2016 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 2016 nickel value reflects an important design in American coinage. These coins continue the forward-facing Jefferson portrait introduced in 2006. That year marked the first time a U.S. circulating coin featured a president facing forward.

Most 2016 nickels in average circulated condition are worth five to seven cents. Higher-grade examples can reach $1.74 to $2.53 in MS condition. Full Steps specimens command premium values between $5.96 and $8.70. Proof versions from San Francisco average $9.50.

Understanding these values helps collectors appreciate both the historical context and collectible potential of 2016 Jefferson nickels.

 

2016 Nickel Value By Variety

The 2016 Jefferson nickel was produced at three U.S. Mints, with each variety offering different values to collectors.

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 4 Most Valuable 2016 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 2016 nickels come from exceptional preservation and professional grading. A 2016-D nickel graded MS-68 reached $1,175 at auction. This demonstrates how condition dramatically affects value.

Another 2016-D MS-68 example sold for $285, showing price variation based on specific coin qualities. The Denver Mint produced billions of nickels that year. Finding one in near-perfect MS-68 condition remains extremely rare.

Philadelphia Mint coins also command premium prices in top grades. A 2016-P graded MS-70 reached $250, representing absolute perfection. Even a lower MS-62 example from Philadelphia sold for $125.

These auction results show what collectors pay for exceptional specimens. Grade makes the difference between face value and hundreds of dollars. Most circulated 2016 nickels remain worth just five cents.

 

History Of The 2016 Nickel

The 2016 Jefferson nickel represents a continuation of significant design changes made a decade earlier. In 2006, the U.S. Mint introduced a groundbreaking obverse design. This marked the first time a U.S. circulating coin featured a president facing forward.

Artist Jamie Franki created the forward-facing portrait based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting. Sculptor Donna Weaver brought the design to life through engraving. This new design replaced Felix Schlag’s profile portrait that had appeared since 1938.

The 2006 design change followed the Westward Journey Nickel Series from 2004-2005. Those commemorative coins honored the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennials. After the commemorative series concluded, the Mint returned Monticello to the reverse while adopting the modern forward-facing Jefferson portrait.

By 2016, this design had become the standard representation of Jefferson on American five-cent pieces. The year coincided with a presidential election cycle and ongoing economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis.

The 2016 nickel thus bridges Jefferson’s historical legacy with contemporary American life. It maintains the traditional copper-nickel composition while showcasing the modernized portrait design. This combination honors both numismatic tradition and design innovation that defines 21st-century U.S. coinage.

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

 

Is Your 2016 Nickel Rare?

For detailed rarity rankings and specific variety information about your 2016 nickel, our CoinValueChecker App provides accurate assessments to help you understand exactly how uncommon your coin is within the Jefferson nickel series.

 

Key Features Of The 2016 Nickel

The 2016 nickel weighs 5 grams and measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter. It contains 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin features designs by Jamie Franki and Felix Schlag. It has a plain edge with a thickness of 1.95 millimeters.

The Obverse Of The 2016 Nickel

The obverse displays Thomas Jefferson’s portrait based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting. The portrait shows Jefferson at age 57 as Vice President.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left portion. “LIBERTY” is positioned on the right above the date. The Liberty inscription uses Jefferson’s cursive handwriting style. This design was introduced in 2006 and continues on 2016 nickels.

The Reverse Of The 2016 Nickel

he reverse features Monticello, Jefferson’s historic home in Albemarle County, Virginia. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears across the top of the coin. The denominations “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” are inscribed at the bottom. The design shows enhanced detail in the dome, balconies, doors and windows. This restored version provides crisper imagery than earlier editions.

Other Features Of The 2016 Nickel

The 2016 nickel was produced at three facilities. Philadelphia minted 786,960,000 coins while Denver produced 759,600,000 pieces. San Francisco struck 977,355 proof coins exclusively for collectors. The mint mark appears on the obverse below the date since 1968. Felix Schlag’s initials “FS” appear below Jefferson’s bust, added in 1966.

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

 

2016 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Based on the 2016 Nickel Mintage & Survival Chart, production was dominated by circulation strikes from two major facilities. Philadelphia led with 786,960,000 pieces, while Denver followed closely with 759,600,000 coins. Together, these circulation issues exceeded 1.5 billion nickels.

In stark contrast, San Francisco produced just 977,355 Deep Cameo proof specimens exclusively for collectors. This represents less than 0.1% of total production.

The survival data remains unknown across all three mint marks, making it difficult to assess current population levels. The massive production gap between business strikes and proofs reflects the coin’s dual purpose: meeting everyday commerce needs while satisfying numismatic demand through premium collector editions.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2016 Nickel Value

Determining your 2016 nickel’s worth is straightforward with the right approach. Start by checking the mint mark below the date on the obverse. Examine the coin’s condition and look for special features like Full Steps on Monticello’s staircase. Proof coins with the “S” mint mark hold premium value over circulation strikes.

For instant, accurate valuations based on current market data and your coin’s specific characteristics, download the CoinValueChecker App today.

 

2016 Half Dollar Value Guides

• 2016-P (Philadelphia)– Business strike nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a “P” mintmark located on the obverse below the date. The Philadelphia facility struck 786,960,000 pieces for general circulation, making this the most common variety.
• 2016-D (Denver)– Business strike nickel minted at the Denver Mint, identifiable by the “D” mintmark positioned on the obverse beneath the date. Denver produced 759,600,000 coins, representing another high-mintage circulation issue.
• 2016-S DCAM (San Francisco Deep Cameo Proof)– Collector’s proof striking from the San Francisco Mint with mirror-like fields and frosted devices creating dramatic contrast. The DCAM designation indicates the highest quality cameo finish. San Francisco struck 977,355 proof specimens exclusively for collector sets.

The 2016 Jefferson Nickel was produced at three U.S. Mint facilities. Philadelphia and Denver struck over 1.5 billion coins combined for everyday circulation, while San Francisco created approximately 977,000 premium-quality proof specimens exclusively for collectors.

These proofs feature superior strikes and the distinctive deep cameo finish that distinguishes them from regular business strikes.

 

2016-P Nickel Value 

The 2016-P nickel appeals to collectors primarily for its Full Steps designation. This feature requires five or six fully defined steps on Monticello’s entrance. Such clear details are uncommon in circulation strikes. Finding examples with complete step definition proves challenging despite the high mintage.

Most circulated pieces remain at face value. Uncirculated specimens without Full Steps trade modestly. The premium increases significantly with superior strikes showing complete architectural details.

The highest recorded sale reached $250 for a coin graded MS70 with Full Steps. This December 2021 transaction demonstrates the value potential of top-quality examples.

Market activity for the 2016-P nickel shows moderate fluctuations throughout the year, with notable peaks in spring and fall months.

 

2016-D Nickel Value 

The 2016-D nickel holds special interest for its Full Steps examples. Denver-minted coins with fully struck Monticello steps are particularly sought after.

Collectors prize specimens showing all five or six complete steps without interruption. However, this feature remains difficult to find despite the substantial production numbers.

Standard circulation pieces trade at face value. Uncirculated examples without Full Steps command modest premiums. Superior strikes with complete step definition achieve significantly higher values.

The auction record stands at $1,175 for a coin graded MS68 with Full Steps. This March 2019 sale represents the highest price achieved for this variety.

Market activity for the 2016-D nickel displays relatively steady interest throughout the year, with occasional upticks in trading volume.

 

2016-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2016-S Deep Cameo proof nickel represents collector-grade production from San Francisco. The DCAM designation indicates deeply frosted devices contrasting sharply with mirror-like fields. This striking quality creates visual depth on both obverse and reverse.

These specimens were sold exclusively in proof sets, not released for circulation. Most examples grade between PR67 and PR70 DCAM. The controlled production environment ensures consistent quality across the mintage.

The auction record stands at $90 for a coin graded PR70 DCAM. This January 2021 sale reflects the premium for perfect proof specimens.

Market activity for the 2016-S DCAM nickel demonstrates consistent collector interest, with relatively stable trading patterns throughout the year.

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

 

Rare 2016 Nickel Error List

While 2016 Jefferson nickels lack widely recognized major error varieties, collectors still pursue common error types found across the Jefferson nickel series.

Understanding these minting mistakes helps identify potentially valuable specimens. Most errors occur during production when dies, planchets, or striking mechanisms malfunction.

1. Off-Center Strikes

Off-center errors happen when the planchet shifts during striking, causing misalignment between the die and blank. The design appears partially off the coin’s surface, with blank areas visible on one side.

The coin’s value increases with greater offset percentages and when the date remains visible. Minor shifts of 5-10% are common, while dramatic 50%+ offsets command substantial premiums.

These errors occur when the collar fails to properly position the planchet before the dies strike.

2. Die Cracks and Breaks

Die cracks form when stress causes fractures in the metal dies during extended production runs. These appear as raised lines on finished coins where metal filled the crack during striking.

Minor cracks hold modest value, while major breaks that create cuds—raised blobs of metal at the rim—are more desirable. Progressive die deterioration can produce interesting patterns.

Some collectors specifically seek die cracks affecting Jefferson’s portrait or Monticello’s details.

3. Lamination Errors

Lamination errors result from impurities or gas trapped within the metal during planchet preparation. This creates weak spots where the metal peels, flakes, or separates in layers.

The copper-nickel composition of Jefferson nickels makes them particularly susceptible to this error type. Lamination can appear as missing chunks, raised blisters, or partial separation. Larger affected areas and complete separations command higher prices than minor surface peeling.

4. Wrong Planchet Errors

These dramatic errors occur when a blank intended for another denomination accidentally enters the nickel production line. A 2016 nickel struck on a dime or cent planchet creates a notable size discrepancy.

The wrong metal composition also affects weight and appearance. These errors are uncommon because multiple safeguards typically prevent mixing planchets.

Collectors prize these mistakes for their obvious visual impact and rarity.

Where To Sell Your 2016 Nickel?

Finding the right marketplace for your 2016 nickel depends on its condition and rarity. For common circulated pieces, local coin dealers or bank exchanges work best. Valuable error coins or high-grade specimens deserve professional platforms.

We’ve compiled a detailed guide covering the best places to sell coins online, comparing their advantages and limitations to help you maximize returns.

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

 

2016 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2016 Nickel 

1. What makes a 2016 nickel valuable?

Most 2016 nickels are worth face value in circulated condition. Value increases significantly with the Full Steps designation, where all five or six steps on Monticello are completely defined.

Professional grading also matters—top-grade specimens can reach hundreds of dollars. Proof versions from San Francisco with Deep Cameo finish command premiums. Error coins with visible minting mistakes hold additional collector interest.

2. How can I identify a 2016-S proof nickel?

The 2016-S proof nickel bears an “S” mint mark below the date on the obverse. These coins feature mirror-like fields contrasting with frosted design elements, creating a dramatic Deep Cameo effect.

They were never released for circulation, only sold in collector proof sets. The superior striking quality and sharp details distinguish them from regular business strikes produced in Philadelphia and Denver.

3. Are 2016 nickels with errors rare?

While 2016 nickels lack widely recognized major error varieties, common error types still appear occasionally. Off-center strikes, die cracks, lamination errors, and wrong planchet errors can occur.

However, most are caught during production. Finding genuine errors requires careful examination. Dramatic errors with visible characteristics command higher premiums than minor minting variations that need magnification to detect.