1982 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1982 nickel value demonstrates how condition and strike quality drive pricing in the modern Jefferson nickel series. Premium examples with Full Steps designations have experienced price declines over time, a pattern common to coins that achieve conditional rarity only in the highest grades.

Standard 1982-P nickels in mint state are valued around $7.67, while Full Steps versions command significantly more at $27.00. While circulated examples remain at face value and can still be found in circulation, collectors actively seek well-preserved specimens with sharp details.

Collectors pay premiums for superior strike quality, making careful evaluation essential when determining the worth of these Jefferson nickels.

 

1982 Nickel Value By Variety

The following chart provides a comprehensive overview of 1982 nickel values across different mint marks and grade conditions. 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 1982 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 1982 nickels command impressive prices in the collector market, with top specimens reaching well into the thousands. The 1982-P MS67 with Full Steps leads the rankings at $12,600, demonstrating how exceptional preservation and strike quality create significant value.

Proof coins also perform strongly, with the 1982-S PR70 Deep Cameo valued at $4,025. Denver mint examples show solid performance as well, with a 1982-D MS66 reaching $3,600. Even at lower grades within the MS65-MS67 range, these nickels can fetch between $143 and $1,440 depending on mint mark and specific grade.

What makes these coins valuable isn’t rarity in the traditional sense, but rather their exceptional condition and strike characteristics. Full Steps designations and high grades separate common examples from premium pieces.

 

History of the 1982 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel series, designed by Felix Schlag, entered its 44th year of production in 1982. The design had remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1938, continuing to feature Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse.

The U.S. Mint did not produce Uncirculated Mint Sets in 1982 and 1983, making these years distinct in modern American coinage. This decision resulted from federal budget cuts and an economic recession that peaked in late 1982. The economic challenges of the early 1980s led the Mint to reduce its product offerings temporarily.

Without official mint sets available, collectors who wanted uncirculated examples needed to obtain coins directly from circulation. Souvenir sets were available at the Philadelphia and Denver mints, though in limited quantities.

The lack of regular mint sets meant fewer uncirculated coins were preserved during this period, which has influenced their collectibility today. Mint set production resumed in 1984, returning to the standard format that had been offered annually before 1982.

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

 

Is Your 1982 Nickel Rare?

Check your 1982 nickel’s rarity status instantly with the CoinValueChecker App for accurate grading and valuation.

 

Key Features of the 1982 Nickel

The 1982 Jefferson Nickel continues the long-standing design tradition established by Felix Schlag in 1938. This coin maintains the classic elements that have defined the series for decades.

The Obverse of the 1982 Nickel

The obverse features the left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President. The design draws inspiration from the bust of Jefferson created by the renowned sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.

Jefferson’s portrait displays an 18th-century style, with his hair tied back in a queue. Along the left rim, next to the portrait, is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. On the right side are the word “LIBERTY” and the year “1982.”

Starting in 1968, mint marks were moved to the obverse, sit to the right of Jefferson’s ponytail, just below the date. On 1982 nickels, the mint mark (P, D, or S) appears in this location.

The Reverse of the 1982 Nickel

The reverse depicts a frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson’s estate in Virginia. The building’s iconic dome and columned portico are prominently displayed.

Above the structure is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”. Below Monticello are the estate’s name and the denomination, “FIVE CENTS.” The country’s name, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” curves along the bottom portion of the coin.

The steps at the base of Monticello are a key feature for collectors, as coins showing 5 or 6 steps clearly defined are considered Full Steps specimens and command premium values.

Other Features of the 1982 Nickel

The 1982 Jefferson nickel is a round coin with a plain, smooth edge. Its official weight is 5 grams. This copper-nickel alloy coin has a diameter of 21.20 millimeters, with a thickness of approximately 1.95 mm.

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

 

1982 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia Mint produced 292,355,000 nickels in 1982, while the Denver facility struck 373,726,544 pieces, making Denver’s output notably higher. The San Francisco Mint produced 3,857,479 proof coins for collectors, representing a much smaller portion of the total production.

Despite these substantial mintage figures, precise survival data remains unknown for all three varieties. The absence of official mint sets in 1982 meant that collectors had fewer sources for preserving uncirculated examples.

The mintage numbers indicate that 1982 nickels are not rare by quantity alone. However, finding well-preserved uncirculated examples can be more challenging due to the lack of mint sets that year.

This distinction between total production and available high-grade specimens is an important consideration for collectors.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1982 Nickel Value

Condition and grade determine what your 1982 nickel is worth. Examine the coin’s overall appearance, looking for wear on Jefferson’s portrait and details on Monticello. Circulated examples typically remain at face value, while lightly circulated pieces may attract modest premiums from collectors.

Uncirculated coins in MS65 and above hold particular interest for collectors, with higher grades becoming increasingly scarce and valuable. Surface quality, luster, and the sharpness of strike details all influence the final valuation.

The CoinValueChecker App helps you quickly assess your coin’s grade and estimated value.

 

1982 Nickel Value Guides

The 1982 nickel series includes three distinct varieties, each produced at different U.S. Mint facilities. Understanding these types helps collectors identify what they have and assess potential value.

Types of 1982 Nickels:

• 1982-P Nickel – Produced at the Philadelphia Mint
• 1982-D Nickel – Manufactured at the Denver Mint
• 1982-S DCAM Nickel – Struck at San Francisco as proof coins

Each type has different availability and market characteristics. The Philadelphia and Denver issues entered circulation, while San Francisco proofs were sold directly to collectors in special packaging.

 

1982-P Nickel Value

The 1982-P Jefferson nickel holds a special place as the first Philadelphia Mint nickel to not appear in a Mint Set since 1967, making it particularly sought after by collectors.

With a total production of 292,355,000 pieces, this coin wasn’t struck particularly well, which makes examples in MS65 and higher grades quite scarce.

Finding specimens with Full Steps designation becomes even more difficult, with MS65 Full Steps being really scarce and MS66 Full Steps much scarcer with few examples known.

For the finest certified MS67+ Full Steps specimens, one example sold for $12,600 in May 2023. This premium reflects the coin’s conditional rarity at top grades, where strike quality and preservation separate exceptional examples from more common pieces.

Looking at this coin’s auction performance over time can help collectors understand pricing patterns.

Market activity for this coin shows how collectors respond to different grade levels and strike characteristics.

 

1982-D Nickel Value

The 1982-D Jefferson nickel shares the same scarcity pattern as its Philadelphia counterpart, with collectors actively seeking well-struck examples. The finest certified specimens reach MS67 with Full Steps, with only four examples achieving this grade.

Strike quality varies considerably across this issue, making coins with clear step details on Monticello particularly desirable among specialists.

Standard MS65 examples typically trade around $24, while MS66 Full Steps specimens have reached $3,600 at auction. An MS67 with Five Full Steps sold for $1,440 in August 2019, showing strong collector demand for premium examples.

The difference in value between regular strikes and Full Steps designations demonstrates how important striking characteristics are for this date.

Historical auction results provide insight into how this coin has performed at major sales.

Collector interest in this variety reflects the broader appeal of high-grade modern Jefferson nickels.

 

1982-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 1982-S proof Jefferson nickel stands out for its exceptional strike quality, with examples up to PR69 Deep Cameo being readily available to collectors.

These proof coins feature the distinctive contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields that defines the Deep Cameo designation. While PR69 Deep Cameo specimens are easy to obtain, perfect PR70 Deep Cameo examples prove much scarcer.

The highest auction record for this coin reached $4,025 for a PR70 specimen in August 2007. Most PR70 Deep Cameo examples typically trade around $100, making them accessible to collectors seeking flawless proof specimens.

The San Francisco Mint’s specialized production techniques ensure consistent quality across most specimens from this year.

Past auction results trace the value progression for different grade levels of this proof issue.

Trading patterns reveal how collectors evaluate and acquire these specially manufactured coins.

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

 

Rare 1982 Nickel Error List

Minting errors add another dimension to 1982 nickel collecting. Production mistakes create unique pieces that attract error coin specialists. Understanding these errors helps collectors identify potentially valuable specimens in their collections.

1. Struck on Cent Planchet Errors

The 1982 Jefferson nickel struck on a cent planchet represents one of the most recognizable wrong planchet errors. This mistake occurs when a copper cent blank mistakenly enters the nickel production line and receives the nickel design.

The resulting coin displays Jefferson nickel imagery but weighs approximately 3.1 grams instead of the normal 5 grams for nickels.

These pieces exhibit a distinctive copper-red or brown appearance rather than the typical silver-gray color of nickels. The smaller diameter of the cent planchet means some design elements along the rim may appear compressed or partially missing.

Grade significantly impacts value for these errors, with higher mint state examples commanding substantial premiums. Authentication through professional grading services proves essential, as these errors can sometimes be confused with improperly annealed planchets or post-mint alterations.

2. Off-Center Errors

Off-center errors happen when the planchet sits improperly positioned during striking, resulting in a design that appears pushed to one side with blank planchet space visible on the opposite edge.

The percentage of off-center displacement determines the error’s visual impact and collector appeal. Greater displacement percentages create more noticeable and desirable pieces.

The presence of a complete date substantially increases value, as collectors prefer examples where the year remains fully visible. Minor off-center strikes of 10% to 15% typically carry modest premiums, while pieces showing 40% to 60% displacement command significantly higher prices.

3. Filled Die Errors

Filled die errors occur when grease, debris, or metal fragments accumulate in the recessed areas of a die, preventing proper metal flow during striking.

The result shows weak, incomplete, or missing design elements where the die blockage prevented full impression. Jefferson’s portrait details or Monticello’s architectural features may appear soft or partially absent.

These represent the most common error type and typically carry modest premiums in most cases. The extent of filling determines value—minor weakness holds little premium while coins with major design elements completely missing attract more collector interest.

 

Where to Sell Your 1982 Nickel?

Understanding your 1982 nickel’s potential value is just the first step. Knowing where to sell these coins online can help you turn that knowledge into actual returns. I’ve compiled a list of trusted platforms with their features, advantages, and limitations to guide your selling decisions.

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

 

1982 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 1982 Nickel

1. What makes a 1982 Nickel rare?

The 1982 nickel itself isn’t rare by mintage, with hundreds of millions produced. What makes certain examples valuable is their condition and strike quality rather than scarcity. The absence of official Mint Sets in 1982 means fewer coins were preserved in pristine uncirculated condition.

High-grade specimens with Full Steps designation are genuinely scarce. Examples in MS65 and above, particularly those showing sharp details on Monticello’s steps, are difficult to find.

MS67 Full Steps coins are exceptionally rare, with only a handful certified at this level. Error coins like those struck on cent planchets also qualify as rare finds worth searching for.

2. How do I tell if my 1982 Nickel is valuable?

Check the mint mark below the date to identify whether you have a P, D, or S variety, as each follows different value patterns. Professional grading provides the most accurate assessment, especially for coins that appear to be in superior condition.

Error characteristics like copper coloring, off-center designs, or unusual weight indicate potential premium pieces. Coins showing exceptional eye appeal with full original luster stand out from typical circulation finds.

3. How much is a 1982 Nickel worth today?

Most circulated 1982 nickels remain worth face value. Standard uncirculated examples from Philadelphia typically trade around $7.67 in mint state, while Denver pieces average about $24 in MS65.

Full Steps versions command substantially higher prices—$27 for Philadelphia and up to $96 for Denver specimens. Top-grade coins reach impressive values, with MS67 Full Steps examples selling for $1,440 to $12,600 depending on the mint.

Proof Deep Cameo coins in PR70 grade can bring around $100, though one exceptional example reached $4,025. Error coins vary widely based on the type and severity of the mistake.