1979-S Proof Jefferson Nickel

This 1979-S Proof Jefferson Nickel is a San Francisco proof issue from the long-running Jefferson nickel series, struck specifically for collectors rather than for circulation. Proof coins are made using specially prepared dies and polished planchets, giving them sharper detail, more reflective fields, and a more carefully finished look than standard business-strike nickels. That makes a 1979-S proof an appealing choice for collectors who want a cleaner, presentation-quality example of this classic five-cent design. 

The Jefferson nickel was introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel and beginning a new chapter in U.S. five-cent coin design. Created by Felix Schlag, the series features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse. By 1979, the design had already been a familiar part of American coinage for decades, and San Francisco proof issues continued the Mint’s tradition of producing specially struck collector versions alongside regular circulation coins from Philadelphia and Denver. The 1979-S proof is also notable because this year saw two mintmark styles, commonly called Type 1 Filled S and Type 2 Clear S. 

Collectors continue to enjoy proof Jefferson nickels because they offer a more refined version of a familiar U.S. coin without being prohibitively expensive. A 1979-S proof works well in a Jefferson nickel date run, a proof set collection, or a broader modern U.S. collection focused on San Francisco Mint issues. The previous sentence is an inference based on the coin’s proof format, mint, and series role. 

Specifications & Mintage

Denomination: Five Cents

Series: Jefferson Nickel

Designer: Felix Schlag

Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Weight: 5.00 grams

Diameter: 21.20 mm

Edge: Plain

Mint: San Francisco

Mintage: 3,677,175

Years of Issue: 1938–present

Reverse Type: Monticello Reverse 

Item Details

This listing includes one 1979-S Jefferson Nickel struck in Proof format. The coin was produced at the San Francisco Mint and features the classic Monticello reverse used throughout the Jefferson nickel series. Please review the photos carefully for the overall appearance and quality of the exact coin you will receive. 

Whether you are building a Jefferson nickel collection, adding a San Francisco proof issue to your set, or simply looking for a sharply struck modern U.S. coin, this 1979-S Proof Jefferson Nickel makes a meaningful addition.