1996 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

If you’ve come across a 1996 nickel in your change, you might be curious about whether it’s worth more than five cents—and the answer depends on a few important factors.

The 1996 Jefferson nickel is one of the most commonly produced coins in U.S. history, with Philadelphia and Denver mints striking over 1.6 billion pieces that year.Most worn examples from circulation remain worth their face value, but coins that never entered circulation or those featuring special characteristics tell a different story.

Depending on the mint mark and condition, uncirculated 1996 nickels can range from around $0.26 in fine condition to $10.00 for specimens in pristine mint state, while collector-focused proof versions from San Francisco typically sell between $2.00 and $4.78.

Learning to evaluate your coin’s grade, spot potential mint errors, and identify the “Full Steps” feature can help you determine whether your 1996 nickel is a keeper or just another piece of pocket change.

 

1996 Nickel Value By Variety

This is a 1996 nickel value chart that displays the market valuations of different versions (P mint, D mint, and S mint proof coins) across various condition grades (from Good to PR).

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 1996 Nickel Worth Money

The chart ranks the top 10 most valuable 1996 Jefferson nickels sold between 2003 and present. The highest recorded sale is a 1996-P MS65 at $2,160, followed by 1996-D MS65 at $805 and 1996-P MS67 at $690. Values then decline progressively through various grades to $69 for a 1996-D MS66.

The primary value driver is the Full Steps (FS) designation, which requires sharply defined horizontal lines on Monticello’s steps. The 75%-25% copper-nickel composition’s hardness makes quality strikes difficult to achieve, resulting in few specimens meeting FS standards. Population data shows only 70 certified 1996-P MS67 Full Steps specimens exist, with just 2 grading higher.

Grade differences create exponential price gaps. While over 800 million 1996 nickels were minted, survival in MS65 or higher with Full Steps is rare. Each grade increase can double a coin’s value, with scarcity intensifying at MS67 and above. Mint mark variations between Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) also affect pricing due to different die quality and striking characteristics.

These valuations reflect conditional rarity rather than absolute scarcity. Registry set collectors competing for top-graded examples drive premium prices for coins that would otherwise circulate at face value.

Professional grading certification and population tracking have established transparent market benchmarks, transforming modern numismatics into a data-driven field where preservation quality determines value for common-date coins.

 

History of the 1996 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel series originated in 1938 when the design replaced the Buffalo nickel after its 25-year production run. Felix Oscar Schlag won a design competition in 1937, receiving $1,000 for his submission featuring Thomas Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello. Production began at all three mints on October 3, 1938, and the coins were officially released into circulation on November 15.

The series underwent its most significant compositional change during World War II when nickel became a strategic war material. From 1942 to 1945, the composition shifted to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese, after which the traditional 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy was restored and has remained standard through present day production.

By 1996, the Jefferson nickel had been in continuous production for 58 years using Felix Schlag’s original design with minimal modifications.

Total mintage in 1996 exceeded 1.6 billion coins across three facilities: Philadelphia produced 829 million pieces, Denver struck 817 million, and San Francisco minted 2.5 million proof specimens. This marked the third consecutive year that production surpassed one billion coins, reflecting robust demand for circulating coinage during the mid-1990s economic expansion.

The period following the post-war boom saw relatively stable Jefferson nickel production, though mintage figures varied based on economic conditions and commercial demand. The 1996 production volume represents a peak period before the gradual decline that would begin in subsequent decades.

Mint marks were still punched onto dies by hand until the 1990s, meaning 1996 nickels were produced near the transition to more automated manufacturing processes that would characterize later production.

The 1996 Jefferson nickel thus represents a mature stage in the series’ evolution—produced with long-established dies and manufacturing techniques, at peak mintage volumes driven by strong economic activity, yet before the design modifications that would occur in 2004-2006 for the Westward Journey commemorative series.

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

 

Is your 1996 Nickel rare?

Use the CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify your 1996 nickels, determine whether they have Full Steps designation, check their exact rarity ranking among all Jefferson Nickel varieties, and discover their current market values across different grades and mint marks.

 

Key Features of the 1996 Nickel

The 1996 Nickel is part of the Jefferson nickel series designed by Felix Schlag. These coins feature the standard composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, maintaining the traditional alloy that had been restored after the wartime silver composition ended in 1945.

The Obverse of the 1996 Nickel

The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson wearing a coat with a wide collar, his hair styled in a low ponytail.

“LIBERTY” curves along the right rim with a small centered five-pointed star separating it from the date. “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left side in front of the portrait. The date “1996” sits below the portrait.

The designer’s initials “FS” for Felix Schlag appear on Jefferson’s shoulder near the rim of the obverse in small letters, added in 1966. The mint mark is positioned on the obverse below the date, where it has been located since 1968—”P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. Philadelphia began using the “P” mint mark on all nickels starting in 1980.

The Reverse of the 1996 Nickel

The reverse displays Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia plantation home, shown in frontal perspective with its neoclassical dome and columned portico.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the building, while “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are inscribed below.

Coins displaying “Full Steps” (5FS or 6FS)—where all five or six steps leading to Monticello’s entrance remain sharply defined—are highly prized.

Other Features of the 1996 Nickel

The 1996 Nickel measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter, weighs 5.00 grams, and has a thickness of 1.95mm. The edge is plain without reeding.

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

 

1996 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 1996 Nickel Mintage & Survival Chart shows the dramatic difference between circulation strikes and proof production.

Philadelphia struck 829,332,000 pieces and Denver produced 817,736,000 coins, totaling over 1.6 billion nickels for circulation. San Francisco minted only 2,525,265 proof Deep Cameo specimens—approximately 0.15% of total production.

The survival data presents a notable discrepancy. For circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver, survival numbers remain unknown due to the practical impossibility of tracking coins dispersed through commerce over nearly three decades. These pieces continue circulating, residing in collections, or have been lost or destroyed through normal wear.

However, the San Francisco proof coins demonstrate a remarkably high survival rate of 95%, with an estimated 2,399,001 pieces extant from the original mintage.

This exceptional preservation rate reflects the nature of proof coinage—produced specifically for collectors using specially polished dies and planchets, these coins were typically preserved in protective packaging rather than entering circulation.

The 5% attrition likely accounts for coins removed from their original holders, damaged through improper handling, or otherwise lost over time.

The survival distribution pie chart visually emphasizes this preservation disparity, with proof specimens dominating known surviving examples in documented condition, while the vast majority of circulation strikes exist in unknown states and grades, scattered throughout the economy and private holdings without formal certification or tracking.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1996 Nicke Value

Determining your 1996 nickel’s value requires examining several critical factors that directly impact collector premiums.

Begin by checking for any signs of wear, as even light hints of rub are considered circulation damage—worn nickels are worth only face value, while uncirculated examples command higher prices. Inspect Jefferson’s cheekbone and hair details on the obverse, plus Monticello’s columns and roofline on the reverse under good lighting.

Identify the mint mark below the date: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco proof specimens. Different mints produced varying quantities and quality levels, affecting market value.

The most significant value indicator is the Full Steps feature—examine Monticello’s base where, if each of the 5 or 6 steps is fully delineated line for line without any marks, scratches, or interruptions, the coin qualifies as Full Steps. This designation requires all lines to be present and clean, often multiplying value by 10-20 times.

Additionally, search for minting errors including off-center strikes, double strikes, die chips, or broadstrikes. Professional grading follows the Sheldon Scale, a seventy-point system established by numismatists in the 1970s, where higher grades (MS65-MS67) with Full Steps command exponentially higher prices.

Rather than manual assessment across multiple price guides and auction records, use the CoinValueChecker App for instant evaluation. The app employs AI-powered image recognition to automatically identify mint marks, detect Full Steps features, assess condition grade, spot potential errors, and provide real-time market valuations based on current auction data.

 

1996 Nicke Value Guides

• 1996-P Nickel (Philadelphia Mint)
• 1996-D Nickel (Denver Mint)
• 1996-S Proof DCAM Nickel (San Francisco Mint)

The 1996 Jefferson nickel series comprises three distinct varieties, each with unique production characteristics and market values.

Philadelphia and Denver facilities produced over 1.6 billion circulation strikes with nearly equal quantities, making both relatively common in lower grades. However, high-grade specimens with Full Steps designation become increasingly scarce, particularly at MS66 and above. The San Francisco proof issues represent less than 0.2% of total production, featuring Deep Cameo contrast struck specifically for collectors.

Value differentiation emerges primarily from condition grading and Full Steps presence rather than mintage scarcity, with premium specimens commanding prices from $69 to over $2,000 depending on strike quality and preservation.

 

1996-P Nickel Value

The 1996-P nickel holds a unique position in the Jefferson nickel series as an example of how striking quality can transform a common modern coin into a collectible.

With over 829 million pieces minted at Philadelphia, the 1996-P is readily available in circulated grades, yet specimens featuring the “Full Steps” designation remain scarce, with population data showing only 70 certified examples at the MS67 grade level and just 2 grading higher.

The Full Steps feature requires all five or six steps leading to Monticello’s entrance to be completely delineated without interruption—a standard that proves difficult to achieve due to the coin’s copper-nickel composition and the striking characteristics of the dies used.

Beyond standard strikes, error varieties add another dimension to collecting 1996-P nickels, with documented examples including off-center strikes, broadstrikes, and a rare double denomination error where a 1996-P nickel was struck on a dime planchet.

While most circulated examples trade at face value, high-grade specimens have commanded substantial prices. The auction record stands at $2,160 for an MS65 specimen, with MS66 Full Steps examples valued around $28 and MS67 Full Steps pieces typically trading in the $280-690 range.

The Auction Record Chart below illustrates how these specimens have performed across different grade levels over time. Market Activity reflects consistent collector interest in certified examples.

The Auction Record Chart documents pricing trends for premium examples over time.

Market Activity reflects consistent collector interest in certified examples.

 

1996-D Nickel Value

The 1996-D nickel represents Denver’s contribution to the year’s massive production, with 817,736,000 pieces struck—slightly less than Philadelphia’s output but still creating widespread availability in circulation.

Like its Philadelphia counterpart, the 1996-D demonstrates how striking quality determines value in modern high-mintage coinage. Full Steps designation remains the critical factor, requiring complete definition of Monticello’s steps without interruption. Population data reveals the scarcity of top-grade examples, with Full Steps specimens at MS66 and above representing a small fraction of surviving coins.

The copper-nickel composition creates challenges in achieving sharp strikes, particularly on the architectural details of Monticello’s entrance. . While circulated examples trade at face value, certified specimens command premiums based on grade and striking characteristics.

The auction record stands at $805 for an MS65 Full Steps specimen, with MS66 Full Steps examples valued around $24 and MS67 Full Steps pieces typically trading in the $225 range.

The Auction Record Chart tracks how premium Denver specimens have performed across different grade levels over time.

Market Activity indicates steady transaction volume for certified examples.

 

1996-S Proof DCAM Nickel Value

San Francisco produced 2,525,265 proof nickels in 1996 exclusively for collector sets, continuing the facility’s role as the sole producer of proof Jefferson nickels since 1968. These coins differ fundamentally from business strikes through their controlled production environment.

Proof coins receive multiple strikes on specially polished planchets, ensuring complete detail transfer without the die wear and striking pressure variations that affect circulation coinage.
The Deep Cameo designation defines the contrast effect between frosted design elements and mirror-like background fields, creating visual depth that collectors value.

San Francisco’s equipment produced well-struck 1996 proof nickels, making PR69 Deep Cameo examples readily available. PR70 Deep Cameo specimens are scarcer but can be found with searching, as population data shows over 100 certified examples exist.

Standard proof examples are valued around $3.58, while PR70 Deep Cameo pieces have traded around $180.The 1996-S represents modern proof production where quality standards are high and survival rates remain strong due to protective packaging in annual proof sets.

The Auction Record Chart illustrates pricing patterns for different proof grades over time.

Market Activity reflects steady demand from type set collectors and proof specialists seeking Deep Cameo examples.

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

 

Rare 1996 Nickel Error List

The 1996 Jefferson nickel series presents an exciting opportunity for error coin collectors. With over 1.6 billion nickels produced in 1996, the high mintage creates a greater chance for error coins to occur.

These minting mistakes transform ordinary five-cent pieces into valuable collectibles, with some specimens commanding prices far above their face value.

From planchet preparation errors to striking anomalies, 1996 nickels exhibit a diverse range of mint errors that appeal to both novice and experienced numismatists.

1. 1996-P Clipped Planchet Error

A clipped planchet error happens when a planchet, or coin blank, is cut incorrectly during the minting process. This improper cut results in a missing piece along the edge of a coin. The error occurs when the metal strip feeding into the blanking press misaligns, causing the punch to overlap a previously cut hole or strike the edge of the strip.

Clipped planchets come in four distinct types: straight-edge clips with a flat edge, curved clips featuring a crescent-shaped missing section, irregular clips showing ragged edges, and the rare bowtie clips with two opposing curved clips.

Genuine clipped planchets can be identified by the “Blakesley Effect,” which is weakness in the rim on the opposite side of the clip. Most clipped planchet nickels sell for just a few dollars, with rarer examples reaching $25 and up.

2. 1996-P Off-Center Strike Error

Off-center strike errors happen when there’s a misalignment between the die and planchet. The degree of off-centeredness depends on the level of misalignment. When a coin is struck off-center, the punch contacts the edge rather than the center of the planchet, resulting in a non-circular coin with visible blank planchet space.

The coin displays a freakish appearance with the design shifted to one side, leaving a crescent of unstruck metal visible on the opposite edge. Off-center strikes vary in value based on how far off-center they are struck, although coins with full dates are more desirable than those with missing digits.

The percentage of off-centering directly impacts collector value, with 10-50% off-center strikes being most common, while dramatic 50%+ off-center errors with full dates command premium prices.

3. 1996-P Broadstrike Error

A die collar holds the planchet to keep it in place, especially at the moment of the die strike. However, the die collar might loosely hold the planchet. When the die hits the planchet, it spreads like a pancake.

Broadstrike errors are caused when the collar die fails during striking, resulting in coins that always have a smooth rim. The images struck onto the obverse and reverse often “expand” or stretch out to create a slightly misshapen coin.

Without the collar’s restraining force, the metal flows freely outward under the pressure of the striking dies, producing a coin larger than the standard 21.20mm diameter but thinner than normal specifications.

The design elements appear stretched and flattened, and the coin lacks the raised protective rim found on properly struck nickels. These dramatic errors are easily recognizable and highly sought after by collectors.

 

Where to Sell Your 1996 Nickel ?

Whether you choose online marketplaces, local coin dealers, or auction houses, researching your coin’s condition and current market value will help ensure you get the best price for your 1996 nickel.

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

 

FAQ about the 1996 Nickel

1. What makes a 1996 nickel valuable?

Value depends on condition, mint errors, and grade. While most circulated 1996 nickels are worth only 5 cents, uncirculated specimens or those with errors can be worth considerably more to collectors.

2. What are the most common errors found on 1996 nickels?

Common errors include off-center strikes, double dies, die cracks, and planchet errors. These varieties attract collector interest and premium prices.