1991 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

Understanding 1991 nickel value starts with recognizing the role condition plays in determining worth. While over one billion coins entered circulation that year, most remain worth face value today. The value range spans dramatically based on grade and strike quality.

Standard mint state examples fetch $5.40 to $8.50, while Full Steps varieties command $19.67 to $22.00 according to current market data. Proof coins from San Francisco range around $4.78 in Deep Cameo designation.

The key to unlocking higher values lies in preservation—coins showing five or six complete steps on Monticello’s facade represent superior strikes that collectors actively seek.

 

1991 Nickel Value By Variety

The following value chart provides a comprehensive overview of what collectors can expect to pay for 1991 nickels in various conditions, ranging from heavily circulated “Good” grade coins to pristine uncirculated “Mint State” specimens and special proof versions.

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 1991 Nickel Worth Money

The auction data reveals a pattern where condition grade exponentially impacts value, with the finest 1991-P nickel graded MS-68 commanding an impressive $1,900, double the price of an MS-67 example at $950. This dramatic price jump demonstrates how rare truly exceptional preservation becomes at the highest grades.

Philadelphia-minted coins dominate the premium tier, occupying the top two positions. This shows that despite a mintage of 614 million 1991 P nickels, high-grade nickels are quite scarce due to extensive wear.

Denver-minted examples show more modest values, with the finest MS-66 and MS-67 specimens ranging from $270 to $403. The significant gap between Denver and Philadelphia coins at comparable grades indicates that Philadelphia’s production quality or die maintenance may have been superior during 1991.

 

History Of The 1991 Nickel

The 1991 nickel emerged during a pivotal moment in American economic history, minted as the nation transitioned out of a recession that had officially ended in March 1991, the very year these coins were being struck.

While the recession itself proved relatively mild and brief, the sluggish recovery period meant that many 1991 nickels entered circulation during a time when unemployment was still rising and economic anxiety remained high, with the jobless rate not peaking until June 1992.

The massive mintage of over one billion 1991 nickels reflected both the U.S. Mint’s confidence in eventual recovery and the persistent demand for circulating coinage even during economic uncertainty.

As these nickels rolled off the presses in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 3,000 for the first time in April 1991, signaling the beginning of what would become the longest peacetime economic expansion in American history.

The coins themselves became silent witnesses to this transformational year, passing through countless transactions as Americans navigated the uncertain early months of recovery.

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

 

Is Your 1991 Nickel Rare?

Curious about your 1991 nickel’s rarity? Download our CoinValueChecker App to instantly determine if you have a common circulation coin or a valuable Full Steps variety.

Simply snap a photo to check your coin’s grade, rarity status, and current market value—all from your smartphone.

 

Key Features Of The 1991 Nickel

Understanding the key features of the 1991 nickel is essential for collectors and coin enthusiasts, as these characteristics not only help identify the coin’s authenticity but also determine its condition and potential value.

By thoroughly understanding the obverse, reverse, and other related features, collectors can better evaluate the condition of coins in their possession and identify versions that may have higher collectible value.

The Obverse Of The 1991 Nickel

The obverse of the 1991 nickel displays a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, continuing the classic tradition of the Jefferson nickel series.

Surrounding the portrait are several important inscriptions, including the word “LIBERTY” and the year “1991.” Additionally, the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the obverse, reflecting the nation’s faith-based heritage.

Below the date, one can find a small mintmark letter, which may be a “P” representing the Philadelphia Mint or a “D” representing the Denver Mint. The designer’s initials, marking Felix Schlag’s authorship of this enduring design, can also be found on the obverse.

The Reverse Of The 1991 Nickel

The reverse of the 1991 nickel features Monticello, the magnificent Virginia estate that Jefferson personally designed and called home for many years. The architectural details are exquisitely rendered, showcasing the neoclassical building’s iconic dome and columned facade.

The name “MONTICELLO” appears on the reverse, identifying this historic structure for viewers. Arching across the top of the design is the Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “out of many, one,” symbolizing the unity of the American states.

Below the building image, the denomination “FIVE CENTS” and the country name “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are displayed.

Other Features Of The 1991 Nickel

The 1991 nickel was designed by renowned designer Felix Schlag, whose design has been used for the Jefferson nickel series since 1938. In terms of physical specifications, this coin has a diameter of 21.20 millimeters, weighs 5 grams, and has a thickness of approximately 1.95 millimeters.

The coin’s edge features a smooth, plain design without any reeding or grooves, which is a distinctive characteristic of the nickel series. Regarding material composition, the coin is made from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which gives the coin its characteristic silver-white luster and excellent durability.

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

 

1991 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The Philadelphia Mint produced over 614 million nickels in 1991, making it the highest production facility that year. Denver followed with approximately 436 million pieces. These huge numbers reflect the ongoing demand for five-cent coins in daily commerce during the early 1990s.

The San Francisco Mint focused on producing proof coins for the collector market. Only about 2.87 million proof nickels were minted. However, their survival rate is as high as 99%, primarily because they were sold in protective packaging rather than released directly into circulation.

For regular circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, exact survival figures remain undocumented. This situation is common for modern coins produced in massive quantities. These coins entered widespread circulation immediately upon release, experiencing wear, loss, and disposal that makes accurate tracking virtually impossible.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1991 Nickel Value

Finding your 1991 nickel’s true worth doesn’t require expensive appraisals or complicated research.

Download the CoinValueChecker App and simply photograph your coin. The app instantly identifies the mint mark, evaluates condition, and provides current market values based on recent auction data.

Whether you have a common circulation piece or a premium Full Steps specimen, get professional-grade results in seconds—right from your phone.

 

1991 Nickel Value Guides

The 1991 Jefferson nickel series includes three distinct types:

• 1991-P Nickel
• 1991-D Nickel
• 1991-S DCAM Nickel

While the Philadelphia and Denver Mints produce coins for everyday commercial use, the San Francisco Mint specializes in Proof coins. These deeply embossed Proof coins demonstrate exceptional minting quality, with frosted designs contrasting against a mirrored base. Unlike circulation nickels, Proof coins are sold in protective packaging.

The key difference lies in their use and storage. Circulation nickels experience daily use and wear, while Proof coins remain in collectors’ hands, making high-quality Proof coins quite common.

 

1991-P Nickel Value

The 1991-P nickel holds minimal collector value in typical circulated conditions due to its massive mintage exceeding 614 million pieces, resulting in widespread availability that keeps most examples near face value.

However, the value proposition shifts dramatically for pristine uncirculated specimens. Coins grading MS-65 or higher command meaningful premiums as maintaining original mint luster and strike quality over three decades becomes increasingly uncommon.

The most significant value driver is the Full Steps designation, awarded to coins displaying complete, unbroken horizontal lines across Monticello’s steps on the reverse.

This feature proves notoriously difficult to achieve in the Jefferson nickel series due to weak strikes, making Full Steps examples genuinely scarce and highly sought after by advanced collectors.

From an investment perspective, the 1991-P represents a modern issue with limited appreciation potential unless in exceptional condition, though well-preserved examples from original mint sets may gradually gain modest premiums as fewer uncirculated specimens survive in coming decades.

Below are the historical auction results showing price performance across different grades.

Market activity reflects steady interest from both date collectors and grade enthusiasts seeking top-quality examples.

 

1991-D Nickel Value

With approximately 436 million pieces produced at the Denver Mint, the coin suffers from the same abundance issues that characterize early 1990s nickel production, resulting in minimal scarcity premium regardless of mintmark.

The 1991-D nickel demonstrates limited collector value across most grade levels, a reality reflected in auction records where even premium specimens rarely exceed a few hundred dollars.

a Heritage Auctions sale recorded an MS66 example achieving just $403 in June 2008. Although the coin receives the Full Steps designation, the large surviving population of modern mint set coins has reduced its overall rarity, resulting in price premiums that fail to reach the levels of earlier Jefferson nickels.

Demand for this nickel is primarily focused on those seeking to collect complete date and mintmark sets rather than investors seeking appreciation potential. Considering its modern date and substantial surviving quantities, long-term value appreciation expectations should be kept conservative.

Historical auction records reveal the practical price ceiling for 1991-D nickels, even in premium grades.

Current market activity demonstrates the 1991-D nickel’s trading patterns and liquidity across various quality tiers. The table below summarizes typical market behavio

 

1991-S DCAM Nickel

The 1991-S proof nickel with Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation represents the pinnacle of the San Francisco Mint’s production quality for that year, exhibiting the striking visual contrast that defines premium proof coinage.

The DCAM designation signifies exceptional cameo effect, where heavily frosted devices stand in dramatic relief against deeply mirrored fields, creating a three-dimensional appearance that distinguishes these specimens from standard proof strikes.

While the San Francisco Mint produced proof nickels in substantial numbers for collector sets, achieving the Deep Cameo designation at near-perfect grade levels significantly narrows the population of truly premium examples.

Auction records provide reference points for valuation, with a PR69DCAM example realizing $330 at a certified auction, a price level consistent with reasonable premiums for modern-era proof nickels in near-perfect condition. This pricing reflects the typical premium structure for coins combining high technical grades with superior visual characteristics, representing standard market valuation rather than exceptional appreciation for contemporary proof issues.

Historical auction performance reveals the price trajectory and collector demand for premium 1991-S DCAM nickels across various grade levels and sale venues.

Current marketplace dynamics indicate sustained collector interest in high-grade Deep Cameo specimens, with transaction frequency reflecting the coin’s position within specialized proof set collections.

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

 

Rare 1991 Nickel Error List

The 1991 Jefferson nickel, produced at both Philadelphia and Denver mints with a combined mintage exceeding 1.4 billion pieces, offers numerous error varieties that captivate collectors. Despite high production volumes, manufacturing anomalies created distinctive variations ranging from dramatic off-center strikes to subtle die deterioration errors. These minting mistakes transform ordinary five-cent pieces into numismatic treasures.

1. Broadstruck Error

Broadstruck errors occur when the restraining collar—the ring surrounding the coin blank during striking—fails to engage properly, allowing the metal to spread beyond its intended diameter. On 1991 nickels, this creates coins measuring larger than the standard 21.2mm, typically 22-24mm, with flattened, undefined edges lacking the normal raised rim.

The design remains centered but appears slightly expanded and less detailed due to metal flow. Formation results from worn or misaligned collar mechanisms. These errors are immediately noticeable when compared to normal nickels due to their oversized appearance and paper-thin edges.

Broadstrikes are moderately scarce, with circulated examples valued at $15-$40, while uncirculated specimens with strong strikes and minimal surface issues command $50-$120. Collector demand remains steady for dramatic examples showing significant diameter expansion.

 2. Clipped Planchet Error

Clipped planchet errors happen during the blanking process when the cutting die overlaps a previously punched hole in the metal strip, removing a crescent-shaped section from the coin blank.

On 1991 nickels, clips range from minor 5% curved indentations to dramatic 25%+ missing segments. The clip edge appears smooth and curved (from the punch die) rather than rough or jagged. Straight clips, though rarer, occur when blanks are punched from strip edges. Identification is straightforward—the missing metal section is obvious, with design elements partially absent.

The date and mintmark visibility significantly impacts value. Small clips (5-10%) in circulated grades fetch $10-$25, moderate clips (15-20%) reach $30-$75, while large clips (25%+) maintaining full date visibility can achieve $80-$150 in uncirculated condition. Dramatic clips with strong eye appeal generate substantial collector interest.

3. Die Deterioration Doubling (DDD)

Die deterioration doubling, often confused with true doubled dies, results from die erosion, wear, or damage creating a shelf-like doubling effect on design elements.

On 1991 nickels, this commonly appears on letters in “LIBERTY,” “MONTICELLO,” or date digits, manifesting as flat, shelf-like secondary images rather than the rounded, distinct separation seen in genuine hub doubling. Formation occurs as dies weaken after striking hundreds of thousands of coins, causing metal flow issues and die surface degradation.

Identification requires magnification and experience distinguishing DDD from valuable doubled die varieties—DDD shows flatter, less defined doubling without the precise separation of true errors.

These are relatively common as dies naturally deteriorate. Minor DDD adds minimal premium ($2-$8), but pronounced examples affecting multiple design areas in high grades can reach $20-$50 among collectors seeking dramatic die deterioration specimens for specialized error collections.

 

Where To Sell Your 1991 Nickel?

So you’ve figured out how much your 1991 nickel could be worth—now what? The good news is there are plenty of online options for selling collectible coins. I’ve done the homework for you by gathering details on the best selling platforms, including what makes each one stand out and what potential downsides to watch for.

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

 

1991 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 1991 Nickel         

1. How much is a 1991 nickel worth?

Most 1991 nickels in circulated condition are worth their face value of 5 cents. However, uncirculated specimens can be worth between $1 to $5 depending on their grade and mint mark.

The 1991-P (Philadelphia) and 1991-D (Denver) are common, while the 1991-S proof version can fetch $5 to $10 in perfect condition.

High-grade examples certified by professional grading services can command premium prices, especially those graded MS67 or higher. Coins with mint errors, such as off-center strikes or doubled dies, can be worth significantly more to collectors.

2. What makes a 1991 nickel valuable?

Several factors contribute to a 1991 nickel’s value beyond face value. The coin’s condition is paramount—uncirculated coins with original mint luster are worth more than worn examples.

The mint mark matters too, with proof versions from San Francisco typically commanding higher prices. Mint errors significantly increase value, including doubled dies, off-center strikes, or repunched mint marks. Additionally, coins with full steps visible on Monticello’s stairs (Jefferson’s home on the reverse) are highly desirable.

3. How can I tell if my 1991 nickel is rare or valuable?

Start by examining the mint mark located on the obverse (front) below Jefferson’s portrait—P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco proof coins.

Check the coin’s condition: look for scratches, wear, or discoloration that might reduce value. Inspect Monticello’s steps on the reverse with a magnifying glass—coins showing five or six full, unbroken steps are more valuable.

Search for mint errors like doubled images, off-center strikes, or unusual markings. If you suspect your coin is valuable, consider having it professionally graded. Compare your coin to images in coin collecting guides or consult with a reputable coin dealer for expert assessment.