Rare 2012 Nickel Errors Worth Money (Full List)

Are Jefferson nickels worth anything? If you are considering collecting nickels, you definitely want to know if these coins are worth your time and effort.

Well, circulated Jefferson nickels are only worth their face value. But, as you will discover from our 2012 nickel errors list, collecting uncirculated errors can be a more rewarding endeavor.

Whether you are a veteran or a new hobbyist, collecting Jefferson nickels is worthwhile if you know what to look for, especially when collecting errors. In our 2012 nickel errors list, we will reveal high value Jefferson nickels worth collecting.

Nickel errors can be worth hundreds, and even thousands of dollars if you know how to spot the best ones to add to your collection.

So, without further ado, let’s jump in and discover the 2012 nickel errors worth money.

1. 2012-P MS60 Jefferson Nickel Re-Punched Date and Mint Mark Error

One of the errors you might come across when collecting 2012 Jefferson nickels is the re-punched date. You may also come across nickels with a re-punched mint mark error.

As the name suggests, a re-punched date or mint mark occurs when the date or mint mark are punched into the striking die multiple times at slightly different angles, resulting in a misalignment of the digits of the date or/and mint mark.

Like a doubled die error, a re-punched date or mint will show some doubling. The intensity of doubling contributes to determining the error’s real value—the more intense the doubling, the more valuable the error would generally be.

In 2013, Heritage Auctions paid an impressive $150 for a 2012-P Jefferson nickel graded MS60 with a mint mark and re-punched date error, making this a worthwhile addition to your collection.

 

2. 2012-D MS63 Jefferson Nickel Reverse Improperly Annealed Reverse Planchet Error

Another error you might come across is the Improperly annealed planchet. This occurs when the coin’s surface changes color due to the heating and cooling process when the planchet is being made.

Annealing is the heating and cooling process during planchet-making. The blank metal from which planchets are cut is exposed to heat and cold to allow the metal to expand and soften.

Fluctuation in the heat and cold can cause a change in color in the blank metal, resulting in planchets with a different color than the actual coin color. For example, the planchets may appears black, brown, yellowish, purplish or may even take on a hint of the rainbow color spectrum.

If you come across a Jefferson nickel with a strange color it might be an improperly annealed nickel. Such an example of a 2012-D Jefferson nickel graded MS63 with an improperly annealed planchet error was sold in 2016 for a whopping $655.

 

3. 2012-D MS64 Jefferson Nickel Die Crack Error

A die crack is one of the most common errors you might come across when collecting Jefferson nickels. This error occurs when the die develops a crack along its surface which then fills with pieces of metal as the die continues to be used.

Eventually, the metal-filled crack leaves an impression on the planchet’s surface when the die strikes. A die crack can be vertical or lateral and appears like a raised line on the coin’s surface.

The value of a die crack error will largely depend on the coin’s condition. But, the size and appearance of the crack will also play a significant role in determining how much the coin is worth. As a general rule, a large or peculiar-looking die crack will tend to fetch more.

In 2014, Heritage Auctions sold a 2012-D Jefferson nickel graded MS64 with a large die crack error on the obverse for an impressive $515.

 

4. 2012-D MS63 Struck Through Jefferson Nickel Error

A struck through is one of the most valuable on our 2012 nickel errors list. This error occurs when a foreign object is struck between the die and planchet, leaving its impression or resulting in a weak strike.

Examples of foreign objects that may accidentally enter the minting hub include grease, hair, strings, tiny metal pieces, wood specks and more.

Often, these foreign elements fall off, only leaving their impression on the coin’s surface. Other times, the foreign object may stick to the planchet, resulting in a retained struck through error, the most dramatic of the two.

In the case of a grease struck through error, the result might be a weak strike. This is because the grease prevents the die from fully transferring the design onto the planchet.

Strike-through errors can be quite valuable. For example, at 2020 auction, the Great Collections sold a 2012-D Jefferson nickel graded MS63 with a struck-through error for an impressive $412.

 

5. 2012-P MS65 Jefferson Nickel Full Steps Error

The full steps are not necessarily an error but it is a popular phenomenon among collectors. The Full Steps refers to the stairs leading up to the Monticello.

These steps are usually clear-cut and visible on uncirculated, gem-quality nickels, so you can count five or even better, six steps on the coin’s reverse.

The Full Steps phenomenon is quite rare resulting in collectors considering it an error. Errors are indeed rare after all! But, as mentioned, five or six clear-cut steps on a nickel doesn’t mean that these are minting-related errors.

Still, finding a Jefferson nickel with full steps is a lucky bet! In 2018, Heritage Auctions sold a 2012-P Jefferson nickel graded MS65 with full steps for a whopping $800, making this a nice addition to your collection.

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6. 2012-D MS61 Doubled Die Obverse Jefferson Nickel Error

 The doubled die is another error you might discover when collecting 2012 Jefferson nickels. This error is relatively common and could be one of the easier ones to add to your collection.

A doubled die error occurs when the die strikes the planchet at slightly different angles multiple times. This results in a visible doubling of the inscriptions and devices.

Factors such as slight movement of the planchet in the collar or subtle shifts in the die’s position can result in this kind of doubling or overlapping of the inscriptions or devices.

How much a doubled die error is worth will depend on factors such as the coin’s condition and the intensity of doubling. The more visible or extensive the doubling the more valuable the coin tends to be.

In 2019, a collector at an online auction paid $320 for a 2012-D Jefferson nickel graded MS61 with a doubled die obverse error.

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7. 2012-D MS63 Off-Center Strike Jefferson Error

One of the more dramatic errors you might encounter in the 2012 Jefferson nickel series is the off-center strike.

As the name suggests, an off-center strike occurs when the die strikes the planchet away from the center and more toward the edge. This results in some of the design elements missing because the design is not centered. But, the date must always be visible/present for the coin to be valid for grading.

The value of an off-center strike depends on how far away from the center the design is struck in terms of percentage. For example, a nickel with a 30% off-center strike will generally be more valuable than one with a 5% off-center strike. Of course, the coin’s condition will also count in determining the value.

In 2015, a collector on eBay paid $730 for a 2012-D Jefferson nickel graded MS63 with a 35% off-center strike error. Given the large ‘’offness’’ percentage, this coin was missing a relatively large portion of the details.

 

8. 2012-P MS60 Broad Struck Jefferson Nickel Error

Another notably dramatic error you might find when collecting 2012 Jefferson nickels is the broad struck also known as broad strike. This error occurs when the die strikes the planchet outside the collar resulting in a coin with a larger than usual diameter and a thinner edge.

Ideally, the planchet sits squarely in the collar, which ensures the planchet retains its diameter when struck. Sometimes, only one half of the planchet might sit inside the collar while the other half may hang outside so when the die strikes, the unsecured edge of the planchet may expand and thin out.

A broad-struck nickel will typically have an odd shape but all the elements on the coin, including the devices and inscriptions must be in tact for the error to be considered a broad strike.

So, how much can you expect from a broad struck nickel error? Well, take the example of a 2012-P nickel graded MS60 which was sold at a Heritage Auctions sale in 2019 for an eye-watering $1095.

 

Summary

Jefferson nickels can be a nice addition to your collection if you pay attention to the right coins. Not all nickels are worth collecting unless they are rare dates or errors. As our 2012 nickel errors list reveals, errors can be worth a fortune and can significantly increase the value of your Jefferson collection, not to mention they can be fun to collect too. We recommend putting more effort in collecting uncirculated specimen as these are more valuable, rare, and collectible. So, what are you waiting for? Start building your Jefferson nickels collection now!