2006 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”,“S”&“D” Mint Mark Worth)

The 2006 nickel marks a historic turning point in American coinage as the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a forward-facing presidential portrait. Breaking from nearly a century of side-profile tradition, this design—based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 portrait—concluded the Westward Journey series and established a new standard for the Jefferson nickel.

Understanding 2006 nickel value means recognizing how condition and variety dramatically affect worth: while circulated examples start at $0.15, Full Steps specimens can reach $39.43 in MS grades. This comprehensive guide explores grading standards, mint marks, special strikes, and error varieties that separate common finds from valuable collectibles.

 

2006 Nickel Value By Variety

The table below provides a comprehensive overview of 2006 Jefferson Nickel values across different mint marks, varieties, and condition grades, helping collectors quickly assess their coins’ potential worth in today’s market.

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 2006 Nickel Worth Money

The 2006-D Monticello MS68 commands an extraordinary $4,230—nearly four times the value of the second-place coin. This 2006-D nickel, with its complete strike and excellent surface preservation, is the finest certified nickel in the series. Its premium reflects the scarcity of this high-quality coin.

The Philadelphia mint’s Full Steps versions occupy the next tier, with MS67 FS commanding $999 and regular MS67 fetching $450. These valuations are justified by severe striking issues—2006-P nickels weren’t struck well, with most having major nicks or scratches, making MS67 examples really scarce with less than a dozen known.

The San Francisco proof PR70 DCAM at $262 ranks below Philadelphia circulation strikes, demonstrating that condition rarity trumps intentional collector products. The Satin Finish varieties ($107 for 2006-P SP69, $88 for 2006-D SP69) occupy a middle ground—premium collectibles that remain accessible due to their controlled production environment and limited mintage distribution through mint sets.

 

History Of The 2006 Nickel

The 2006 Jefferson Nickel represents a pivotal moment in American coinage, marking the conclusion of the Westward Journey Nickel Series and establishing a new standard design that continues today.

Following the 2004-2005 commemorative designs honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s bicentennial, the U.S. Mint sought to create a permanent new look that balanced tradition with modernity.

Artist Jamie Franki won the design competition with a bold departure from Felix Schlag’s 68-year profile tradition—a forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson inspired by Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting.

This three-quarter view, sculpted by Donna Weaver, presented Jefferson at age 57 with a contemplative, dignified expression that suggested leadership and vision. The obverse also featured Jefferson’s handwritten “Liberty,” adding a personal, historical touch.

For the reverse, the Mint returned to Schlag’s beloved Monticello design, creating continuity with the nickel’s heritage while pairing it with the revolutionary obverse.

This combination—”Return to Monticello” as collectors dubbed it—achieved the Mint’s goal of modernization without abandoning the architectural icon that had defined Jefferson Nickels since 1938. The 2006 design established the template that would carry the series forward into the 21st century, successfully bridging past and present.

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

 

Is Your 2006 Nickel Rare?

Not sure if your 2006 nickel is a common find or a valuable variety? Use the CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify your coin’s grade, check current market values, and determine its rarity. Simply snap a photo to get started.

 

Key Features Of The 2006 Nickel

The 2006 issue restored the original Monticello design while introducing an entirely new Jefferson portrait on the obverse, created by artist Jamie Franki and sculpted by Donna Weaver. This section will explore the feature of this coin in terms of design, minting, helping collectors and numismatic enthusiasts understand its role within the American monetary system.

The Obverse Of The 2006 Nickel

The most striking feature of the 2006 nickel’s obverse is the forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, marking the first time a U.S. presidential portrait appeared on a coin facing directly forward, breaking from the traditional side profile view.

This portrait design is based on an 1800 painting by Rembrandt Peale, showing Jefferson at age 57. The obverse bears the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” the word “Liberty,” and the year “2006”. The word Liberty is rendered in an elegant cursive script that complements the portrait beautifully.

The mintmark is located on the obverse below the date, marking the fifth distinct mintmark location in Jefferson nickel history. The entire obverse design conveys a dignified yet modern aesthetic, respecting historical tradition while embracing the innovative spirit of a new era.

The Reverse Of The 2006 Nickel

The coin’s reverse reintroduces the Monticello design, depicting Jefferson’s private estate and residence near Charlottesville, Virginia.

Although the basic Monticello motif derives from Felix Schlag’s original 1938 design, the 2006 version features more refined and intricate detailing, with the building’s lines and structure rendered more accurately.

The reverse displays multiple inscriptions, including “E Pluribus Unum,” “Monticello,” “Five Cents,” and “United States of America”. These words are arranged around the building, creating a harmonious overall composition.

Other Features Of The 2006 Nickel

In terms of physical specifications, the 2006 nickel has a diameter of 21.2 millimeters and weighs 5 grams. The coin’s metal composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, an alloy that gives the coin its distinctive silvery appearance and excellent durability.

The edge of the coin is smooth, without any reeding. Three mints produced this coin in 2006: the Philadelphia Mint struck coins bearing the “P” mintmark, the Denver Mint produced coins with the “D” mintmark, and the San Francisco Mint created proof coins marked with “S”.

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

 

2006 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 2006 nickel production shows a clear difference between regular circulation coins and special collector editions. Denver Mint produced over 809 million pieces while Philadelphia made about 693 million coins for everyday use. These business strikes entered general circulation, which makes tracking their exact survival numbers quite difficult.

Both Philadelphia and Denver facilities produced exactly 847,361 pieces of Satin Finish special strikes, which were sold in mint sets rather than released into circulation. “Unknown” does not mean that these coins have disappeared, but that not enough people have sent them for grading, so we cannot get accurate statistics on the number of coins in existence.

San Francisco focused exclusively on proof coins for the collector market. The DCAM (Deep Cameo) proof version had a mintage of just over 3 million pieces, and notably maintains a 99% survival rate based on available tracking data. This high retention rate reflects how proof coins generally receive careful handling and storage from the moment they leave the mint.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2006  Nickel Value

Checking your 2006 nickel’s value traditionally requires consulting multiple price guides, tracking auction results, and comparing condition grades. This process can take hours and still leave you uncertain about current market rates.

The CoinValueChecker App simplifies everything. Just snap a photo of your coin, and get an instant value estimate based on real-time market data.

 

2006 Nickel Value Guides

The 2006 nickel came in five distinct versions, each serving a different purpose in the collecting market.

• 2006-P Monticello Nickel
• 2006-D Monticello Nickel
• 2006-S Monticello DCAM Nickel
• 2006-P Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel
• 2006-D Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel

Both P and D mints also created limited satin finish editions distributed through special mint sets. Understanding which type you have is the first step in determining your coin’s potential value, as each version follows different pricing standards based on condition and rarity factors.

 

2006-P Monticello Nickel Value

The 2006-P Monticello Nickel was produced by the Philadelphia Mint, with a mintage of up to 693 million pieces. It is an important work in the “Return to Monticello” series, marking the end of the Westward Journey commemorative series. Despite its large production volume, this coin is quite distinctive due to its striking quality issues.

The striking quality of the 2006-P version was generally poor, with most coins showing obvious scratches and nicks, as the Mint seemed to prioritize quantity over quality at the time. Circulated coins and MS65 grade coins are relatively easy to find, while MS66-67 grade is extremely rare with fewer than a dozen known to exist, and there are no higher grades.

Ordinary circulated coins are only worth face value to a few dozen cents, uncirculated raw coins are about 50 cents or more, but high-grade specimens see significant price increases—MS67 Full Steps has a wholesale market price of approximately $1,050.

According to records, an MS67 grade 2006-P Monticello sold for $450 in September 2021. For collectors, ordinary condition 2006-P coins mainly have commemorative significance, while high-grade specimens (MS66 and above) indeed have certain investment value due to their scarcity.

Market activity data reflects collectors’ continued interest in this specially designed coin.

 

2006-D Monticello Nickel Value

The 2006-D Monticello Nickel was minted by the Denver Mint, with a production volume of up to 809 million pieces, which is 1.17 times that of the Philadelphia version from the same year. Compared to the Philadelphia version, the Denver version shows greater potential in the high-grade collectibles market.

The most striking aspect of this coin is the existence of the MS68 Full Steps grade—this is the sole highest grade specimen certified by PCGS, representing perfect striking details and preservation condition.

This MS68 Full Steps 2006-D Monticello sold for a high price of $4,230 in January 2016, far exceeding ordinary high-grade specimens. The market value of MS67 grade is approximately $45-260, while ordinary circulated coins are only worth face value.

For collectors pursuing top-grade condition, the 2006-D has special appeal due to the existence of its MS68 grade, especially as Full Steps specimens are highly sought after in the market.

The following chart records in detail the historical transaction data of this coin at major auctions.

From the market performance perspective, high-grade 2006-D Monticello continues to receive attention and pursuit from seasoned collectors.

 

2006-S Monticello DCAM Nickel Value

Unlike the aforementioned circulation versions, the 2006-S Monticello Nickel is a proof coin specially crafted by the San Francisco Mint for the collector market, with a mintage of over 3.05 million pieces.

These coins were only sold to the public in proof sets and did not enter circulation, making them nearly impossible to encounter in daily change. DCAM (Deep Cameo) signifies its exceptional mirror-like effect and relief contrast, presenting the unique visual impact characteristic of proof coins.

The quality of most 2006-S proof versions is concentrated in the PR68-PR69 Deep Cameo grades, while perfect PR70 Deep Cameo specimens, though relatively scarce, have sufficient production, making even top-grade examples quite accessible.

A PR70 Deep Cameo grade sold at auction in February 2008 for $262, a price far lower than the market performance of high-grade circulation coin specimens.

For collectors with limited budgets, the 2006-S proof version offers the opportunity to acquire perfect-condition coins at reasonable prices, making it an ideal entry-level choice for building a proof coin collection system.

The auction record chart below displays the market price changes for this proof coin across different grades.

Market data shows that the 2006-S Proof version maintains stable trading activity within the proof coin collecting community.

 

2006-P Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel Value

The 2006-P Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike is a special version introduced by the U.S. Mint starting in 2005, crafted with a satin finish technique, with a mintage of over 847,000 pieces, sold to the public only in uncirculated mint sets.

What makes this version unique is its surface treatment, which falls between regular circulation strikes and proof coins, presenting a soft satin luster effect as an exclusive product for the collector market. The quality of most 2006-P Satin Finish Jefferson Nickels is concentrated in the MS67-MS69 grade range, making it relatively easy for collectors to obtain high-quality specimens.

From a collectible value perspective,  an SP69 grade specimen sold for $107 at a GreatCollections auction in September 2013. This price positioning makes it an option for collectors with limited budgets entering the Satin Finish series.

Compared to high-grade specimens of regular circulation strikes from the same year, while the Satin Finish version offers superior condition and easier acquisition, its market value and scarcity are relatively moderate.

The chart below displays the auction records for this Satin Finish nickel across different grades.

Market data indicates that the 2006-P Satin Finish version maintains stable trading activity in the collector market.

 

2006-D Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel Value

The 2006-D Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike shares the same mintage of 847,361 pieces as its Philadelphia counterpart, representing the Denver Mint’s contribution to the special collector-focused Satin Finish program.

While both P and D mint marks from this series exhibit similar striking characteristics, the Denver issue carries particular significance for collectors pursuing complete mint mark sets within the Satin Finish series.

Quality distribution mirrors the Philadelphia version, with most specimens grading between MS67-MS69, making high-grade examples readily accessible to collectors. In terms of market performance, an SP69FS grade specimen sold for $88 at an eBay auction in May 2021, positioning it at a notably lower price point than the Philadelphia version’s $107 recorded in 2013.

This price differential likely reflects timing rather than inherent rarity, as both versions share identical mintage figures and quality distributions.

The auction price history chart below illustrates this coin’s performance across various grade levels.

Trading records indicate steady collector interest in the 2006-D Satin Finish version within the specialized market for modern mint set varieties.

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

 

Rare 2006 Nickel Error List

While most 2006 Jefferson Nickels in circulation are worth only their face value, certain minting errors can transform these common coins into valuable collectibles. Error coins represent production mistakes that escaped quality control, ranging from subtle die anomalies to dramatic striking mishaps. Understanding these varieties helps collectors identify potentially valuable pieces hiding in pocket change.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

Doubled die errors occur when the die strikes the planchet multiple times at slightly different angles, resulting in visible doubling of design elements and inscriptions. On 2006 nickels, this doubling typically appears on Jefferson’s portrait, the date, or the word “LIBERTY.”

The error originates during the die hubbing process when misaligned impressions create duplicate images on the working die, which then transfers to struck coins.

Identification requires close examination with magnification, as the doubling manifests as clearly separated duplicate images rather than blurred or smeared details. The intensity of doubling directly impacts value—errors with greater intensity command higher premiums than those with subtle doubling.

A 2006-D Jefferson nickel graded MS65 with a pronounced doubled die obverse error sold for $950 at Heritage Auctions in 2023, demonstrating strong collector demand for dramatic examples. The 2006 doubled die varieties remain actively sought by error coin specialists, particularly specimens showing bold doubling in uncirculated condition.

2. Die Chip Error

Die chip errors occur when small pieces break and fall off from the die’s surface, leaving small holes that are eventually filled with metal pieces as the die continues working. These metal-filled cavities then transfer to struck coins, creating raised bumps or irregular protrusions on the coin’s surface.

On 2006 nickels, die chips most commonly appear on the reverse near Monticello or within the inscriptions, though they can manifest anywhere on either side.

The size, location, and visual appeal of the die chip significantly influence value—dramatic chips in prominent positions command substantial premiums over minor edge anomalies. Multiple die chips on a single coin increase desirability among error collectors. A 2006-P Jefferson nickel graded MS65 with multiple die chip errors on the reverse sold for $935 on eBay in 2021.

Die chip errors represent accessible entry points for error coin collectors, as they’re relatively common yet can achieve impressive values when prominently displayed on high-grade specimens.

3. Misaligned Die Error

Misaligned die errors occur when the obverse and reverse dies become misaligned due to technical or human errors, causing the designs on both sides to be out of alignment. Normally, the dies should be precisely aligned to ensure centered, upright designs on both faces. When misalignment occurs, the obverse design may be rotated at an angle relative to the reverse—for instance, Jefferson’s portrait might appear at a 45-degree angle while the Monticello design remains centered and upright.

This error creates visually striking coins with off-center or rotated designs that immediately catch the eye. The degree of misalignment directly correlates with value—subtle rotations of 10-15 degrees attract modest premiums, while extreme 90-180 degree rotations can achieve exceptional prices.

A 2006-P MS63 Jefferson nickel with a significant misaligned die error sold for $1,020 at a 2022 GreatCollections auction, demonstrating that even moderately graded examples command substantial premiums when the error is pronounced.

 

Where To Sell Your 2006 Nickel?

Once you’ve established your 2006 nickel value, choosing the right selling platform is crucial. Below you’ll find detailed profiles of leading online marketplaces, including key features, advantages, and considerations for each option.

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

 

2006 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2006 Nickel         

1. How much is a 2006 nickel worth?

Most 2006 nickels in circulation are worth only their face value of five cents. However, value increases significantly for coins in pristine condition or with special characteristics. A 2006 nickel with Full Steps designation, especially in high-grade condition such as MS-65 or higher, can fetch considerably more than face value.

The 2006-S proof nickels, which were sold exclusively to collectors, are worth approximately $5.24 or more. Uncirculated examples in grades MS-66 and above can command premium prices.

Error coins represent another category of valuable 2006 nickels, with most error specimens ranging between $10 and $50, though exceptional examples can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

2. What makes the 2006 nickel special or different?

The 2006 nickel is historically significant because it features the first forward-facing presidential portrait ever used on a U.S. coin, breaking from the traditional side-profile view that had been standard practice.

This design, called “Return to Monticello,” marked both the conclusion of the Westward Journey nickel series and the resumption of the regular Jefferson nickel series. The obverse was designed by Jamie Franki based on an 1800 Rembrandt Peale portrait and sculpted by Donna Weaver, while the reverse returned to Felix Schlag’s Monticello design with enhanced detailing.

This combination of modern innovation and traditional imagery makes the 2006 nickel a memorable milestone in American numismatics.

3. What are common errors found on 2006 nickels?

Common 2006 nickel errors include die chips, which occur when small pieces break off the die’s surface, leaving raised bumps on the coin. Doubled die errors, where design elements show visible doubling from misaligned striking, are another frequently encountered error, with a 2006-D MS65 example selling for $950 in 2023.

Struck-through errors, where foreign material gets caught between the die and planchet, can be particularly valuable, with one 2006-P example selling for $1,050 in 2023.

Other collectible errors include off-center strikes, die cracks, and improperly annealed planchets that display unusual coloring. The value depends on the error’s visibility, severity, and the coin’s overall condition.