This date had a very small mintage for a Philadelphia Mint nickel of the period, and this was due to a nasty recession that began in 1948 and did not end until 1950-51. Though overshadowed by the even lower mintage of 1950 D nickels, this issue was widely saved by the roll, and Mint State pieces are plentiful.
The overall quality of most 1950(P) nickels is disappointing, and collectors will need patience in selecting a suitable example. Slight softness of strike is usually combined with rather dull, grainy luster. Coins having either 5FS or 6FS are very rare.
Mintage:
| Philadelphia | Denver | Proof |
| 9,847,386 | 2,630,030 | 51,386 |