2011 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

When examining 2011 nickel value, condition makes all the difference between ordinary currency and a worthwhile collectible.

Most circulated examples in Good condition trade for around 15 cents. However, coins with Full Steps designation—showing complete detail on Monticello’s stairs—command significant premiums, with some MS examples valued around $10.

The 2011-S proof nickel, struck exclusively for collectors in limited quantities, typically trades around $4. Understanding these value tiers helps collectors make informed decisions about which coins deserve closer examination.

 

2011 Nickel Value By Variety

The chart below shows how mint marks, Full Steps designation, and condition grades impact 2011 nickel values. 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 9 Most Valuable 2011 Nickel Worth Money

The chart above highlights how exceptional quality can transform ordinary 2011 nickels into significant collectibles.

The standout is a 2011-D Full Steps nickel graded MS68, valued at $6,463. This premium reflects the extreme rarity of finding such pristine preservation combined with complete step detail on Monticello.

The 2011-P Full Steps MS67 follows at $2,640, demonstrating how top-tier grades with sharp strike quality command serious collector interest.

Special designations also add value. The 2011-S First Strike in perfect PR70 grade reaches $100, while regular 2011-S proofs in PR70 trade around $62. These represent coins certified within specific timeframes by professional grading services.

Even mid-range certified Full Steps examples in MS66 grade can trade for $23 to $27 depending on mint mark. The substantial gap between circulated coins and certified high-grade specimens illustrates why condition and strike quality are paramount for 2011 nickel value.

 

History of the 2011 Nickel

The 2011 nickel entered circulation during the ongoing recovery from the Great Recession. High unemployment and widespread financial uncertainty affected millions of Americans, making everyday commerce and spending more conscious during this period.

By 2011, the Jefferson nickel had been part of American currency for over seven decades. The design had evolved in 2006 when the U.S. Mint introduced a new portrait by Jamie Franki, replacing Felix Schlag’s original forward-facing design that had appeared since 1938.

The economic downturn had sparked renewed interest in coin collecting during this period. More people began examining their coins carefully, looking for valuable errors or high-grade specimens that might have entered circulation.

The collector market for modern nickels showed increased activity as enthusiasts sought both investment opportunities and engaging hobbies.

Despite the difficult economic environment, the U.S. Mint continued regular nickel production in 2011 to support the nation’s commerce. These coins served as essential tools of daily transactions during a time when economic awareness had heightened for many American households.

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

 

Is Your 2011 Nickel Rare?

Use our CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify rare features and determine your 2011 nickel’s true value.

 

Key Features of the 2011 Nickel

The 2011 Jefferson Nickel features the updated design introduced in 2006. The obverse showcases Jamie Franki’s portrait of Jefferson, while the reverse continues Felix Schlag’s iconic Monticello design from 1938.

The Obverse of the 2011 Nickel

The obverse features a forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson. This design represents a departure from the original design used from 1938 to 2005.

The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the right side of the coin. The word “LIBERTY” is inscribed along the right rim, with the date “2011” placed below it. The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located on the obverse, positioned to the right of Jefferson’s collar area, near the edge of the coin.

The Reverse of the 2011 Nickel

The reverse displays a frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson’s estate. The building’s distinctive neoclassical architecture features a central dome and columned portico.

The Latin motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the building. Below the structure, the name “MONTICELLO” is inscribed. The denomination “FIVE CENTS” appears below that.

The inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” curves along the bottom rim of the coin. The steps at Monticello’s base are particularly significant to collectors, as coins displaying five or six fully defined steps are designated as Full Steps specimens and carry higher values.

Other Features of the 2011 Nickel

The 2011 Jefferson nickel is round with a smooth, plain edge. It weighs exactly 5 grams and measures 21.20 millimeters in diameter, with a thickness of approximately 1.95 millimeters. The coin consists of a copper-nickel alloy, specifically 75% copper and 25% nickel.

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

 

2011 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The U.S. Mint produced 2011 nickels at three facilities, with significantly different production volumes for each type. The Denver Mint led production with 540,240,000 nickels, while the Philadelphia Mint struck 450,000,000 pieces.

These mintages mean 2011-P and 2011-D nickels remain readily available in circulation today, making them accessible to collectors at face value or modest premiums for uncirculated examples.

The San Francisco Mint produced 1,673,010 proof nickels in deep cameo finish exclusively for collectors. These coins were never intended for circulation and were sold in special proof sets.

Survival data for all three varieties remains unknown, as tracking the exact number of coins still in existence proves difficult for modern issues.

However, the high original mintages of P and D nickels suggest abundant availability, while truly exceptional specimens with Full Steps designation or high grades remain notably scarce regardless of initial production numbers.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2011 Nickel Value

Condition plays the primary role in determining your coin’s worth. Look for signs of wear on Jefferson’s portrait and the details of Monticello, as circulated coins with visible wear typically trade near face value while pristine examples command higher premiums.

The mint mark (P, D, or S) and special features like Full Steps designation add another layer of value consideration. Coins showing complete step detail on Monticello or certified in high grades can be worth significantly more than typical circulated pieces.

CoinValueChecker App provides instant grade assessment and accurate value estimates for your 2011 nickel with just a quick scan.

 

2011 Nickel Value Guides

The U.S. Mint produced three distinct varieties of 2011 nickels, each serving different purposes in the numismatic market.

• 2011-P Nickel – Produced at the Philadelphia Mint
• 2011-D Nickel – Struck at the Denver Mint
• 2011-S DCAM Nickel – Created exclusively at the San Francisco Mint

The Philadelphia and Denver issues remain readily available today, while the San Francisco proof represents a collector-only product sold in special packaging. Each variety offers different collecting opportunities based on availability and intended purpose.

 

2011-P Nickel Value

The 2011-P nickel remains readily available in circulated condition, making it an accessible option for collectors at all levels. Circulated pieces typically trade near face value, while uncirculated examples with strong luster and well-defined details attract collector interest at modest premiums.

Coins displaying complete step detail on Monticello are notably scarce and highly valued. Full Steps examples in MS67+ grades have brought $2,640 at auction, demonstrating the substantial premium placed on exceptional strikes combined with superior surface preservation.

This combination of widespread availability in average condition and genuine scarcity in premium grades appeals to both beginning collectors and experienced numismatists.

Collectors evaluating these Philadelphia Mint nickels focus on strike sharpness, surface preservation, and overall eye appeal when selecting specimens for their collections.

The table below tracks certified auction results across various grade levels.

Market participation data shows how collectors have engaged with this issue over time.

 

2011-D Nickel Value

The 2011-D nickel from the Denver Mint presents similar collecting dynamics to its Philadelphia counterpart, though with its own distinctive characteristics.

Standard circulated examples hold minimal premium above face value, while uncirculated pieces without Full Steps designation remain affordable for most collectors.

Strike quality varies among Denver Mint production, with well-struck specimens showing fully defined steps on Monticello being particularly scarce. Coins exhibiting sharp details and attractive surfaces command incrementally higher prices than typical examples.

Full Steps examples in MS68 condition have reached $6,463 at auction, representing the highest recorded price for any certified 2011 nickel and demonstrating the exceptional rarity of this combination.

The clarity of Monticello’s architectural features, combined with surface quality and original mint luster, determines the desirability of individual specimens.

Trading activity for this Denver Mint issue reflects collector preferences across the numismatic marketplace.

 

2011-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2011-S DCAM nickel was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint as a proof-only product for collectors. These coins feature deep cameo contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields, creating a distinctive visual presentation not found in circulation strikes.

Proof production involves specially polished dies and multiple striking operations to ensure exceptional detail and surface quality. This careful manufacturing process, combined with protective packaging, allows most examples to achieve PR69 or PR70 grades.

Perfect PR70 DCAM specimens have reached $62 at auction, though this represents a modest premium compared to the dramatic price differences seen among business-strike Full Steps examples.

Collectors obtain these proofs through original 2011 proof sets or by purchasing individual certified examples. The consistent quality and attractive contrast make them accessible additions to Jefferson nickel collections at modest price points.

Certified sales data documents how these San Francisco proof nickels have traded over time.

Collector engagement with this proof issue can be observed through marketplace transactions.

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

 

Rare 2011 Nickel Error List

Production errors from 2011 add significant collecting appeal beyond standard business strikes. These minting mistakes range from subtle die imperfections to striking anomalies, with values determined by visibility and rarity.

1. Die Crack Errors

Die cracks form when stress fractures develop in the die surface during extended production runs. These cracks gradually fill with metal fragments, and when the die strikes a planchet, the metal-filled fissure transfers onto the coin as a raised line.

The appearance varies from thin hairlines to bold raised ridges crossing inscriptions or design elements. Placement significantly impacts value—cracks running through prominent features like Jefferson’s portrait or disrupting key lettering attract more collector attention than edge-located examples.

A 2011-P nickel graded MS62 with a relatively large die crack sold for $360 at a 2013 Great Collections auction, illustrating how distinctive crack placement combined with good preservation commands premiums.

2. Rim Cud Errors

Rim cuds occur when a section of the die edge breaks away, creating a void that fills with metal during striking. The resulting error appears as a raised bump or blob extending from the coin’s rim into the field, often with an unstruck area adjacent to it.

Size determines collectibility—larger, more prominent cuds covering significant portions of the rim area are substantially more valuable than small edge bumps. The cud’s position relative to important design elements also affects desirability.

A 2011-D nickel graded MS62 featuring a prominent rim cud brought $670 at Heritage Auctions, demonstrating the premium collectors place on substantial, well-preserved examples of this error type.

3. Die Clash Errors

Die clash errors result from the obverse and reverse dies striking each other forcefully without a planchet between them. This collision transfers portions of each die’s design onto the opposing die surface, creating ghost images on subsequently struck coins.

Look for faint outlines of Monticello appearing in the fields around Jefferson’s portrait, or traces of the obverse design visible on the reverse near Monticello. The clarity and extent of these transferred images determine collector value.

A 2011-P nickel graded MS60 with a die clash error on the obverse sold for $1,020 at a 2016 Great Collections auction, reflecting the premiums that well-preserved error coins can achieve.

 

Where to Sell Your 2011 Nickel?

Ready to turn your 2011 nickels into cash? Knowing where to sell online makes the process smoother. I’ve put together a detailed comparison of trusted selling platforms, including how they work, their advantages, and important considerations.

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

 

2011 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 2011 Nickel

1. Are 2011 nickels worth keeping?

Most 2011 nickels in circulated condition remain worth face value. However, uncirculated examples, error coins, and Full Steps specimens can command premiums. If you find a 2011 nickel in excellent condition with sharp details, it’s worth setting aside for evaluation.

Certified high-grade examples (MS66 and above) are scarce and valuable. The 2011-S proof nickels from San Francisco also carry collector value beyond face value.

2. What does “Full Steps” mean on a 2011 nickel?

Full Steps refers to complete, unbroken detail on all five or six steps leading to Monticello’s entrance on the reverse. Most nickels show weak or mushy step definition due to striking pressure and die wear. Coins displaying sharp, fully separated steps are significantly scarcer and highly valued by collectors.

This designation requires professional certification, as grading services examine the steps under magnification. Full Steps examples in MS67 grades have sold for $2,640 (2011-P) and $6,463 (2011-D), demonstrating the substantial premium this feature commands.

3. How can I tell if my 2011 nickel is an error coin?

Examine your coin carefully under good lighting or magnification. Look for raised lines across the surface (die cracks), design elements struck off-center, or unusual bumps along the rim (cuds). Die clash errors show ghost images of the opposite side bleeding through.

Most circulated coins will show normal wear rather than true minting errors. Professional authentication through certification services provides definitive identification if you suspect a significant error worth hundreds of dollars.