Rare 2009 Nickel Errors Worth Money (Full List)

Are you a Thomas Jefferson fan and want to collect nickels? Are nickels worth collecting? Whether you are just getting started or are looking to grow your collection, our 2009 nickel error list will show you how to collect Jefferson nickels worth good money!

The nickel is a hidden gem—collectors don’t pay enough attention to this coin, instead preferring popular ones such as the Washington quarter and Lincoln penny. The upside is that with the low competition, you can build an enviable nickels collection without necessarily breaking the bank.

That said, circulated Jefferson nickels are only worth their face value. Even uncirculated gem-quality specimens are plentiful and affordable. If you want to add high-value nickels to your collection, start collecting error coins.

Nickel errors can be worth a fortune, if you know how to spot the high-value specimens. In our 2009 nickel errors list you will discover some of the most valuable nickel errors worth collecting.

Let’s get started!

1. 2009-P MS61 Jefferson Nickel Missing Clad Layer Error

An interesting error you might come across when collecting 2009 nickels is the missing clad layer. As the name implies, this is an error in which the coin’s upper clad layer has peeled off on one or both sides.

A missing clad layer error occurs when the bond between the copper core and upper clad layer is weak, causing the clad layer to peel off. The weak bond can be attributed to impurities that make their way into the alloy during the planchet-making process.

When the upper layer peels off, the copper core is exposed. A partial missing clad layer is one in which the upper clad layer has peeled off on one side so that on the other side you can see the copper core.

Partial missing clad layer errors are more common than the full missing clad layer error. All in all, this error can be worth good money if the coin is uncirculated. For example, an eBay collector paid $715 for a 2009-P Jefferson nickel graded MS61 with a missing clad layer error.

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Also read: Top 10 Most Valuable Nickels Worth Money

 

2. 2009-D MS65 Jefferson Nickel Reverse Die Cap Error

Another interesting error that comes up in the 2009 Jefferson nickels series is the die cap. This error occurs when the planchet sticks to the die and takes on the role of the die, striking subsequent planchets.

As it continues striking, the edges of the stuck planchet rise around the die, forming a cap shape. This results in a die cap error in which the planchet appears like a cap.

The subsequent planchets struck by the stuck planchet are known as brockage error coins. One side of brockage error coin will have the reverse design from the stuck planchet and the reverse design from die.

A die cap error can be quite valuable, especially if the coin is an uncirculated gem. A good example is a 2009-D Jefferson nickel graded MS65 with a reverse die cap error, which was sold for a whopping $1010 at a 2020 Great Collections auction.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Buffalo Nickel Worth Money

 

3. 2009-D MS63 Nickel Double Curved Clipped Planchet Error

When collecting 2009 nickels, you might come across a clipped planchet error coin. As the name suggests, this is an error in which part of the coin’s edge is clipped or broken off.

There are various types of clipped planchet errors but all are formed the same way. In particular, this error occurs when the blanking dies that cut out planchets overlap previously cut planchet holes, resulting in clipped edges in subsequent planchets.

Common examples of a clipped planchet error include straight, curved, ragged clipped edges. On some coins, only one side of the edge is clipped but it is also possible to come across a coin with multiple clips around the coin’s edge—these might be worth more.

Take for example this 2009-D Jefferson nickel graded MS63 that Heritage Auctions sold in 2021 for an impressive $810. This would certainly make an excellent addition to your collection.

 

4. 2009-P MS65 Off-Center Strike Nickel Error

Next up on our 2009 nickel errors list is the off-center strike. This is an error in which the design is struck away from the center and more toward the edge, usually due to a misalignment between the die and planchet.

Ideally, the die should strike the planchet at the center, ensuring that the obverse and reverse designs are centered and upright. But, in the case of an off-center strike you will notice a shift with the design appearing more toward the edge.

The value of an off-center strike depends on the ‘’offness’’ percentage. For example, a nickel with a 20% off-center strike will generally be worth more than one with a 5% off-center error.

In 2020, a collector on eBay paid $600 for a 2009-P Jefferson nickel with a 10% off-center strike error, making this another nice addition to your nickels collection.

Also read: Top 17 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money

 

5. 2009-D MS60 Jefferson Nickel Improperly Annealed Error

An improperly annealed error occurs due to anomalies in the annealing process. Annealing entails heating and cooling the planchet, readying it for striking.

Any errors in the cooling and heating process can result in changes in the planchet’s color. In the case of Jefferson nickels, instead of the planchet taking on the normal silverish color, it may appear blackish, grey, yellow, orange or even purplish.

Fluctuations in the heating and cooling process can cause significant changes in the planchet’s color. So if you come across a nickel with a strange color, it is probably a result of an improperly annealed error.

So how much can you expect for such a coin? Well, a collector on eBay paid an impressive $515 for a 2009-D Jefferson nickel graded MS60 with an improperly annealed error.

 

6. 2009-P MS63 Jefferson Nickel Die Clash Error

Another error you might encounter when collecting 2009 nickels is the die clash. As the name suggests, a die clash error occurs when the obverse and reverse dies hit against each other without a planchet between them.

When the dies clash with great force, they may end up transferring their respective designs onto each other. So, when the planchet is eventually placed between the dies, it will have a hint of both the obverse and reverse designs on one side.

For example, on the obverse side, you might notice the main obverse design and a subtle hint of the reverse design. In the case of Jefferson nickels, you might notice a hint of the Monticello on the obverse where Jefferson’s image is displayed prominently.

In 2022, Heritage Auctions sold a 2009-P nickel graded MS63 with a reverse die clash error for $830.

 

7. 2009-P MS62 Broad-Struck Jefferson Nickel Error

A broad-struck error is one in which the planchet is struck outside the collar. The collar usually holds the planchet in place, helping to define its diameter during the striking process.

Sometimes, the planchet might accidentally sit outside the collar, so when the die strikes, this part of the planchet may expand disproportionately and even thin out.

A broad struck coin will therefore have an extended diameter and a thinner than usual edge, at least on one side of the coin.

Such a coin can be quite valuable especially in uncirculated condition. For example, in 2020, the Great Collection auctioned a 2009-P Jefferson nickel graded MS62 with a broad struck error for a whopping $1040, making this one of the best errors to add to your collection.

Also read: 14 Most Valuable Nickel Errors Worth Money

 

8. 2009-D MS60 Jefferson Nickel Doubled Die Error

A doubled die is one of the most common errors you will come across in the 2009 nickels series. This error can, however, be worth good money if the coin is an uncirculated, gem-quality specimen.

A doubled die occurs when the die strikes the planchet at slightly different angles more than once. This results in doubling on the inscriptions and sometimes, on the devices. Doubling can occur on one or both sides of the coin.

The stronger the doubling, the more valuable the error tends to be. In 2021, an eBay collector paid $410 for a 2009-D nickel graded MS60 with a strong obverse and reverse doubled die error.

 

9. 2009-P MS64 Jefferson Nickel Grease Strike Through Error

Another error you might encounter when collecting 2009 Jefferson nickels is the strike-through, also known as a struck through.

This error occurs when a foreign object is struck between the die and planchet, subsequently leaving its impression on the planchet. Examples of objects that can come between the die and planchet include pieces of cloth, wooden specks, strings, hair strands, and even grease.

In the case of grease, the error is known as a grease struck-through error. The presence of grease may prevent the die from completely transferring its design onto the planchet, resulting in a coin with a weak strike.

In 2021, Heritage Auction sold a 2009-P Jefferson nickel graded MS64 with a grease strike through error for an impressive $630.

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Summary

Jefferson nickels are some of the best to collect—unlike other popular U.S. coins, nickels don’t attract too much competition, and, the best part is that these coins hold great historical and sentimental value. As our 2009 nickel errors list reveals, collecting errors is the way to go if you want to add high value nickels to your collection. With so little competition, you don’t have to be an experienced collector or break the bank to start collecting 2009 nickel errors worth money!