The 2004-S Peace Medal Jefferson Nickel is worth anywhere from $1 to $5 in typical proof condition, but deeply cameo examples can climb to $10 or more depending on grade. If you stumbled across one of these coins in a collection or a box of old change, you’re in the right place — let’s break down exactly what you’ve got and what it might fetch.
What Makes the 2004-S Peace Medal Nickel Special
The 2004-S Peace Medal Jefferson Nickel was struck at the San Francisco Mint as part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, a two-year program celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The “Peace Medal” design on the reverse shows two clasped hands — one in a military uniform sleeve, the other in a Native American sleeve — along with a tomahawk and a peace pipe crossed below. It’s one of the most historically meaningful designs ever put on a U.S. five-cent coin.
The “S” mintmark tells you this coin wasn’t made for everyday pocket change. San Francisco produced these nickels exclusively as proof coins, meaning they were struck with polished dies and specially prepared planchets to achieve a mirror-like finish. They were sold directly to collectors as part of proof sets, not released into general circulation.
If you want to use a free coin identifier app to quickly confirm what you’ve got, that’s a smart first step before heading to a coin dealer or auction site.
How Much Is the 2004-S Peace Medal Nickel Worth Today
The value of this coin depends heavily on its grade and whether it’s a standard proof or a Deep Cameo (DCAM) example. Most 2004-S Peace Medal nickels found in original proof sets are graded PR-65 to PR-69, and the difference in value between those grades is significant.
Here’s a quick value table to give you a clear picture:
| Grade | Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| PR-65 | Standard Proof | $1 – $2 |
| PR-67 | Standard Proof | $2 – $4 |
| PR-69 DCAM | Deep Cameo | $5 – $10 |
| PR-70 DCAM | Perfect Deep Cameo | $15 – $30+ |
For the most up-to-date market data, you can check out live auction prices and recent sales figures for the 2004-S Peace Medal Jefferson Nickel to see what real buyers are paying right now.
Grading Your 2004-S Peace Medal Nickel at Home
Grading a proof coin is a little different from grading a circulated coin. You’re not looking for wear — you’re looking for contact marks, hairlines, and the quality of the cameo contrast between the frosted devices and the mirror-like fields.
Hold the coin under a single light source and tilt it slowly. A PR-70 DCAM will show zero marks and a sharp, dramatic contrast. Even a tiny scratch or contact mark knocks it down to PR-69 or lower, which matters for value.
CoinHix makes grading estimates easier for everyday collectors. You can scan your coin using the CoinHix app and get an instant grade estimate along with a current market value — no coin shop visit required.
Where to Sell a 2004-S Peace Medal Nickel
If your coin is in original proof packaging from the U.S. Mint set, keep it that way. Removing it from the original holder can reduce its appeal to buyers. Most collectors and dealers will pay slightly more for coins still in their original government packaging.
For selling options, eBay is the most active marketplace for these coins, with dozens of recent completed sales you can browse to see realistic prices. Coin shows and local dealers are also solid options, especially if you have a full 2004 proof set to sell together.
If you want a deeper look at what individual examples have sold for and what factors drive value, this detailed breakdown of 2004 Jefferson Nickel values by grade and mintmark is a great reference to bookmark.
Is It Worth Getting the 2004-S Peace Medal Nickel Professionally Graded
For most examples, professional grading through PCGS or NGC isn’t worth the cost. Grading fees typically run $20 to $40 per coin, which exceeds the coin’s value in most grades.
However, if you believe you have a PR-70 DCAM example — perfect in every way — it could be worth submitting. A PCGS or NGC-certified PR-70 DCAM version has sold for $25 to $50 at auction, making grading potentially worthwhile on the high end.
Not sure if your coin qualifies? CoinHix lets you do a quick preliminary scan before committing to a professional submission, saving you time and money.
FAQ
Q: How many 2004-S Peace Medal Nickels were made?
A: The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 2.9 million 2004-S proof Jefferson Nickels in the Peace Medal design. While that’s a relatively modest mintage compared to circulating coins, the number is high enough that most examples aren’t considered rare — value comes from condition, not scarcity.
Q: Can I find a 2004-S Peace Medal Nickel in circulation?
A: It’s extremely unlikely. San Francisco proof coins were only sold directly in mint proof sets and were never intended for general circulation. If you found a Jefferson Nickel in your change from 2004, it would be a Philadelphia or Denver coin, not an “S” mint proof.
Q: Does the Peace Medal design make it more valuable than a regular 2004 Jefferson Nickel?
A: The design does attract collector interest, but the “S” mintmark and proof quality are the bigger value drivers. A 2004-P or 2004-D Peace Medal nickel in circulated condition is still just worth face value — five cents — unless it’s in exceptional uncirculated condition.
