2009 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 2009 nickel value reflects a unique chapter in modern American coinage. This year produced the lowest circulation mintage since 1950, with only 86.64 million coins struck. The Great Recession reduced demand for coins significantly.

Collectors actively seek these scarce pieces today. Circulated 2009-P nickels average $0.23 to $0.78 in typical conditions. Mint State examples show stronger performance, averaging around $14.80 for Philadelphia issues.

The combination of low production and historical context makes 2009 Jefferson nickels noteworthy additions to any collection.

 

2009 Nickel Value By Variety

Collectors can find 2009 nickels from Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco mints, plus special satin finish strikes.

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 2009 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 2009 nickels showcase how condition dramatically impacts worth. Top-grade examples command significant premiums over typical specimens.

The 2009-P in MS69 leads the ranking at $395. This Philadelphia mint coin represents the finest circulated strike grade. Close behind, the 2009-D in MS66 reaches $295. Both demonstrate strong collector demand for superior preservation.

Satin finish strikes occupy notable positions on the list. The 2009-P satin finish in MS68 sells for $180. Denver’s equivalent grade achieves $130. These special coins feature enhanced surface quality.

Proof nickels from San Francisco also perform well. A perfect PR70 specimen commands $140. Even PR69 examples maintain $42 value. Lower mint state grades like MS65 and MS66 remain accessible, starting around $32 to $43.

Grade quality clearly determines value across all 2009 nickel varieties.

 

History Of The 2009 Nickel

The 2009 nickel marks a significant moment in modern American coinage. This year produced the lowest circulation mintage since 1950. Economic conditions drastically reduced coin production nationwide.

The Great Recession severely impacted coin demand during 2008 and 2009. American families reduced spending as unemployment rose sharply. Many people raided savings and piggy banks to pay bills. This brought countless older coins back into circulation through banks.

The U.S. Mint responded to declining demand decisively. In April 2009, nickel and dime production temporarily stopped. Philadelphia struck just 39,840,000 nickels that year. Denver managed only 46,800,000 pieces. These figures represented an 86% drop from 2008 production levels.

The 2009-P nickels first appeared in circulation during June 2009. Denver pieces arrived even later, surfacing in early 2010. Both varieties became instantly scarce in pocket change.

The design continued featuring Jamie Franki’s forward-facing Jefferson portrait. Felix Schlag’s Monticello reverse remained unchanged.

This combination had been standard since 2006. The dramatic production decline made 2009 nickels highly sought by collectors today.

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

 

Is Your 2009 Nickel Rare?

Determining your coin’s rarity requires examining specific details and characteristics. Mint marks, condition, and strike quality all affect scarcity. Use the CoinValueChecker App to quickly assess your 2009 nickel’s rarity level.

 

Key Features Of The 2009 Nickel

The 2009 nickel displays specific design elements introduced in 2006. These features distinguish it from earlier Jefferson nickels. Examining both sides reveals important identifying characteristics.

The Obverse Of The 2009 Nickel

The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing forward toward the viewer. This portrait was designed by Jamie Franki based on Rembrandt Peale’s work. Jefferson’s face shows remarkable detail with clear facial features. “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left side. The word “LIBERTY” is written in Jefferson’s script on the right.

The date “2009” sits at the bottom below “LIBERTY”. The mint mark is positioned directly below the date. Philadelphia coins show “P” while Denver pieces display “D.”

The Reverse Of The 2009 Nickel

The reverse showcases Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate. This architectural view was originally designed by Felix Schlag. The building displays clear columns and distinctive dome details.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs gracefully across the top. “MONTICELLO” is inscribed directly below the building. “FIVE CENTS” appears prominently at the lower section. “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves around the bottom edge. The designer’s initials “FS” are placed near Monticello.

Other Features Of The 2009 Nickel

The coin weighs 5 grams with a 21.2-millimeter diameter. Its composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel. The edge remains perfectly smooth without any decoration. Standard thickness measures 1.95 millimeters across the coin. Proof versions from San Francisco carry an “S” mint mark.

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

 

2009 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The 2009 nickel series shows dramatically varied production across different varieties. Philadelphia struck 39,840,000 circulation pieces while Denver produced 46,800,000 coins. These represent the lowest circulation mintages since 1950.

San Francisco contributed 2,179,867 proof coins in deep cameo finish. Special satin finish strikes were more limited in production. Both Philadelphia and Denver satin finish varieties reached 784,614 pieces each. This includes both standard and full steps versions.

The mintage comparison clearly shows circulation strikes dominating total production. Proof and satin finish varieties combined represent less than 5% of output.

Unfortunately, survival data remains unknown for all 2009 varieties. Current survival rates cannot be accurately determined. This lack of information makes condition census difficult to establish. Collectors must rely on grading service population reports instead.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2009 Nickel Value

Determining your 2009 nickel’s value requires examining several key factors. Mint mark location identifies which facility produced your coin. Condition assessment determines the grade from circulated to mint state.

Special characteristics like full steps or errors significantly impact worth. Professional grading provides the most accurate valuation for valuable specimens.

However, getting a quick initial assessment is now simple. Download the CoinValueChecker App to instantly evaluate your 2009 nickel’s potential value.

 

2009 Nickel Value Guides

• 2009-P Nickel– Philadelphia circulation strike with 39,840,000 mintage
• 2009-D Nickel– Denver circulation strike with 46,800,000 mintage
• 2009-S DCAM Nickel– San Francisco proof in deep cameo with 2,179,867 mintage
• 2009-P Satin Finish Special Strike– Philadelphia special strike with 784,614 mintage
• 2009-D Satin Finish Special Strike– Denver special strike with 784,614 mintage

The 2009 nickel series includes five distinct collectible varieties. Circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver represent the most common types. San Francisco produced proof coins exclusively for collectors. Satin finish special strikes came in mint sets only.

These premium coins featured enhanced surface quality and careful handling. They were struck under higher pressure than regular coins. Most satin finish examples grade between MS66 and MS68.

Only about 30 pieces reached MS69 grade from PCGS. None have been certified finer than MS69. Collectors seek these varieties for their superior preservation and limited availability.

 

2009-P Nickel Value

The 2009-P nickel stands out among modern Jefferson nickels. Philadelphia struck just 39,840,000 pieces that year. This represents the lowest circulation mintage since 1959.

Economic recession significantly reduced coin demand during 2009. Collectors actively sought these coins when mintage figures became public.

Full Steps designation dramatically affects value for this issue. This term describes Monticello’s staircase showing complete horizontal lines. Most circulation strikes display weak step details due to insufficient pressure.

Well-struck examples with Full Steps remain exceptionally scarce. Finding specimens above MS65 with Full Steps proves challenging. The finest certified example reached MS69 with Full Steps. This specimen sold for $395 in January 2023. The sale demonstrates strong collector interest in premium examples.

Recent auction records demonstrate how condition grade significantly influences final sale prices.

Market activity remains relatively steady with consistent collector interest across recent months.

 

2009-D Nickel Value

The 2009-D nickel shares similar scarcity with its Philadelphia counterpart. Denver produced 46,800,000 pieces during the recession year. This mintage exceeded Philadelphia’s output but remained dramatically low. Production ceased in April alongside other denominations. Collectors recognized the opportunity early and pulled many from circulation.

Full Steps examples prove exceptionally difficult to locate for Denver strikes. Most circulation pieces show weakness across Monticello’s staircase details. Sharp strikes demonstrating complete horizontal lines command substantial premiums. Finding specimens grading above MS65 with Full Steps remains challenging.

The highest certified example reached MS66 with Full Steps designation. This specimen achieved $295 at auction in March 2023. While lower than the Philadelphia record, this demonstrates strong market demand.

Auction records show premium examples achieving notably higher prices based on certification levels.

Market activity demonstrates moderate but consistent trading interest among collectors seeking this variety.

 

2009-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2009-S nickel exists only as a proof coin for collectors. San Francisco struck 2,179,867 pieces exclusively in proof sets. Deep Cameo designation indicates strong contrast between mirror fields and frosted design elements. This finish creates striking visual appeal compared to circulation strikes.

Most proof examples grade between PR68 and PR69 Deep Cameo. Perfect PR70 specimens remain attainable with moderate searching. Well-struck proofs generally show consistent quality across the mintage.

A PR70 Deep Cameo example sold for $140 in March 2022. Standard PR69 Deep Cameo specimens typically trade between $40 and $50. Values remain modest compared to circulation strike varieties.

Auction records show proof specimens maintaining stable pricing with minimal variation across different grade levels.

Market activity indicates steady but limited trading volume typical of readily available proof issues.

 

2009-P Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel Value

The 2009-P satin finish nickel represents a special collector issue. Philadelphia produced 784,614 pieces exclusively for mint sets. These coins feature enhanced surface quality from specially prepared planchets. The satin finish process creates distinctive texture compared to regular strikes.

Most examples grade between SP66 and SP68 upon certification. Finding specimens in SP69 condition proves challenging due to handling during production. The special strike designation indicates superior manufacturing care throughout the minting process.

An SP68 Full Steps example achieved $180 in December 2018. This represents the documented auction record for this variety. Values vary based on grade and Full Steps designation quality.

Market activity shows limited but steady trading typical of specialized mint set issues.

 

2009-D Satin Finish Special Strike Nickel Value

The 2009-D satin finish nickel mirrors Philadelphia’s special production approach. Denver produced 784,614 pieces exclusively in mint sets. These coins feature superior surface quality from specially burnished planchets. The satin finish technique creates distinctive texture unavailable in circulation strikes.

Most certified examples fall between SP66 and SP68 grades. Higher grades remain challenging to locate due to production handling. These coins demonstrate enhanced quality compared to standard Denver strikes.

An SP68 Full Steps specimen sold for $130 in March 2018. This represents the documented auction record for the Denver variety. Values remain modest compared to regular strike premium examples.

Market activity indicates limited but consistent collector interest in this specialized mint set variety.

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

 

Rare 2009 Nickel Error List

Jefferson nickels can exhibit various minting errors across the series. These production mistakes occur during die preparation and striking processes.

Understanding common error types helps collectors identify valuable specimens. The following errors may occasionally appear on Jefferson nickels from various years.

1. Doubled Die Errors

Doubled die errors occur when dies receive multiple, misaligned impressions from the hub during production. This creates visible doubling on letters, dates, or design elements. The doubling appears raised and rounded rather than flat. Common areas include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “MONTICELLO.” Prominent examples exist from various years including 1939, 1943, and modern issues. Values range from $10 to several hundred dollars depending on doubling severity and coin condition.

2. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes happen when planchets misalign during striking. The design appears shifted toward one edge rather than centered. Greater off-center percentages typically command higher premiums.

A 10-20% off-center strike might bring $50-$100, while dramatic 30-50% examples can reach several hundred dollars.

The date and mint mark must remain visible for authentication purposes. These errors are visually striking and highly collectible.

3. Die Break and Die Crack Errors

Die breaks occur when striking dies develop cracks or fractures. These imperfections transfer raised lines onto finished coins. Small die cracks are relatively common and add modest value. Major die breaks or “cuds” that reach the rim are more significant.

Values typically range from $5 to $30 for minor cracks. Dramatic die breaks affecting major design elements command higher prices. The location and prominence of the break determine collectibility.

4. Struck Through Errors

Struck through errors happen when foreign materials enter the coining chamber during striking. Common materials include grease, cloth fragments, or metal debris. The obstruction prevents full design transfer, creating weak or missing areas.

Grease-filled dies produce the most common examples. More dramatic struck-through errors involving larger objects are scarcer and more valuable. These errors typically sell for $10 to $50 depending on size and visibility.

5. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipped planchets result from improper blank cutting during production. The clips can be straight, curved, or ragged depending on the cause. Straight clips occur when blanks overlap during punching. Curved clips happen when cutting near the strip’s edge.

Multiple clips on one coin are particularly desirable. Values range from $25 for minor clips to several hundred dollars for dramatic multiple-clip examples in high grades.

Where To Sell Your 2009 Nickel?

Ready to sell your 2009 nickel? We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the best online selling platforms. Each option offers distinct advantages and considerations. Our detailed analysis covers pros and cons to help you choose wisely. Find the right marketplace for your coins below.

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

 

2009 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2009 Nickel

1. How much is a 2009 nickel worth today?

Circulated 2009 nickels typically range from $0.23 to $0.78 depending on condition. Mint State examples average around $14.80, while top-grade specimens command significantly higher prices.

A 2009-P in MS69 reached $395 at auction. Proof versions trade between $40 and $140. Special satin finish strikes sell for $130 to $180. Grade quality significantly determines final value.

2. How many 2009 D nickels were minted?

Denver struck 46,800,000 circulation nickels in 2009. This represents one of the lowest mintages in the modern Jefferson series. Combined with Philadelphia’s 39,840,000 pieces, total circulation production reached just 86.64 million coins.

These figures marked an 86% decline from 2008 levels. The Great Recession dramatically reduced coin demand that year.

3. Is the 2009 nickel rare?

Yes, 2009 nickels are considered scarce. They represent the lowest circulation mintage since 1950. Economic recession caused the U.S. Mint to temporarily halt production in April 2009. The dramatic 86% drop from previous year created instant scarcity.

Collectors actively sought these coins when mintage figures became public. Both Philadelphia and Denver varieties remain difficult to find in circulation today.