1989 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1989 Jefferson nickel remains abundant in circulation, yet certain specimens command impressive collector premiums. While most circulated examples stay at face value, exceptional preservation transforms these common coins into valuable collectibles.

Standard 1989 nickel value uncirculated pieces trade around $7-$16, but Full Steps examples can reach $132 or more, with the finest certified specimens achieving over $1,000 at auction.

 

1989 Nickel Value By Variety

The chart demonstrates how mintage location and certified grading levels directly impact a coin’s collectible 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 1989 Nickel Worth Money

The auction records from 2004 to present reveal fascinating patterns in 1989 nickel valuations at the highest grade levels.

While condition grade typically drives value, the data shows that rarity can outweigh numerical grade superiority. The 1989-D graded MS-64 commands the highest realized price at $1,610, surpassing even higher-graded specimens, suggesting exceptional scarcity at this specific grade threshold.

At the same time, Philadelphia mint nickels dominate the top tier, appearing five times in the top ten, which indicates stronger collector demand for P-mint specimens in premium condition.

The Denver mint 1989-D shows notable price jumps between grade levels, with MS-64 and MS-66 examples achieving four-figure valuations. Interestingly, the proof 1989-S appears only once in PR-70, demonstrating that proof nickels, despite their careful production, require absolute perfection to reach elite pricing levels.

These data underscores that exceptional 1989 nickels are investment-grade collectibles when certified at the highest preservation standards.

 

History of The 1989 Nickel

The 1989 Jefferson nickel emerged during the final year of President Ronald Reagan’s administration and marked the 51st year of continuous production since Felix Schlag’s winning design debuted in 1938, with nearly 1.5 billion coins produced across three facilities.

The design originated from a public competition held by the United States Treasury Department in early 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel which had completed its mandatory 25-year production run.

Felix Schlag, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1929, won the design competition among 390 entries. His winning submission earned him a $1,000 prize and featured Thomas Jefferson’s left-facing portrait on the obverse and Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, on the reverse. President Franklin D. Roosevelt personally reviewed and complimented Schlag’s designs before approval.

The coins produced in 1989 bore mint marks indicating their origin—”P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, and “S” for San Francisco proof specimens—positioned on the obverse beneath Jefferson’s portrait, a placement standard since 1968.

The 1989 nickel represents the mature phase of Jefferson nickel production, when billions of coins circulated through an expanding American economy at the close of the Cold War era.

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

 

Is Your 1989 Nickel Rare?

Your 1989 nickel’s rarity hinges on specific characteristics. The CoinValueChecker App identifies these rare features and assesses your coin’s scarcity to help you understand its true market potential.

 

Key Features of The 1989 Nickel

Understanding the 1989 Jefferson nickel’s distinctive features is essential for proper identification, authentication, and grading. Each design element serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, from the presidential portrait to the architectural details of Monticello.

The Obverse Of The 1989 Nickel

The obverse displays Thomas Jefferson’s left-facing bust, positioned prominently across the center field.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” curves along the left periphery from chest to hairline, while “LIBERTY” appears on the right side above the date 1989, separated by a small five-pointed star. The mint mark, when present, sits immediately below the date on the right side—”P” for Philadelphia or “D” for Denver.

Designer Felix Schlag’s initials “FS” appear in tiny letters below Jefferson’s truncated shoulder near the rim, added in 1966 to honor the artist twenty-eight years after his design debuted.

The Reverse Of The 1989 Nickel

The reverse features a frontal elevation view of Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, centered within the coin’s field.

Above the building, the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs gracefully across the upper rim, while “MONTICELLO” labels the structure below its foundation. The denomination “FIVE CENTS” appears in a concentric arc above “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the bottom periphery.

The steps at Monticello’s base are critical for grading—well-struck examples displaying five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines receive the coveted “Full Steps” designation, significantly enhancing collector value.

Other Features Of The 1989 Nickel

The 1989 nickel measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter with a thickness of 1.95 millimeters and weighs exactly 5 grams. Its composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, creating the coin’s characteristic silvery appearance and magnetic properties.

The edge is completely smooth and plain, lacking any reeding or decorative elements—a practical design choice that distinguishes nickels from dimes and quarters. This plain edge also prevents wear patterns that could affect the coin’s weight or dimensional integrity during circulation.

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

 

1989 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1989 nickel production demonstrates a typical pattern for modern U.S. coinage, with Philadelphia leading at nearly 900 million pieces, followed by Denver’s 570 million circulation strikes. Combined, these facilities produced over 1.4 billion coins for everyday commerce, making the 1989 nickel readily available in circulated grades.

The survival data for business strikes remains unknown, as most entered active circulation where they experienced varying degrees of wear and loss. In contrast, the San Francisco proof production of 3.2 million pieces shows a remarkably high survival rate of 85.5%, with over 2.75 million examples still existing today.

This dramatic difference reflects the proof coins’ intended purpose, collectors purchased these specially struck pieces and preserved them in protective holders rather than spending them. The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation indicates superior contrast between frosted devices and mirror-like fields, representing the finest striking quality available from the San Francisco facility in 1989.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1989 Nickel Value

Evaluating your 1989 nickel takes seconds with a systematic approach. First, check the mint mark position below Jefferson’s portrait—P indicates Philadelphia, D marks Denver, and S denotes San Francisco proof specimens. Next, examine the coin’s surface condition and luster to determine if it’s circulated or uncirculated.

The critical factor is Monticello’s architectural detail on the reverse. Count the horizontal step lines—complete, uninterrupted steps dramatically increase value from face value to premium territory.

Our CoinValueChecker App simplifies this entire process through smartphone photography. Simply snap a picture, and the app instantly identifies your coin’s mint mark, estimates grade, detects Full Steps characteristics, and provides real-time market values drawn from auction databases.

 

1989 Nickel Value Guides

The 1989 nickel series comprises three distinct varieties distinguished by mint facility and production method. Exploring the characteristics and value differences between these varieties enables collectors to identify premium examples and assess their holdings accurately in today’s numismatic marketplace.

1989 Nickel Varieties:

• 1989-P Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 1989-D Nickel (Denver)
• 1989-S DCAM  Nickel (San Francisco)

 

1989-P Nickel Value

The 1989-P nickel from Philadelphia Mint exemplifies how strike quality dramatically influences modern coin values despite massive production of 898,812,000 pieces. The stark price differential between standard strikes and Full Steps specimens reveals the critical importance of Monticello’s architectural detail in determining collector premiums.

Therefore, the value trajectory changes dramatically when comparing certified grades. A typical MS-67 1989-P nickel shows a guide value around $160 with only 1 specimen certified at this level, representing solid but not exceptional preservation for this common date.

The Full Steps designation elevate valuation entirely. An MS-67 Full Steps specimen commands approximately $950 in the current market, with 13 examples certified at this grade level. This nearly 6-fold premium reflects the extreme difficulty of locating 1989-P nickels with complete, unbroken step lines on Monticello’s staircase—a direct result of striking weaknesses that plagued Philadelphia production.

The scarcity intensifies at the MS-68 level, where Full Steps examples become exceptionally rare. The current auction record of $1,140 achieved by an MS-68 Full Steps specimen in August 2022.

The auction history of 1989-P nickels reveals the premiums that exceptional specimens command in the competitive numismatic marketplace.

Collector interest in 1989-P nickels remains steady in late-period market.

 

1989-D Nickel Value

The 1989-D nickel from the Denver Mint produced for circulation, representing the second-largest production facility that year after Philadelphia.

Standard circulated examples remain at face value, while basic uncirculated specimens without Full Steps trade for $0.30-$3.32 depending on grade—typical pricing for common modern Denver mint nickels.

The current auction record stands at $1,610 for an MS-64 specimen sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2007, demonstrating that Denver mint examples can achieve four-figure valuations when strike quality and preservation reach exceptional standards.

Population reports confirm that MS-66 represents a significant barrier, with specimens grading MS-66 or higher becoming genuinely scarce regardless of Full Steps status. This scarcity pattern mirrors other Denver mint issues from the 1980s and 1990s, where production pressures compromised striking quality.

Denver mint examples in MS-64 grade have achieved great results at auctions.

Market patterns demonstrate sustained demand for 1989-D nickels.

 

1989-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 1989-S proof nickel represents San Francisco Mint’s exclusive collector production, using specially prepared dies and highly polished planchets.

The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation identifies specimens exhibiting extreme contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields, the result of laser frosting technology that San Francisco Mint perfected during the 1970s and 1980s.

Market accessibility defines this issue’s collector appeal. Examples grading PR-69 Deep Cameo remain abundant and affordable, typically valued at $15 depending on market conditions. Even perfect PR-70 DCAM specimens, while scarcer, trade for modest premiums of $45, as has certified approximately 1,083 examples at this pinnacle grade level.

This issue appeals primarily to Jefferson nickel series completists, proof set collectors, and those assembling type sets requiring San Francisco proof representation. The combination of attractive Deep Cameo contrast, consistent availability, and affordable pricing makes the 1989-S DCAM nickel an accessible entry point for collectors exploring modern U.S. proof coinage.

Proof nickels from San Francisco have established consistent pricing patterns at auction.

Market dynamics for 1989-S proof nickels show regular active engagement.

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

 

Rare 1989 Nickel Error List

Manufacturing imperfections transform ordinary 1989 nickels into valuable error coins sought by specialists and collectors. Production flaws ranging from misaligned strikes to die deterioration create distinctive anomalies that escaped quality control inspection.

1. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes occur when the coin blank shifts position before the dies make contact, resulting in partial design impression with blank space on one side. The percentage of displacement directly affects value—more dramatic misalignment creates stronger visual impact and higher collector demand.

For maximum desirability, the date and mint mark must remain visible on the struck portion. Minor examples showing 5-10% displacement typically sell for $15-$30, while dramatic specimens with 50% or more off-center placement can command $150-$300, especially in uncirculated condition with strong eye appeal.

2. Die Cracks and Breaks Errors

Die cracks appear as raised lines on coins, created when working dies develop fractures from repeated striking pressure and metal fatigue. These linear features transfer to every subsequent coin until die replacement occurs, creating identifiable varieties that collectors seek.

Minor hairline cracks through letters or Jefferson’s portrait add modest interest, typically worth $2-$10. Major die breaks creating dramatic disruptions across design elements, or “cud” errors where metal chunks separate entirely, can reach $20-$75 or more when preserved in uncirculated grades.

Values remain minimal for most weak strikes—$1-$5 maximum. Only extreme examples showing nearly complete loss of major design features like Jefferson’s profile or entire words command $10-$25 among specialized error enthusiasts.

3. Strike Through Errors

Strike-through errors occur when foreign material—grease, cloth fragments, or debris—becomes trapped between the die and planchet during striking. This obstruction prevents complete design transfer, creating weak or missing features in affected areas.

The severity determines value. Minor strikes showing slight weakness in isolated areas add minimal premium of $1-$5. Dramatic examples with major design elements completely obscured—such as Jefferson’s facial features or entire words—can command $10-$25 among error specialists seeking visually striking specimens.

 

Where to Sell Your 1989 Nickel?

For comprehensive guidance on choosing the right selling platform for your 1989 nickels, explore detailed comparisons of fees, payment methods, and buyer audiences across major marketplaces.

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

 

1989 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about The 1989 Nickel

1. What makes a 1989 nickel valuable??

Value stems primarily from exceptional preservation and strike quality rather than absolute rarity. Circulated examples remain at face value, while standard uncirculated specimens trade for $0.30-$3.32 depending on grade.

The critical value driver is Full Steps designation, where all six horizontal lines on Monticello’s staircase appear completely sharp and unbroken. Finding 1989 nickels in MS-66 Full Steps or higher grades proves extremely difficult, with such specimens commanding $30-$120 or more. Error varieties and doubled dies add additional premium potential.

2. What does the mint mark on my 1989 nickel mean?

The mint mark identifies which U.S. Mint facility produced your coin. Look below the date on the obverse for a small letter: “P” indicates Philadelphia Mint, “D” marks Denver Mint, and “S” designates San Francisco Mint.

Philadelphia and Denver struck circulation coins for everyday commerce, while San Francisco produced only specially-made proof specimens sold directly to collectors in annual proof sets. The mint mark itself doesn’t significantly affect value for 1989 nickels—condition and Full Steps designation matter far more than the production facility.

3. How can I tell if my 1989 nickel has Full Steps?

Examine Monticello’s staircase on the reverse under magnification. Count the horizontal step lines leading up to the building’s entrance—a true Full Steps specimen displays all five or six steps as complete, uninterrupted parallel lines with sharp definition.

Most 1989 nickels show weakness in this area due to die characteristics and striking pressure, with steps appearing mushy, incomplete, or blended together. Professional grading services like PCGS and NGC officially designate Full Steps coins with an “FS” suffix on certification labels, providing authentication for this premium feature.