The 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $5 in standard proof condition to over $3,500 in the highest certified grades. While everyday nickels in your pocket are likely just worth face value, finding this specific “Clear S” proof variety in an old collection can be a genuine payday for lucky enthusiasts.
How to Identify the 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel
If you have recently discovered a shiny, mirror-like nickel dated 1981 with an “S” mint mark, you might be holding a Proof coin. In 1981, the San Francisco Mint produced two distinct versions of the mint mark. The Type 1, known as the “Filled S,” features a mint mark where the loops of the “S” are somewhat blurred or filled with metal. However, the Type 2 “Clear S” is much more desirable.
On a Type 2 coin, the “S” is sharp, well-defined, and the bulbous ends of the letter are clearly separated from the middle stroke. This variety was introduced midway through the year, making it scarcer than its predecessor. To get a definitive look at your coin, using a top coin identifier app can help you zoom in on that tiny mint mark to see if you have the rare version.
Many people find these coins in old estate sets or inherited collections. Because they were minted for collectors, they usually have a frosted appearance on Thomas Jefferson’s portrait and a mirror-like background. If yours looks exceptionally crisp and clear, checking it against the CoinHix database is a great first step to determining its market tier.
Current Market Value and Pricing for 1981 Proof Nickels
The value of a 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel depends almost entirely on its “grade” or condition. Since these were never meant for general circulation, they are judged on a scale from PR60 to PR70. Most specimens found in original government-issued sets will fall into the PR67 or PR68 range, retailing for a modest but respectable price.
However, once you reach the perfect PR70 Deep Cameo (DCAM) grade, the price skyrockets. Collectors pay a massive premium for coins that have zero microscopic scratches. You can track current market trends and recent auction results by viewing the 1981 Jefferson Nickel price data to see how these values fluctuate over time.
For most casual finders, a standard Type 2 will bring in enough to buy a nice lunch. But for those with pristine, flawlessly preserved examples, the “Clear S” variety represents a crown jewel of the early 1980s nickel series. It is always worth verifying the variety before spending it, as the detailed 1981 nickel value information shows a significant gap between the common Type 1 and the rarer Type 2.
| Condition/Grade | 1981-S Type 1 (Filled S) Value | 1981-S Type 2 (Clear S) Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR65 Deep Cameo | $2.00 | $10.00 |
| PR69 Deep Cameo | $8.00 | $45.00 |
| PR70 Deep Cameo | $150.00 | $3,500.00+ |
The Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Mint Marks
Understanding why the Type 2 is worth more requires a little history. In 1981, the San Francisco Mint realized the punch they used to create the “S” mint mark was wearing out, resulting in “Filled S” coins (Type 1). They replaced it with a brand-new, clearer punch, creating the Type 2.
The Type 2 “S” has very distinct serifs. Imagine the letter “S” written by a calligrapher with clear, rounded ends. In contrast, the Type 1 looks more like a rectangular blob with curved edges. Because the Type 2 was only used for a portion of the year’s production, it is naturally harder to find.
If you are unsure which one you have, the CoinHix app provides high-resolution reference photos that make comparison easy. Many collectors spend hours hunting through 1981 Proof Sets specifically looking for this variety. Finding one in a set you bought for five dollars at a garage sale is a classic “treasure hunter” moment in the coin world.
Why the Deep Cameo Finish Matters
When looking at your 1981-S nickel, you might notice a heavy contrast between the image of Jefferson and the flat background. This is called a “Cameo” effect. In the highest levels of collecting, the “Deep Cameo” (DCAM) designation is the gold standard. It means the frosted parts of the coin are thick and white, while the fields are as dark and reflective as a black mirror.
A 1981-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel without this contrast is still worth money, but the Deep Cameo version is what drives the four-figure prices at major auctions. Modern minting techniques make this common today, but in 1981, achieving a perfect DCAM finish was much more difficult.
To protect the value of such a coin, never touch the surface with your bare fingers. Oils from your skin can permanently damage the mirror finish. Instead, hold it by the edges or keep it in its original protective plastic lens. You can use CoinHix to log your finds and keep track of your collection’s total estimated value as market prices change.
FAQ
Q: Can I find a 1981-S Type 2 nickel in my spare change?
A: It is very unlikely. “S” mint mark nickels from 1981 were only sold in Proof Sets for collectors. If you find one in circulation, it was likely broken out of a set and spent by someone. Even then, it would be heavily scratched and lose most of its premium value over face value.
Q: How many 1981-S Type 2 nickels were made?
A: While the total proof nickel mintage for 1981 was about 4 million, it is estimated that the Type 2 variety represents only about 15% to 20% of that total. This relative scarcity is what drives the interest from Jefferson Nickel specialists.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1981-S nickel professionally graded?
A: It depends on the condition. Professional grading (by companies like PCGS or NGC) costs money. If the coin looks absolutely perfect under a magnifying glass, it might be worth it to try for a PR70 grade. If it has even a tiny scratch, it is usually better to keep it in its original holder.
Q: Where is the mint mark located on a 1981 nickel?
A: On the 1981 Jefferson Nickel, the “S” mint mark is located on the obverse (front) of the coin, tucked into the space just below the date, near the bottom right of Jefferson’s portrait.
