1992 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1992 nickel value depends largely on strike quality rather than scarcity. These coins are common and can easily be found in circulation, even in low Mint State grades.

The real challenge lies in finding well-struck specimens. The steps at the base of Monticello aren’t usually struck well during the minting process, which directly affects value.

A regular 1992-P nickel in MS condition is worth around $5.40, but a Full Steps version commands $11.50—more than double. This difference in strike quality separates common pieces from specimens that collectors actively seek.

 

1992 Nickel Value By Variety

The table below shows how condition and strike quality affect 1992 nickel value across different mint marks and designations. 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 1992 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 1992 nickels are those that combine high grades with Full Steps designation. Top-graded MS67 Full Steps examples lead the market, with a 1992-D specimen reaching $3,760 at auction.

The 1992-P in the same grade has sold for $1,725. Meanwhile, proof coins also command premium prices, with a 1992-S PR70 example bringing $940.

What makes these coins valuable is their rarity at higher grade levels. In MS67 Full Steps condition, the 1992-D is genuinely scarce with few examples known.

Beyond top grades, the chart also shows how strike quality affects value at more accessible levels. A 1992-P MS66 without Full Steps is worth $47, while the same coin with Full Steps commands $84.

This pattern holds across different grades and mint marks, demonstrating that both overall condition and strike sharpness work together to determine what collectors are willing to pay.

 

History of the 1992 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel debuted in 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel in the 25th year of its production run. The design was chosen through a public competition, with Felix Schlag’s entry selected as the winner.

The design underwent revisions before approval. The revised design was accepted in July 1938, and the first Jefferson nickels were released into circulation on November 15, 1938.

By 1992, the Jefferson nickel had been in production for over five decades with minimal design changes. The production of Jefferson nickels dipped in 1992, with the same decline continuing into 1993. From 1989 to 1991, the US Mint produced more than a billion nickel coins annually, which didn’t happen in 1992.

The 1992 nickels maintained the same specifications as their predecessors. The coins were composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, a combination that remained unchanged except during the wartime period from mid-1942 to 1945.

During those war years, nickel was needed for military purposes, temporarily changing the composition to include silver.

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

 

Is Your 1992 Nickel Rare?

To quickly check if your 1992 nickel is rare, use the CoinValueChecker App to scan your coin and get instant rarity information.

 

Key Features of the 1992 Nickel

The 1992 Jefferson Nickel carries forward Felix Schlag’s design that had defined the series since 1938. This five-cent piece represents a mature period in the Jefferson nickel’s production history, with design elements that remained largely unchanged for decades.

The Obverse of the 1992 Nickel

The obverse presents a left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, modeled after Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1789 marble bust. Jefferson appears with period-appropriate styling, including his hair tied back in the traditional 18th-century fashion.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs along the left side of the coin, starting from Jefferson’s chest and extending to his hairline. On the right side, the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1992” run clockwise behind Jefferson’s portrait, with a small five-pointed star separating the two inscriptions.

The mint mark (P, D, or S) appears on the obverse, positioned to the right of Jefferson’s ponytail, just below the date.

The Reverse of the 1992 Nickel

The reverse features a frontal elevation view of Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate. The building’s distinctive dome and columned entrance are clearly visible in this straight-on perspective.

The Latin phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears on the reverse, positioned above Monticello. Below the mansion, the word “MONTICELLO” identifies the structure, with “FIVE CENTS” indicating the denomination. The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the bottom rim.

The steps at the base of Monticello are particularly significant to collectors, as nickels showing five or six complete steps are considerably scarcer than those with weakly struck steps.

Other Features of the 1992 Nickel

The 1992 Jefferson nickel has a total mass of 5 grams, a diameter of 21.20 mm, and a thickness of 1.95 mm. The coin’s edge is smooth and plain, with no reeding or lettering.

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

 

1992 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1992 Jefferson nickel was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities with varying output levels. The Denver Mint led production with 450,565,113 coins, slightly exceeding Philadelphia’s 399,552,000 pieces.

The San Francisco Mint struck 4,176,560 proof coins exclusively for collectors. These specimens were specially made with enhanced finishes and sharper details compared to circulation strikes.

Survival rate data remains unknown for both Philadelphia and Denver issues, as these coins entered general circulation where tracking becomes impractical.

However, proof coins from San Francisco show a remarkable 95% survival rate, with approximately 3,967,732 pieces still in existence. This high preservation rate reflects their collectible nature and protective storage by numismatists.

The mintage comparison shows that business strike coins from both P and D mints were produced in substantial quantities. This availability means that circulated examples remain easy to find today.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1992 Nickel Value

Check the area above Jefferson’s eye on the obverse, as this prominent area is the most prone to wear. On the reverse, examine the pillars in front of Monticello’s entrance, which are the most sensitive parts that show wear first. Look closely at the steps at the base of Monticello using a magnifying glass.

Coins displaying five or six complete, unbroken step lines qualify as Full Steps specimens. Any interruption that cuts completely across a step disqualifies that particular step line. The mint mark (P, D, or S) and overall condition both play important roles in determining value.

You can use the CoinValueChecker App to scan your 1992 nickel and instantly receive an accurate grade assessment along with current market value.

 

1992 Nickel Value Guides

The 1992 Jefferson nickel was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities, each identified by its mint mark. These varieties differ in their production purpose and characteristics, helping collectors identify which version they own.

• 1992-P Nickel – Struck at the Philadelphia Mint for general circulation
• 1992-D Nickel – Minted at the Denver facility for everyday use
• 1992-S DCAM Nickel – Produced at the San Francisco Mint exclusively for collectors

Each variety offers different opportunities for collectors, from affordable circulated examples to premium proof specimens with exceptional eye appeal.

 

1992-P Nickel Value

The 1992-P nickel from the Philadelphia Mint serves as a readily accessible entry point for Jefferson nickel collectors. Examples can easily be pulled from circulation even up to low Mint State grades, with standard specimens typically trading in the single-digit dollar range.

Strike quality varies considerably across 1992-P nickels. While lower-grade examples are abundant, finding specimens with complete step details becomes increasingly difficult at higher grades.

In MS66 with Full Steps characteristics, this issue becomes scarce but still remains available in unsearched rolls, mint sets or certified examples, valued around $38.

At the MS67 Full Steps level, rarity becomes significant. Only six examples have been certified at this grade, representing the finest known specimens of this variety. The auction record for this grade stands at $1,725.

Market activity for this variety reflects typical patterns for modern Jefferson nickels.

 

1992-D Nickel Value

The 1992-D nickel from the Denver Mint represents the highest production among all 1992 varieties, with over 450 million pieces struck. This substantial output makes circulated examples readily available to collectors seeking affordable entry points into the series.

What distinguishes the 1992-D is its strike quality. The Denver facility produced generally well-struck coins during this period, though achieving complete detail on Monticello’s steps remained difficult.

Specimens with sharp architectural features and clean surfaces command significant premiums. At the highest preservation levels with Full Steps characteristics, values can reach several hundred dollars. The auction record stands at $3,760 for an MS67 Full Steps specimen sold in January 2016.

Historical sales records show how different grades have performed in the numismatic marketplace.

The 1992-D continues to attract attention from collectors building comprehensive Jefferson nickel sets.

 

1992-S DCAM Nickel Value

Struck at the San Francisco facility, these proof nickels were created using specialized dies and striking processes reserved for collector products. The deep cameo designation indicates frosted design elements against mirror-like fields, a visual effect achieved through special die preparation.

These coins were never intended for circulation and feature sharp details throughout, including complete step definition on Monticello. Most certified examples grade PR69 Deep Cameo, with PR70 specimens requiring more selectivity to obtain. The auction record for a PR70 DCAM stands at $940, reached in July 2013.

The 1992-S represents a readily accessible proof issue within the Jefferson nickel series. High-grade examples remain available to collectors building modern proof sets or type collections.

Past auction results demonstrate how different proof grades have been valued over time.

The 1992-S DCAM sees regular transactions among collectors focused on modern proof issues.

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

 

Rare 1992 Nickel Error List

Error coins result from malfunctions during the minting process, creating unique specimens that differ from standard production. The 1992 nickel series includes several error types, each with distinct characteristics that affect collectibility and value.

1. Broadstrike Errors

A broadstrike error occurs when a coin is struck without the restraining collar that normally holds the planchet in place during striking. This results in a coin with a larger diameter than standard specifications and a noticeably thinner edge.

The 1992 nickel normally measures 21.20 mm in diameter, but broadstrike examples can exceed this measurement significantly. The design appears spread out and flattened compared to normal strikes, though all elements remain visible.

Value depends primarily on the degree of broadness and overall eye appeal. Specimens that are dramatically oversized tend to command higher prices than minor broadstrikes. Coins with sharp remaining details and minimal surface damage are more desirable to error collectors.

2. Struck Through Errors

Struck through errors happen when foreign material becomes lodged between the die and planchet during striking. This material leaves an impression or outline on the finished coin’s surface, creating a distinctive mark.

Common struck through objects include cloth fragments, grease, wire, or metal fragments from the minting facility. The resulting impression can range from faint outlines to bold, clearly defined shapes depending on the material and striking pressure.

The visibility and uniqueness of the struck through impression directly affect value. Clear, unusual impressions with identifiable shapes are more valuable than faint or common grease strikes. Coins with multiple struck through features or particularly large impressions command premium prices among error specialists.

3. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipped planchet errors occur when the blank metal disc is punched from a strip of metal that was improperly fed through the blanking press. This creates a coin missing a portion of its edge.

Curved clips result when planchets overlap during the punching process, creating a crescent-shaped missing section. Straight clips happen when a planchet is punched too close to the strip’s edge. The size of the clip varies from small notches to substantial portions.

Value increases with the size of the clip, provided the date and mint mark remain visible. Larger clips that retain complete dating information are more desirable. Coins with multiple clips can achieve significant premiums in the error coin market.

 

Where to Sell Your 1992 Nickel?

With your 1992 nickel’s value determined, finding the right marketplace becomes the next step. I’ve assembled a list of trusted selling platforms, covering each site’s features, advantages, and drawbacks. This guide helps you select the most suitable marketplace for your coins.

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

 

FAQ about the 1992 Nickel

1. What makes a 1992 Nickel rare?

The 1992 nickel itself isn’t rare, with hundreds of millions produced at Philadelphia and Denver. What creates rarity is the combination of high grade and Full Steps designation.

Finding 1992 nickels with five or six complete, well-defined steps at the base of Monticello is genuinely difficult. At the MS67 Full Steps level, only a handful of examples exist for each mint mark. This scarcity at top grades drives premium values, while circulated examples remain abundant and affordable.

2. How much is a 1992 Nickel worth today?

Circulated 1992 nickels are worth face value. A regular 1992-D nickel in MS condition is worth around $3.80, while a Full Steps version commands $13.00.

Values increase significantly at higher grades with Full Steps designation. An MS66 Full Steps example is valued around $38 for the 1992-P and $40 for the 1992-D.

At the MS67 Full Steps level, auction records show the 1992-D reaching $3,760 and the 1992-P at $1,725. Proof coins in PR70 DCAM have sold for up to $940 at auction.

3. How do I tell if my 1992 Nickel is valuable?

Check the mint mark on the obverse—P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco proofs. Proof coins have mirror-like surfaces and were sold in special packaging, making them easy to distinguish from circulation strikes.

For business strikes, examine the overall sharpness of details across the entire coin. Check whether all design elements appear crisp or show weakness, particularly on Monticello’s architectural features.

Look for any unusual characteristics like off-center strikes, doubled images, or missing portions of the edge that could indicate error coins worth significant premiums.