There are several errors found on the 1984 Jefferson Nickel. These errors are predominantly nickels coined on the wrong planchet, and there are some strike errors as well.
There are fewer errors on U.S. nickels than there are on most other circulating U.S. coins. However, amidst the 1.2 billion Jefferson Nickels issued in 1984, there are bound to be more errors than we will cover.
Common 1984 Jefferson Nickel Errors
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia struck almost 750,000,000 nickels in 1984, almost 50% more than the Denver Mint produced that year. The U.S. Mint in San Francisco struck 3,065,110 proof nickels in 1984.
Grease-Filled Die 1984 Nickels
This error is caused by grease filling in the crevices of the design on a coin die, which results in a weak, smudgy strike. These may be the most common errors and are worth $1 to $2.
Double Struck 1984 Nickels
This error is caused by a nickel being struck more than once in the coining press. These error nickels will include doubled die obverse and doubled die reverse coins. You will see these abbreviated as DDO and DDR, and they are more common than many other nickel errors. Depending on the condition and other errors present on this nickel, they may be worth between $10 and $100.
1984 Repunched Mint Mark Nickels
Repunched mint mark (RMM) nickels are created when the mint mark is punched more than once. You may find these in combination with other error nickels but a 1984 RMM nickel error may be worth up to $15.
1984 Jefferson Nickel Struck on the Wrong Planchet
This error is caused by a cent, dime, or other planchet wrongly sorted to a hopper for nickels. These nickels may have a slightly different diameter than the cent, dime or other coin due to the collar used for minting nickels. There is one 1984-P Nickel struck on a dime planchet in MS-65 that recently sold for more than $400. Common variations of this error include double striking errors like doubled die obverses and reverses. A 1984-P Jefferson Nickel double struck on a dime planchet in MS-64 condition has sold for almost $1500.
Off-Center 1984 Jefferson Nickels
Off-center errors occur when a planchet is not centered during the striking of a coin, which results in an image or design that is not centered. You may also find these in combination with other errors like double struck, off center nickels. A double struck and off center 1984-P Jefferson Nickel in MS-65 condition has sold for over $800.
1984 Broadstruck Jefferson Nickel
Broadstike error coins are coins that are struck outside the collar of the coin. The collar is a ring used to define the diameter of a coin. Broadstrike error coins have a greater diameter than standard coin issues. If a broadstrike error coin is cut off on either face of the coin, it is referred to as an off-center broadstrike.
How Can I be Sure My Coin is an Error Coin?
Identifying an error coin requires closely examining your coin with the standard coin. In the instance of the 1984 Jefferson Nickel, you would want to compare it to other 1984 Jefferson nickels. Keep an eye on the details of the coins design, including fine lines and beware of broad strikes, off-center coins, and indented coins. If you feel certain your nickel is a valuable error coin, it may be worth sending it in for grading and authentication so it will be easier to sell.
Why are Error Coins Valuable?
Error coins are minting mistakes that provide one-of-a-kind value. Whether you are a numismatist or a casual collector, the visual appeal, uniqueness, and wide range of minting errors make collecting them exciting.
As with other coins, value is derived from several factors, including scarcity, market demand, and the coin’s condition. Some of the most valuable error coins are cents like the 1943 copper cents, dimes like the 1942/1 overdate Mercury dime, and the infamous 1937-D 3-legged Buffalo nickel.
