1956 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D” & No Mint Mark Worth)

The 1956 Nickel offers collectors an accessible entry point into mid-20th century American coinage, with 1956 Nickel values spanning a wide spectrum depending on condition and variety.

While standard circulated examples might be worth just $0.20 in Good condition, the same date in Mint State can reach $8.00. Additional value comes from special varieties: a 1956-D nickel with Full Steps designation can achieve $278.80 in top grades, while rare proof versions like the 1956 DCAM can command $854.00.

Learning these distinctions helps collectors identify potentially valuable pieces that might otherwise remain unrecognized in everyday circulation or inherited collections. Whether you’re beginning your numismatic journey or refining your holdings, the 1956 nickel provides an excellent case study in how condition and mint characteristics influence coin values.

 

1956 Nickel Value By Variety

This comprehensive value chart details the various types and grades of 1956 Nickels, showing how condition and mint variety significantly impact worth. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1956 Nickel Worth Money

Based on the chart, proof coins in the highest grades command exceptional premiums. A 1956 nickel graded PR69 DCAM (Deep Cameo) achieved $19,388, representing the pinnacle of preservation and eye appeal for this issue.

Business strike 1956-D nickels also show strong performance at premium mint state grades. A 1956-D specimen in MS66 reached $7,200, while an MS67 example sold for $1,440. These prices reflect the rarity of Denver mint nickels in top condition, as most circulated heavily and few were preserved in pristine state.

Specialized variety coins represent another category within the top performers. The chart includes designations like TDR FS-802 and QDR FS-801, which are die errors that attract advanced collectors. These technical varieties, even at slightly lower grades like MS65-67, achieve prices ranging from $1,320 to $1,662, offering collectors alternatives to standard strikes while maintaining strong market demand.

 

History of The 1956 Nickel

The 1956 nickel is part of the Jefferson nickel series, which was introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel. The series was designed by Felix Schlag, whose artwork was selected in a competition that featured 390 artist submissions, earning him an award of $1,000.

The design features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Virginia estate, Monticello, on the reverse. This design has remained largely consistent throughout the series, making it one of America’s longest-running coin designs.

The U.S. Mint produced 1956 nickels at both Philadelphia and Denver facilities, creating different varieties for collectors. Two versions, Philadelphia coins and Denver-minted examples, circulated widely during the 1950s, serving as everyday currency during a period of post-war economic expansion. The coins were struck in large numbers, making them readily available for commerce throughout the United States.

The nickel itself facilitated countless everyday transactions, from purchasing newspapers and candy bars to feeding parking meters and making phone calls. As a tangible artifact during the mid-1950s, the 1956 nickel represents more than just currency—it serves as a small but meaningful connection to the daily lives of Americans during the post-war boom years.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is You 1956 Nickel Rare?

Curious whether your 1956 nickel is rare? Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly check its rarity and value.

 

Key Features of The 1956 Nickel

The 1956 Jefferson nickel showcases the distinctive design elements that have made this series a staple of American coinage. In the sections below, we’ll explore the obverse and reverse, examining the inscriptions, imagery, and artistic details that define this coin.

The Obverse Of The 1956 Nickel

The coin’s obverse features the left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, with the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left side of the coin’s rim. The word “LIBERTY” and the date “1956” are positioned on the right side.

The Reverse Of The 1956 Nickel

The reverse of the 1956 nickel displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic Virginia home, as its central design element. The inscriptions on the reverse include:

• “MONTICELLO” – appearing below the building’s image
• “FIVE CENTS” – indicating the coin’s denomination
• “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” – the country name
• “E PLURIBUS UNUM” – the national motto meaning “Out of many, one”

Other Features Of The 1956 Nickel

The 1956 nickel was struck in a copper-nickel composition consisting of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin has a diameter of 21.2mm and weighs 5 grams.

It was minted at three facilities: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D mint mark), and San Francisco (S mint mark). The mint mark, when present, appears on the reverse to the right of Monticello.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1956 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1956 Nickel exhibits significant disparities in survival rates across different strike types. Philadelphia struck 35.2 million regular nickels while Denver struck 67.2 million, with both facilities showing strong survival rates of approximately 79.5% and 81.8% respectively.

Philadelphia also struck 669,384 proof examples for collectors, though these special editions demonstrate dramatically lower survival rates compared to regular strikes. Standard proofs retain nearly 60% survival with 400,000 coins remaining, while Cameo variants survive at only 17.9% with 120,000 specimens extant.

Deep Cameo specimens show the lowest survival at just 1.3%, with only 8,750 coins surviving. This dramatic decline in survival rates among proof varieties likely reflects their specialized production methods and the challenges of maintaining pristine contrast characteristics over nearly seven decades, making high-grade proof specimens increasingly scarce in today’s numismatic market.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1956 Nickel Value

The easiest way to determine your 1956 nickel value involves three straightforward steps: first, check the mintmark location on the reverse beside Monticello to identify whether it’s a Philadelphia (no mintmark) or Denver (D) issue; second, assess the coin’s condition by comparing it to grading images, as uncirculated examples command premium prices; third, examine special qualities like strike sharpness and surface preservation.

For instant, accurate valuations, try our CoinValueChecker App which provides real-time market prices based on current auction data.

 

1956 Nickel Value Guides

The 1956 Jefferson Nickel collection encompasses two circulation strikes and three proof variants from two mints. Philadelphia produced nickels without mintmarks for everyday use, while Denver struck coins marked with a “D” on the reverse beside Monticello. Philadelphia also created 669 thousand specially struck proof examples exclusively for collectors.

Collectors often pursue complete sets including both circulation strikes and all proof varieties, with Deep Cameo examples representing the most challenging acquisitions due to their extreme scarcity and the difficulty of maintaining their pristine visual characteristics over nearly seven decades.

1956 Nickel Value Categories:

• 1956 No Mint Mark Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1956-D Nickel (Denver)
• 1956 Proof Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1956 CAM Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1956 DCAM Nickel (Philadelphia)

 

1956 No Mint Mark Nickel Value

The 1956 no mint mark nickel represents an accessible entry point for collectors interested in mid-century American coinage. While commonly found in circulation, specimens exhibiting Full Steps—command significantly higher premiums, with values reaching $24 in MS-64, $32 in MS-65, and $650 in MS-66+ condition. This Full Steps designation indicates superior strike quality and preservation, making such coins particularly desirable among serious collectors.

Collectors seeking quality examples should focus on coins with clear, crisp details, as many 1956 nickels were lightly struck with faded features. When evaluating specimens that may exhibit Full Steps characteristics, professional authentication by recognized grading services is recommended to confirm the designation and maximize value.

The record auction price for this variety reached $4,000 in 2021 for an exceptionally preserved specimen.

Market activity charts demonstrate ongoing collector demand across various quality levels throughout the past year.

 

1956-D Nickel Value

The Denver Mint faced die issues during 1956-D nickel production, and striking over 67 million coins heavily wore down the dies. Quality of the original production varied and many coins were lightly struck rendering details faded, as the reverse die design was more than likely worn out when striking this issue.

This wear pattern resulted from the dies being used beyond their optimal lifespan to meet post-war circulation demands, causing widespread weakness in strike quality across the mintage.

So, for collectors, focus on strike quality rather than rarity. Full Steps examples command significant premiums, with an MS66+FS specimen selling for $7,200 in 2020. Check the reverse steps under magnification—complete, unbroken lines indicate superior strikes. Store coins in acid-free holders away from moisture to preserve surface quality, as toning can affect eye appeal and value.

Auction records show steady collector interest in high-grade examples throughout in the past.

Displayed here is a snapshot of market activity that highlights the popularity and activity level of the 1956-D issue.

 

1956 Proof Nickel Value

The 1956 Proof nickel occupies a strategic position in numismatic collecting. Most 1956 proof nickels trade between $6 and $15, establishing an accessible entry point. And a specimen graded Proof-69 sold for $600 in 2023.

Additionally, grade directly impacts investment potential. Proof coins start at $6.18 and increase based on condition, while top-tier examples command substantial premiums. The proof striking process creates mirror surfaces that distinguish these coins from circulation strikes. This tiered structure accommodates collectors at multiple investment levels.

Specimens struck from 1938 through the mid-1950s are considerably scarcer and more valuable compared to later proof issues, positioning the 1956 as a transitional date with collection merit.

Its complete auction records can help you better understand the value of this coin.

For collectors and investors alike, the chart below highlights how demand for the 1956 Proof Nickel has played out in the market over the past year.

 

1956 CAM Nickel Value

The 1956 CAM nickel requires frosted devices against mirror fields. Professional grading services have certified limited quantities at premium grades, indicating scarcity among top-tier examples.

The U.S. Mint was aware that cameo contrast was an attractive feature during the 1950s, though no formal market existed for them at the time. Workers achieved the effect through pickling techniques, polishing die fields while allowing devices to retain frosted texture from early strikes.

As proof set demand grew from fewer than 100,000 coins in 1950-1952 to much larger numbers by the early 1960s, the multiplication of dies increased the total number of cameo strikes available, though they remained a minority of production. This scarcity contributes to continued collector interest today.

The complete auction record chart below documents the full price history across all grades.

Current market activity reflects sustained collector interest driven by the coin’s proven scarcity.

 

1956 DCAM Nickel Value

The 1956 Deep Cameo proof nickel stands out for its dramatic visual appeal—Jefferson’s frosted portrait contrasts sharply against mirror-like fields, sometimes adorned with delicate golden iridescence.

What makes authentic Deep Cameos rare is the completeness of frosting: all design elements, including the fine details between Monticello’s windows, must show heavy frost throughout.

Among 669,384 proofs struck, this specimen numbers among the finest certified survivors, with fewer than fifteen examples reaching the highest preservation levels. Collectors should examine whether frost extends uniformly across all design elements against watery-black, highly reflective fields. Data shows one PR69 example achieved $19,388 in 2021.

Historical pricing data reveals the significant premiums commanded by deep cameo proof specimens.

This particular configuration draws attention from numismatic enthusiasts.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1956 Nickel Error List

Collectors hunting for valuable Jefferson Nickels should pay special attention to 1956 Philadelphia issues. This year produced several hub doubling varieties that display multiple impressions on design elements. These manufacturing anomalies occurred during die production when the hub struck the working die multiple times without proper alignment.

1. 1956 QDR FS-801

The 1956 Quadrupled Die Reverse FS-801 displays four distinct overlapping images on reverse design elements. Die manufacturing defects created this variety when four misaligned hub impressions transferred to the working die.

The effect appears most pronounced on “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “FIVE CENTS,” and portions of the Monticello building structure. Detection requires examining the lettering carefully for multiple raised outlines.

Examples in MS65 condition have achieved $1,320 at major auctions. Full Steps designation and higher grades significantly influence market prices. The quadrupling must be distinct and easily visible to command premium valuations, as subtle examples require magnification to confirm authenticity.

2. 1956 TDR FS-802

This variety resulted from three separate hub strikes during die preparation, creating layered impressions that spread toward the center. The tripling becomes progressively more visible from left to right across “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” with additional doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FIVE CENTS”.

Unlike post-strike damage, genuine tripled dies exhibit raised design elements with clear separation between each impression. Diagnostic markers include die gouges between specific letters and scratches near building details.

Authentication often requires expert certification, as mechanical doubling can mimic true hub doubling patterns. Specimens showing tripling without magnification attract greater collector attention than those requiring optical aids for detection.

3. 1956 DDO FS-102

The Doubled Die Obverse FS-102 showcases Class II hub doubling on the coin’s front. Manufacturing misalignment during die creation produced separation on motto lettering and date numerals. The doubling affects “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” Jefferson’s portrait features, and the 1956 date.

This variety exists primarily in proof strikes and displays extra thickness on letter bottoms where hub impressions overlapped. Grade and eye appeal determine market demand, with sharp proof examples holding greater appeal. Die markers like small gouges or scratches help confirm the specific variety, as multiple doubled die obverse varieties exist for 1956.

 

Where To Sell Your 1956 Nickel?

Common circulated 1956 nickels sell easily at local coin shops for face value or small premiums. Error varieties like the QDR FS-801 or DDO FS-102 benefit from professional grading before sale, as certification increases buyer confidence and prices.

Online platforms like eBay reach collectors worldwide, while auction houses suit rare specimens and high-grade examples. Local coin shows offer immediate payment and direct dealer connections.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1956 Nickel Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About 1956 Nickel

1. Does the 1956 nickel contain silver?

No, the 1956 nickel contains no silver. Its composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel. Only Jefferson nickels produced from 1942 to 1945 contained silver (35%), which were wartime issues with large mintmarks above Monticello.

Regular 1956 nickels maintain the standard copper-nickel alloy used before and after the war years, making their melt value minimal at approximately six cents.

2. What does “Full Steps” mean on Jefferson nickels?

Full Steps (FS) refers to the visibility of individual stair lines on Monticello’s staircase. Well-struck examples preserve five or six distinct steps, designated as 5FS or 6FS. This designation indicates exceptional strike quality and preservation.

Full Steps specimens from 1956 frequently sell for over a thousand dollars at auction, making professional authentication worthwhile for suspected FS examples.

3. How can I tell if my 1956 nickel is valuable?

Check for Full Steps on Monticello, error varieties like doubled dies, and mint condition. Circulated 1956 nickels typically worth 7-15 cents, while uncirculated examples range from 30 cents to several dollars. Error varieties, repunched mintmarks, and off-center strikes command premiums ranging from $5 to $150 depending on severity and condition.

4. Are 1956-D nickels more valuable than Philadelphia issues?

The 1956-D is actually the most common variety with over 67 million produced. Denver issues often exhibit nice luster but frequently lack sharp strikes, making Full Steps specimens quite rare.

Philadelphia struck 35 million nickels with generally sharper strikes and several collectible doubled-die reverse varieties. In high grades with Full Steps designation, both mints command similar premiums, though Denver examples are scarcer in 5FS condition.