2006 Nickel Coin Value: Errors List, “P”, “S” & “D” Mint Mark Worth

2006 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $4,230. That record was a Grade 68 Monticello example sold through Heritage Auctions in January 2016 — a beautifully preserved coin that serious collectors pushed well into four figures. Upload a photo of yours below to get a quick value range. Then scroll down to check what 2006 Nickels are selling for on eBay right now.

 

2006 Nickel Value By Variety

Here’s a quick-reference table covering all 2006 Jefferson Nickel mint marks, varieties, and condition grades.

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 Full Steps sits at the top at $4,230—nearly four times the next coin on the list. It’s the only PCGS-certified example at MS-68 FS, making it a true one-of-one modern rarity. That coin had a dead-on strike and flawless surfaces, and collectors fought hard for it at Heritage Auctions in January 2016.

Philadelphia’s Full Steps coins fill out the next tier. An MS67 FS brought $999, and a regular MS67 sold for $450. Those prices make sense when you know how badly the 2006-P was struck—most pieces came off the press with soft details and heavy bag marks. Fewer than a dozen MS67 examples are known.

The San Francisco proof PR70 DCAM at $262 actually ranks below those Philly circulation strikes. That tells you condition rarity beats “collector product” status every time. One thing to watch: PCGS prices the PR70 DCAM around $25 while NGC values the equivalent Ultra Cameo at $125. Know which slab you’re buying before you bid.

The Satin Finish varieties ($107 for 2006-P SP69, $88 for 2006-D SP69) land in the middle—nice collector coins that stay affordable thanks to their controlled mintage and careful handling from day one.

 

History Of The 2006 Nickel

The 2006 Jefferson Nickel closed out the Westward Journey Nickel Series and launched the design we still use today.

In 2004 and 2005, Congress had authorized four special reverses honoring the Lewis and Clark expedition. Once those wrapped up, the Mint needed a permanent new look that felt fresh but still respected tradition.

Artist Jamie Franki won the competition with something nobody had seen on a U.S. coin before—a forward-facing presidential portrait. Based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting, it shows Jefferson at age 57 in a three-quarter view. Donna Weaver sculpted the final version. It was a bold break from Felix Schlag’s 68-year-old profile.

The obverse also carries “Liberty” in cursive script pulled directly from Jefferson’s own handwriting. That detail first appeared during the 2005 Westward Journey issues and carried forward into 2006. Before that, “LIBERTY” was always in standard block capitals.

For the reverse, the Mint brought back Schlag’s beloved Monticello but sharpened the architectural details. Columns, windows, and especially the steps came through crisper than on any pre-2004 nickel. Collectors started calling it the “Return to Monticello” design.

Here’s a fun detail: in 2020, the West Point Mint struck Proof and Reverse Proof Jefferson Nickels using this same 2006 design template. That’s how well it held up.

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 Coin Identifier and Value 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 nickel paired a brand-new forward-facing Jefferson portrait (by Jamie Franki, sculpted by Donna Weaver) with the classic Monticello reverse. Here’s what to look for on each side.

The Obverse Of The 2006 Nickel

Flip it over to the heads side and the first thing you’ll notice is Jefferson staring right at you. This was the first time any U.S. president appeared facing forward on a coin, ditching the side-profile tradition that had run since 1938.

The portrait comes from Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting of Jefferson at age 57. You’ll also see “In God We Trust,” the year “2006,” and “Liberty” written in cursive—pulled from Jefferson’s actual handwriting.

Look below the date for the mintmark. That’s the fifth different mintmark location in Jefferson nickel history, so don’t go hunting for it in the old spots.

The Reverse Of The 2006 Nickel

Turn it over and you’re looking at Monticello—Jefferson’s estate near Charlottesville, Virginia.

The basic design goes back to Felix Schlag’s 1938 original, but the 2006 version has sharper, crisper architectural lines than anything struck before 2004. Look closely at the steps at the base of the building. Those are the famous “Full Steps” that can multiply your coin’s value many times over. More on that below.

Around the building you’ll find “E Pluribus Unum,” “Monticello,” “Five Cents,” and “United States of America.”

Other Features Of The 2006 Nickel

The coin measures 21.2 millimeters across and weighs 5 grams. It’s 75% copper and 25% nickel—that’s what gives it the silvery look.

There’s no silver in this coin. The only Jefferson nickels with silver are the 1942–1945 War Nickels (35% silver). Based on late 2025 metal prices, the melt value of a 2006 nickel is approximately $0.059. Barely above face value.

The edge is plain—no reeding. Three mints struck this coin: Philadelphia (“P”), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S” for proofs only).

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

 

2006 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Denver cranked out over 809 million nickels in 2006. Philadelphia added about 693 million. That’s more than 1.5 billion nickels from a single year—enough to give roughly five coins to every person in the country. Tracking how many survived in high grade is basically impossible with those numbers.

Both mints also struck exactly 847,361 Satin Finish special strikes, sold only in mint sets. The “Unknown” survival data doesn’t mean they’ve vanished—just that not enough have been submitted for grading to build reliable population numbers.

San Francisco made proofs exclusively. The DCAM proof run hit 3,054,436 pieces and shows a 99% survival rate. That makes sense—proof buyers tend to store these carefully from day one.

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 Coin Identifier and Value 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

Five distinct versions were struck in 2006, each targeting a different segment of the 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 produced limited satin finish editions sold through special mint sets. Figuring out which version you have is step one—each follows different pricing based on condition and rarity.

 

2006-P Monticello Nickel Value

If you’re cherrypicking 2006 nickels from rolls, the Philadelphia coins will test your patience. Most of them look rough.

The Mint hammered out 693,120,000 pieces, and the high-speed production wore dies fast. You’ll see soft strikes, heavy bag marks, and mushy Monticello steps on the vast majority. MS65 coins turn up without much trouble, but MS66–67? Fewer than a dozen are known. Nothing higher has ever been certified.

Circulated pieces are worth face value—maybe a few dozen cents raw and uncirculated. But slabbed high-grade coins jump fast. An MS67 Full Steps carries a wholesale price around $1,050, and one MS67 example brought $450 at auction in September 2021.

One variety worth knowing: the CONECA-listed DDR-1001 (Doubled Die Reverse). This Class IX doubling shows up as extra thickness and notched serifs on “FIVE CENTS” and “MONTICELLO.” A certified MS65 runs $40–$80. CONECA has catalogued varieties DDR-1001 through DDR-1030 for the 2006-P, so there’s plenty to hunt for.

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

Market activity score: 35/100 as of Sep 2026 — down 5 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 40 (Jun 2026).

 

2006-D Monticello Nickel Value

Here’s a question worth asking: why did one 2006 nickel sell for $4,230 while billions of others are worth a nickel? The answer is Full Steps at MS68.

Denver struck 809,280,000 pieces—about 1.17 times Philadelphia’s output. But Denver’s presses were better calibrated that year, producing sharper strikes overall. That’s why the Denver mint is the one to target if you’re hunting Full Steps coins.

The star of the show is the sole PCGS-certified MS68 Full Steps example. It sold for $4,230 at Heritage Auctions on January 6, 2016. One coin, one grade, one-of-a-kind. At MS67, you’re looking at $45–$260. Circulated coins? Face value.

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

High-grade 2006-D Monticello nickels continue to draw strong collector interest.

Market activity score: 35/100 as of Sep 2026 — down 9 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 44 (Jun 2026).

 

2006-S Monticello DCAM Nickel Value

You won’t find this one in your pocket change. The 2006-S was sold only in proof sets—3,054,436 struck, none released into circulation.

DCAM (Deep Cameo) means mirror-like fields with frosted raised devices. That two-tone contrast is what makes a proof coin pop. Most 2006-S examples grade PR68–PR69 Deep Cameo, and even perfect PR70 specimens are accessible enough to keep prices reasonable. A PR70 Deep Cameo sold for $262 at auction in February 2008.

Watch the pricing gap between services, though. PCGS values the PR70 DCAM at approximately $25, while NGC prices its PR70 Ultra Cameo at $125. Always check which slab you’re looking at before comparing prices.

I think this is one of the best entry points for anyone starting a proof collection. Top grade, affordable price.

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.

Market activity score: 46/100 as of Sep 2026 — down 4 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 53 (Aug 2026).

 

2006-P Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel Value

Think of Satin Finish nickels as the middle child—not a regular strike, not a proof. They have a soft, even luster that looks different from both.

Only 847,361 were made, sold exclusively in Uncirculated Mint Sets. Most grade between MS67 and MS69, so finding a high-quality example isn’t hard. An SP69 sold for $107 at a GreatCollections auction in September 2013.

One thing to note: these are graded on the SP (Specimen) scale, not the standard MS scale. If you’re checking price guides, make sure you’re looking at SP values. Compared to the regular 2006-P circulation strikes, the Satin Finish version offers better surfaces with less hassle—but it doesn’t carry the same scarcity premium at the top end.

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

 

2006-D Monticello Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel Value

Same mintage as the Philly version: 847,361 pieces. Same quality range too—most land between MS67 and MS69.

An SP69FS sold for $88 at an eBay auction in May 2021, a bit less than the Philadelphia version’s $107 from 2013. We think that gap comes down to timing and market conditions rather than any real difference in rarity. Both versions share identical mintage and quality profiles.

If you’re building a complete Satin Finish set by mint mark, you need this coin. Otherwise, it’s a nice-to-have at a fair price.

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

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

 

Rare 2006 Nickel Error List

Most 2006 nickels in your pocket are worth five cents. But mistakes happen at the Mint, and when they do, those coins can be worth serious money. Here are the errors to look for.

1. Doubled Die Obverse (DDO)

By 2006, the Mint was using Single Squeeze hubbing—one massive press instead of multiple hits. That process still creates doubling, though. It’s called Class IX, where metal flow during the squeeze produces a faint secondary image.

The main DDO variety to know is the “Doubled Ear” (sometimes catalogued as FS-101). Grab a 5x loupe and look at Jefferson’s earlobe. You’ll see two distinct overlapping images. Every coin struck from that die shows it—this isn’t random damage.

Big warning: machine doubling is everywhere on 2006-P nickels. It looks like flat, shelf-like shadows on the lettering. Worth nothing. A real doubled die shows cleanly separated images. A genuine 2006-D DDO graded MS65 sold for $950 at Heritage Auctions in 2023.

2. Doubled Die Reverse (DDR)

CONECA has catalogued DDR varieties all the way from DDR-1001 through DDR-1030 for the 2006-P. That’s thirty listed varieties—clearly a systemic problem with the Monticello reverse hub that year.

The DDR-1001 is the one to start with. Flip the coin over and look at “FIVE CENTS” and “MONTICELLO” under magnification. The letters look fat—extra thick with notched serifs. That’s your diagnostic.

A certified MS65 DDR-1001 runs $40–$80. Cross-reference against the Variety Vista DDR Listings or CONECA Master List before you pay for grading. This is a great starter variety for anyone getting into error collecting.

3. Die Chip Error

When a small piece of the die breaks off, the hole fills with metal during striking. That metal transfers to every coin as a raised bump or blob.

On 2006 nickels, die chips show up most often on the reverse near Monticello or within the inscriptions. Size and location matter a lot for value—a dramatic chip on Jefferson’s face is worth far more than a tiny one on the rim.

A 2006-P MS65 with multiple reverse die chips sold for $935 on eBay in 2021. Minor chips on raw coins typically bring $3–$10 and aren’t worth the cost of slabbing.

4. Misaligned Die Error

When the obverse and reverse dies shift out of alignment, you get a coin where one side is rotated relative to the other. Jefferson’s portrait might sit at 45 degrees while Monticello stays upright.

The bigger the rotation, the bigger the value. A subtle 10–15 degree tilt adds a modest premium. A full 90–180 degree rotation? That’s a showpiece. A 2006-P MS63 with a significant misaligned die sold for $1,020 at a 2022 GreatCollections auction.

5. Struck-Through Error

Sometimes grease, a cloth fiber, or random debris lands between the die and planchet during striking. The foreign object blocks part of the design, leaving a blank spot or strange impression.

If the object stays embedded in the coin, that’s a “retained struck-through”—even more desirable. A 2006-P with a dramatic struck-through on the obverse brought $1,050 at Heritage Auctions in 2023. The weirder and more recognizable the pattern, the more collectors will pay.

6. Clipped Planchet Error

These happen when the metal strip feeds incorrectly through the blanking press. The punch overlaps a previously cut hole or catches the strip edge, producing a coin with a bite-shaped chunk missing.

Two things confirm a genuine clip versus post-mint damage: the “Blakesley Effect” (a weak or missing rim directly opposite the clip) and a weight under 5 grams. Curved clips come from overlapping punches; straight clips from misaligned strips. Both are genuine.

A 2006-P MS60 with a straight clip sold for $980 at Heritage Auctions in 2023. Small clips (5–10% missing) in circulated grades go for $20–$45. Dramatic clips (20–35% missing) in uncirculated grades can hit $125–$250.

7. Broadstrike Error

The collar is supposed to hold the planchet in place during striking. When it fails, the coin spreads outward—wider and flatter than the standard 21.2mm diameter. Unlike off-center strikes, broadstrikes usually show the complete design on both sides.

A typical 2006 broadstrike in MS63–64 runs $50–$100. But a remarkable example graded NGC MS-66 with 6 Full Steps brought $320, proving that the FS designation adds premium even on error coins. Check the diameter and confirm the weight is still around 5 grams.

8. Improperly Annealed Planchet Error

When planchets get the wrong temperature during annealing (the heating and cooling step before striking), the coin comes out with wild colors—black, grey, orange, yellow, or rainbow toning instead of normal copper-nickel silver.

These are easy to spot. A 2006-P MS63 with improper annealing on both sides sold for $710 at a Great Collections auction in 2022.

One important tip: a copper-colored 2006 nickel that still weighs 5 grams is an annealing error, not a wrong-planchet error. A genuine wrong planchet (like a nickel struck on a dime blank) would weigh about 2.27 grams.

 

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 interest: 2,880 collectors tracking this coin as of Sep 2026 — up 900 from Mar 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

*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 are worth five cents. The value jumps fast in high grades, though. A 2006 nickel with Full Steps in MS67 can bring $450–$999 depending on mint mark. The finest known—a 2006-D MS68 FS—sold for $4,230 at Heritage Auctions in January 2016.

Proof 2006-S nickels run about $5–$6 in PR69 DCAM. Top PR70 DCAM examples are valued at $25–$125 depending on grading service. Error coins are another story—common errors bring $20–$100, but standout pieces (struck-through, clipped planchet, improperly annealed) have sold for $700–$1,050 at major auctions.

2. What makes the 2006 nickel special or different?

It’s the first U.S. coin with a forward-facing presidential portrait. That alone makes it historically significant. The cursive “Liberty” on the obverse comes from Jefferson’s own handwriting—a detail that’s still on every nickel struck today.

The design wrapped up the Westward Journey series and launched the “Return to Monticello” era. Jamie Franki designed the obverse based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 portrait, Donna Weaver sculpted it, and the reverse brought back Schlag’s Monticello with sharper detail than pre-2004 issues.

3. What are common errors found on 2006 nickels?

The big ones: CONECA’s DDR-1001 Doubled Die Reverse ($40–$80 certified), the “Doubled Ear” DDO variety, die chips (raised bumps from broken die fragments), struck-through errors ($1,050 for a 2006-P example in 2023), and clipped planchets ($980 for a 2006-P MS60 in 2023).

Watch out for machine doubling on 2006-P nickels—it’s everywhere and worth nothing. It shows up as flat, shelf-like shadows on lettering. Real doubled dies have distinct, separated images.

4. Does the 2006 nickel contain silver?

No. It’s 75% copper and 25% nickel. The only silver Jefferson nickels are the 1942–1945 War Nickels with 35% silver content. Melt value on a 2006 nickel is approximately $0.059 based on late 2025 metal prices.

5. What is the CONECA DDR-1001 variety and how do I identify it?

It’s a Doubled Die Reverse on the 2006-P, officially catalogued by CONECA. The Single Squeeze hubbing process created Class IX doubling—design elements look thicker than normal rather than showing obvious separated images.

Check “FIVE CENTS” and “MONTICELLO” under 5x–10x magnification. Letters with extra thickness and notched serifs are your tell. CONECA lists DDR-1001 through DDR-1030 for the 2006-P, confirming a systemic production issue. A certified MS65 is worth $40–$80. Cross-reference Variety Vista before submitting.

6. How do I know if my 2006 nickel qualifies for Full Steps designation?

Look at the horizontal lines at the base of Monticello under 5x–10x magnification. PCGS requires five separate, mostly unbroken lines for the FS designation. NGC offers two tiers: 5FS and the tougher 6FS.

Each line must run complete from left to right across the full width of the steps. Even one tiny bridge merging two lines disqualifies it under NGC’s strict standard. The 2006-P is dramatically harder to find with FS than the 2006-D because of Philadelphia’s soft strikes. If you have an MS65+ coin with clean steps, professional grading could pay off.

7. What is the difference between a Satin Finish and a proof 2006 nickel?

The 2006-S proof was struck multiple times by polished dies on prepared planchets, producing mirror fields and frosted devices (the Deep Cameo effect). Sold in proof sets from San Francisco. Graded on the PR scale.

Satin Finish coins were struck once on textured planchets using regular dies, producing a soft, non-reflective luster. Sold only in Uncirculated Mint Sets. Graded on the SP (Specimen) scale. Both P and D versions had identical mintages of 847,361.

8. What should I look for to spot a valuable 2006 nickel in pocket change?

Start with the Monticello steps. Five sharp, unbroken lines under magnification mean Full Steps—and that can multiply value dramatically. Then check for errors: missing design areas (off-center), a bite out of the edge (clipped planchet—weigh it, should be under 5 grams), raised bumps (die chips).

Examine Jefferson’s earlobe for the Doubled Ear variety—look for distinct separated images, not blurry smearing. Most apparent doubling on 2006-P nickels is worthless machine doubling. Any coin with dramatic errors, clean Full Steps, or MS66+ surfaces deserves a closer look before you spend it.

9. What is the most valuable 2006 nickel ever sold?

The 2006-D Monticello MS68 Full Steps at $4,230, Heritage Auctions, January 6, 2016. It’s the only PCGS-certified coin at that grade—the absolute finest known.

Next up: the 2006-P MS67 FS at approximately $999, then the regular 2006-P MS67 at $450. For errors, a 2006-P struck-through brought $1,050 in 2023, and a 2006-P clipped planchet sold for $980 that same year at Heritage Auctions.

10. Is a 2006 nickel with no mint mark valuable?

It’s almost certainly a Philadelphia coin. Since 1980, Philly has placed a “P” on nickels, but the 2006-P had well-documented striking problems. Sometimes the mintmark area just came up weak.

A truly missing mintmark would be quite rare on a modern coin and potentially valuable. But these are extremely uncommon. Get it verified by PCGS or NGC before drawing conclusions—post-mint wear or damage can mimic a missing mintmark to the untrained eye.