced in 1938, was designed by Felix Schlag, whose design was selected in a national competition. The obverse features a left-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson, founder of the University of Virginia, drafter of the Declaration of Independence, and the third President of the United States. On the 1968-S issue, Jefferson’s profile remains sharp and stoic, with “IN GOD WE TRUST” inscribed along the left rim, “LIBERTY” and the year “1968” along the right, separated by a small five-pointed star. Above the date appears the all-important “S” mintmark, which signifies its San Francisco origin and distinguishes this coin from the more common Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.
The reverse displays Jefferson’s neoclassical estate, Monticello, rendered with architectural clarity and centered beneath the legend “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Below the building appear the inscriptions “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” stacked in clean, symmetrical order. By 1968, improvements in minting technology had refined the Jefferson nickel’s detail, and Uncirculated coins from that year exhibit excellent definition in the columns, dome, and steps of Monticello. Collectors especially value those that exhibit Full Steps (FS)—five or six uninterrupted horizontal steps at the base of Monticello—a scarce feature that elevates individual coins above typical strike quality.
One of the most notable aspects of the 1968-S nickel is the reappearance of mintmarks on U.S. coinage. From 1965 through 1967, the U.S. Mint removed mintmarks in response to a coin shortage and to discourage hoarding. Their return in 1968 reestablished the distinction between mints and allowed collectors to once again build complete date-and-mintmark sets. The San Francisco Mint resumed coining regular-issue nickels this year, with the “S” mintmark restored above the date on the obverse. As such, the 1968-S issue is both a product of numismatic reform and a commemorative return to traditional minting practices.
The 1968-S Jefferson nickel was struck only for circulation and not for inclusion in Proof Sets, as San Francisco Proof production was shifted exclusively to special collector issues. As a result, the 1968-S business strike is uniquely positioned: it is a circulation strike from a mint usually associated with Proof coins. This has led to a degree of collector interest in Uncirculated rolls and coins, especially since high-grade business strikes from San Francisco during this period are less common than those from Denver or Philadelphia. The overall mintage of 1968-S nickels stood at 100,396,004, a modest figure compared to the hundreds of millions produced at the other mints.
Each 1968-S Jefferson nickel is composed of a copper-nickel alloy—75% copper and 25% nickel—bonded to a pure copper core. The coin measures 21.2 mm in diameter and weighs 5 grams, with a smooth (plain) edge. In Uncirculated condition, the coins exhibit sharp strike quality and vibrant mint luster, ranging from brilliant to satiny in texture. The most desirable examples in a roll will show no wear, minimal contact marks, and rich luster throughout. Particular attention is often paid to Jefferson’s cheek, jawline, and the hair details, which can show striking weakness on lower-quality issues. On the reverse, strong detail in Monticello’s steps and pillars can indicate superior strike and preservation.
Rolls of 1968-S Jefferson nickels in Uncirculated condition are of particular value to collectors seeking to find high-grade coins with Full Steps. While the San Francisco Mint was capable of producing high-quality strikes, the majority of 1968-S nickels are known for relatively average quality in this regard, making FS examples harder to come by. This makes roll searching both a challenge and a potential reward for collectors and dealers who specialize in cherrypicking coins for submission to third-party grading services such as NGC or PCGS.
The condition of the roll itself is also important. Many Uncirculated rolls from this era are bank-wrapped or dealer-rewrapped. Bank-wrapped rolls often contain coins directly from Mint bags and may feature higher levels of contact marks due to bag friction. Dealer-wrapped rolls, especially those curated for quality, may contain higher-end examples with stronger luster and fewer abrasions. Properly stored rolls should exhibit no oxidation or toning unless stored intentionally in a way that encourages such effects. Bright, brilliant surfaces are preferred by most collectors, though light toning can add visual appeal in some cases.
In terms of value, Uncirculated rolls of 1968-S Jefferson nickels are relatively accessible due to the date’s mid-range mintage. Most rolls sell in the range of $8 to $20, depending on quality, packaging, and the potential for FS coins. Rolls that have been carefully stored and include coins with exceptional eye appeal or the potential for high third-party grades may command higher premiums. Collectors often buy multiple rolls to enhance the chances of finding a gem-quality specimen suitable for grading or album display.
In conclusion, the Jefferson Nickel Roll 1968-S Uncirculated is a compelling and historically significant collectible, representing both a return to traditional mintmark usage and a rare business strike from the San Francisco Mint. Its moderate mintage, distinctive mintmark, and transitional placement in U.S. numismatic history give it lasting interest. Whether preserved intact as a roll, used for cherry-picking Full Step candidates, or added to a Mint roll collection, it remains an enduring and affordable way to engage with late-20th-century American coinage in its most pristine form.