2016 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

2016 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $1,175. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through EA Auctions in March 2019 — a four-figure sale on a coin that’s barely a decade old, which tells you condition really matters here. Upload a photo of yours below to get a quick value range. Then scroll down to check what 2016 Nickels are selling for on eBay right now.

 

2016 Nickel Value By Variety

Three mints struck 2016 Jefferson nickels, and each variety carries different collector premiums. Check your grade below in the Value Guides section for exact pricing.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 4 Most Valuable 2016 Nickel Value Results: Record Auction Sales

The king of 2016 nickels is a Denver coin. A 2016-D graded MS-68 Full Steps by PCGS hammered for $1,175 via eBay in March 2019. Full Steps means every horizontal line on Monticello’s staircase is sharp and unbroken — and at MS-68, the surfaces are virtually flawless. Out of 759,600,000 Denver nickels that year, only a handful survived in that condition.

Another MS-68 FS from Denver brought $285, showing how eye appeal and surface quality create real price swings even at the same grade. Philadelphia coins compete at the top too. A 2016-P MS-70 Full Steps reached $250 in December 2021 — absolute perfection in both strike and surfaces. Even a 2016-P MS-62 with rotated dies and struck-through debris pulled $124.99, proving dramatic errors carry serious weight.

Heritage Auctions data shows a 2016-D MS-65 Five Full Steps example selling for approximately $500. That Full Steps label transforms value at every grade level. The gap between a five-cent pocket coin and a four-figure slabbed gem is one of the wildest stories in modern coinage.

 

History Of The 2016 Nickel Value

The 2016 nickel carries a design that debuted in 2006 — the first time a U.S. circulating coin showed a president looking straight at you instead of in profile. Artist Jamie Franki based the three-quarter portrait on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 oil painting of Jefferson at age 57, when he was Vice President. Sculptor Donna Weaver engraved it, replacing Felix Schlag’s classic profile that had run since 1938.

Here’s a fun bit of history: Schlag won that original 1938 design out of 390 competing artists and took home a $1,000 prize from the U.S. Treasury. His portrait served American commerce for nearly 70 years.

The 2006 redesign followed the Westward Journey Nickel Series of 2004–2005, which celebrated the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark bicentennials. Once those commemorative reverses wrapped up, the Mint brought back the Monticello reverse and paired it with the new forward-facing Jefferson.

One thing that trips up beginners constantly: the small “FS” letters below Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse stand for Felix Schlag, not Full Steps. They were added in 1966 to honor Schlag. They have zero connection to the Full Steps strike designation from PCGS and NGC.

The 2016 nickel also sits in an interesting spot in mint-mark history. The Coinage Act of 1965 pulled mint marks off all U.S. coins through 1967. When they came back in 1968, they moved from the reverse to the obverse below the date — right where you’ll find them on every 2016 nickel.

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

 

Is Your 2016 Nickel Value Worth More Than Face? Understanding Rarity

Here’s what catches people off guard: the San Francisco proof has the lowest mintage by far at 977,355, yet it’s not necessarily the hardest 2016 nickel to find in top grade. Proofs are struck with care, so high grades are common. Meanwhile, a Denver or Philly coin in MS-68 Full Steps is a completely different kind of rare — billions were made, but almost none survived with perfect steps and gem surfaces. Raw mintage numbers don’t tell the whole story. Strike quality does.

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

 

Key Features That Affect 2016 Nickel Value

The 2016 nickel weighs 5 grams and measures 21.2 millimeters in diameter. It contains 75% copper and 25% nickel, with a plain edge and a thickness of 1.95 millimeters.

The Obverse Of The 2016 Nickel

Look at the front of your 2016 nickel and you’ll see Jefferson staring right at you — that three-quarter portrait based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting. Jamie Franki designed it, Donna Weaver engraved it, and it’s been on every nickel since 2006.

“IN GOD WE TRUST” runs along the left side. Over on the right, “LIBERTY” appears in Jefferson’s own cursive handwriting above the date. Flip the coin to check your mint mark — actually, don’t flip it. The mint mark (“P,” “D,” or “S”) sits right on the obverse, just below the date.

You’ll also spot “FS” initials below Jefferson’s bust. Those honor Felix Schlag, the original 1938 designer. They were added in 1966. They have nothing to do with the Full Steps grading designation — I see that confusion constantly.

The Reverse Of The 2016 Nickel

Flip it over and you’re looking at Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia plantation home. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches across the top. “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” sit at the bottom.

Now look at the base of the building’s portico — those horizontal lines along the entrance staircase. That’s where the money is. Those step lines determine the Full Steps designation. If they’re sharp and unbroken, you might be holding a coin worth real money. The restored reverse design gives crisper detail in the dome, balconies, doors, and windows compared to earlier versions.

Other Features Of The 2016 Nickel

Philadelphia cranked out 786,960,000 coins. Denver followed with 759,600,000. San Francisco struck just 977,355 proof coins for collector sets — less than 0.1% of total 2016 production.

Felix Schlag’s initials “FS” appear below Jefferson’s bust, added in 1966. The mint mark sits on the obverse below the date, moved there from the reverse in 1968 after the mint-mark hiatus of 1965–1967 under the Coinage Act of 1965.

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

 

2016 Nickel Value Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia led production with 786,960,000 pieces. Denver was close behind at 759,600,000. Together, that’s over 1.5 billion nickels pumped into circulation — enough to give roughly five nickels to every person in the country.

San Francisco? Just 977,355 Deep Cameo proofs. That’s less than 0.1% of total output.

For perspective, the lowest-mintage Jefferson nickel ever is the 1950-D at 2,630,000 pieces. The 2016 Denver run is nearly 289 times larger. Yet MS-68 Full Steps examples from either mint are extreme condition rarities. PCGS and NGC population reports confirm only a handful of certified coins at that level. Massive production doesn’t mean consistent strike quality — and weak steps happen regardless of how many coins roll off the press.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2016 Nickel Value

Start with the mint mark below the date — “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, “S” for San Francisco.

Next, flip it over and examine Monticello’s staircase. Count the horizontal step lines. If all five or six are crisp and unbroken with no mushy spots, your coin may qualify for the FS designation from PCGS or the 5FS/6FS designation from NGC. That label alone can multiply value many times over. San Francisco proofs with the “S” mint mark carry a premium over circulation strikes at every grade.

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

 

2016 Nickel Value Guides

• 2016-P (Philadelphia) — Business strike nickel produced at the Philadelphia Mint with a “P” mintmark on the obverse below the date. Philadelphia struck 786,960,000 pieces, making this the highest-mintage 2016 variety. In MS-67 Full Steps, these coins have sold for approximately $45 at auction per PCGS records, with a perfect MS-70 FS example reaching $250 in December 2021.
• 2016-D (Denver) — Business strike nickel from the Denver Mint, identifiable by the “D” mintmark beneath the date. Denver produced 759,600,000 coins; while plentiful in circulated grades, MS-68 Full Steps specimens are extreme rarities with the record sale of $1,175 in March 2019. MS-67 FS examples typically trade around $50, while MS-65 Five Full Steps coins have sold for approximately $500 at Heritage Auctions.
• 2016-S DCAM (San Francisco Deep Cameo Proof) — Collector’s proof striking from the San Francisco Mint, featuring mirror-like fields and heavily frosted devices that create dramatic visual contrast. “DCAM” (Deep Cameo) is the highest-quality cameo designation for proof coins. San Francisco struck only 977,355 proof specimens, all sold in official U.S. Mint proof sets. The auction record stands at $90 for a PR-70 DCAM example achieved in January 2021.

Those three varieties cover the full spectrum: Philadelphia and Denver made coins by the billions for pocket change, while San Francisco crafted a limited collector edition with mirror finishes and the sharpest strikes in the series.

 

2016-P Nickel Value 

You’d think 786,960,000 coins would mean Full Steps examples are everywhere. They’re not. The strike physics work against you. The deepest part of the obverse die — where metal flows to fill Jefferson’s portrait — sits directly opposite Monticello’s steps on the reverse. Metal gets pulled toward Jefferson’s face and away from the staircase, leaving those lower steps mushy or blended on most coins.

Circulated pieces? Face value. Uncirculated examples without Full Steps run $0.60 to $2 depending on grade. Nothing exciting there.

But MS-67 Full Steps examples have sold for approximately $45 per PCGS records, and the top sale hit $250 for an MS-70 Full Steps coin in December 2021. That’s a coin PCGS called flawless in both strike and surfaces. I think the Philly Full Steps coins are underappreciated compared to Denver — cherrypicking rolls could pay off here.

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 

$1,175 for a nickel. That’s the record, and it belongs to Denver. A 2016-D MS-68 Full Steps certified by PCGS sold via eBay in March 2019, making it the most valuable 2016 nickel ever auctioned. A second MS-68 FS brought $285 — same grade, different price, because eye appeal and surface quality always matter.

Standard circulated coins trade at face value. Raw uncirculated pieces without Full Steps bring $0.90 to $13 depending on grade. The real premiums kick in with Full Steps: roughly $50 for MS-67 FS, around $500 for MS-65 Five Full Steps at Heritage Auctions, and that $1,175 ceiling at MS-68 FS.

One thing to watch: PCGS and NGC handle Full Steps differently. PCGS uses a single “FS” label for five or more complete steps. NGC awards separate “5FS” and “6FS” designations since 2004. A 6FS coin is rarer and commands a bigger premium. Always check which service graded your Denver nickel before comparing prices.

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

Can you find a 2016-S proof nickel in pocket change? Almost impossible. These were sold exclusively in official U.S. Mint proof sets — never dumped into circulation. “DCAM” stands for Deep Cameo, the highest cameo designation for proofs, describing that gorgeous contrast between heavily frosted devices and mirror-polished fields.

Most examples grade between PR-67 and PR-70 DCAM because San Francisco’s proof process is tightly controlled. The top sale hit $90 for a PR-70 DCAM in January 2021. Lower grades (PR-67 and below) trade between $5 and $15, while PR-69 DCAM examples are easy to find for $10 to $23.

Here’s something worth knowing: Full Steps designations don’t apply to proofs. Proofs get struck multiple times with polished dies and planchets, so sharp steps are expected. Neither PCGS nor NGC awards FS, 5FS, or 6FS to any proof specimen.

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 Value Error List

No major recognized die varieties exist for 2016 Jefferson nickels, but several error types show up regularly — and some carry serious premiums. Knowing what to look for helps you separate a genuine mint error from post-mint damage, which looks similar but adds nothing to the value.

1. Lamination Errors

Trapped gas or impurities in the planchet metal create weak spots where the surface peels, flakes, or separates in visible layers. The 75% copper / 25% nickel composition makes Jefferson nickels more prone to this than silver or clad coins.

A 2016-P nickel graded MS-63 with an obverse lamination error sold for $435 at GreatCollections in 2020. Most lamination errors on 2016 nickels trade between $100 and $400 depending on how dramatic the peeling looks and where it sits on the coin.

2. Off-Center Strikes

When the planchet shifts before the dies come together, you get a design that’s partially off the coin with blank metal showing on one or more sides. The collar failed to seat the planchet properly.

Minor 5–10% shifts are the most common and add small premiums. Dramatic 50%-plus offsets with a fully visible date can bring $50 to $150 or more. The date visibility is key — no date, much less demand.

3. Rotated Dies Errors

Hold your nickel upright and flip it top to bottom. Both sides should be right-side up. If the reverse is tilted or upside down, you’ve got a rotated die error — the reverse die wasn’t aligned properly during production.

A 2016-P with combined rotated dies and struck-through debris was certified ANACS MS-63 and sold through GreatCollections. A PCGS-certified rotated die example fetched $124.99 at auction. Value climbs as the rotation angle increases toward 180 degrees.

4. Struck-Through Grease or Debris Errors

Foreign material — grease, cloth fibers, metal fragments — gets trapped between the die and planchet during striking. The debris blocks metal from filling the die completely, leaving a soft or missing impression in that area.

On Jefferson nickels, grease fills most commonly hit Monticello’s steps or Jefferson’s portrait details. A major struck-through that obscures the date or a primary design element is worth significantly more than minor fill on secondary areas. Look carefully at any mushy spots — they might not be wear.

5. Die Cracks and Breaks

Stress fractures develop in the dies during long production runs. On the finished coin, these show up as raised lines where metal filled the crack during striking. Minor cracks add modest value. Major breaks that create a raised blob at the rim — called a cud — are the real prizes for error collectors.

Some collectors specifically hunt for die cracks crossing Jefferson’s face or Monticello’s facade. Every coin struck from that damaged die shows the same crack, making them identifiable and reproducible.

6. Improperly Annealed Planchet Errors

Before striking, planchets get heated (annealed) to soften the metal for proper die flow. Skip that step or do it poorly, and the metal stays too hard. The result: weak details, poor metal flow, and an unnaturally dull or mottled surface.

On 2016 nickels, look for a distinctive grainy or dark surface paired with weakly struck high points. The coin looks consistently “off” in a way that storage damage or mishandling can’t replicate. That consistency is what makes it collectible.

7. Wrong Planchet Errors

This is the showstopper. A blank meant for another denomination accidentally enters the nickel press. Picture a 2016 nickel design struck on a dime planchet — smaller, different composition, obviously wrong the moment you see it. No measuring tools needed.

These are uncommon because automated safeguards usually catch mixed planchets. When one slips through, even non-collectors recognize something’s wrong. That instant visual impact drives strong demand.

Where To Sell Your 2016 Nickel Value Coins For Top Dollar

Common circulated pieces worth face value? A local dealer or bank is your fastest option with no fees. For valuable error coins, MS-67+ specimens, and Full Steps examples, you want professional auction platforms like Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers Galleries, or GreatCollections where specialized bidders compete for premium slabbed coins. We put together a full guide comparing your best options.

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

 

2016 Nickel Value Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2016 Nickel Value

1. What makes a 2016 nickel value higher than face value?

Three things drive premiums: the Full Steps (FS) designation, high Mint State or proof grades, and minting errors. Most 2016 nickels are worth five cents in circulated condition. But a coin with all five or six Monticello steps fully defined, professionally certified by PCGS or NGC, can reach $50 to $1,175 depending on grade and mint mark. Dramatic errors add value too, even on lower-grade coins.

2. What is the difference between 5FS and 6FS on a 2016 Jefferson nickel?

NGC has awarded separate 5FS (five full steps) and 6FS (six full steps) designations since 2004. PCGS uses a single “FS” label for five or more complete step lines. A 6FS coin is rarer because all six lines must be fully defined with no breaks. Always check which service graded the coin before comparing prices — 6FS commands a meaningful premium over 5FS.

3. What does DCAM mean on the 2016-S proof nickel?

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — the highest cameo designation PCGS assigns to proof coins. It describes heavily frosted design elements contrasting against mirror-polished fields. NGC calls the same thing “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM). The auction record for a 2016-S DCAM is $90 for a PR-70 DCAM sold in January 2021.

4. Why is the Full Steps designation so hard to find on 2016 nickels?

It comes down to die physics. The deepest area of the obverse die — Jefferson’s portrait — sits directly opposite Monticello’s steps on the reverse. During striking, metal flows toward Jefferson’s face and gets pulled away from the step area. The lower steps end up weak or blended, especially under the central third pillar. This happens no matter how many coins get struck. Billions of nickels, and only a handful come out with perfect steps.

5. How much is a 2016 nickel with a lamination error worth?

A 2016-P graded MS-63 with an obverse lamination error sold for $435 at GreatCollections in 2020. Most lamination errors on 2016 nickels trade between $100 and $400. Bigger peeling areas and complete surface separations bring higher prices than minor blistering. The 75% copper / 25% nickel composition makes Jefferson nickels especially prone to this error.

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

Look for the “S” mint mark below the date. The fields will reflect light like polished glass, and the design elements will have a frosty texture creating that Deep Cameo contrast. Sharp, squared-off lettering is another giveaway. These were never circulated — only sold in Mint proof sets — so finding one in change is basically impossible.

7. What was the highest price ever paid for a 2016 nickel?

$1,175 for a 2016-D MS-68 Full Steps certified by PCGS, sold via eBay in March 2019. The second-highest known sale was another 2016-D MS-68 FS at $285. Same top grade, different prices — eye appeal and surface quality always create variation.

8. Should I clean my 2016 nickel before selling or submitting it for grading?

Never. Cleaning destroys original luster, leaves hairline scratches visible under magnification, and PCGS and NGC will catch it immediately. A cleaned coin gets a “details” grade that tanks its market value. The original, untouched surface of an uncirculated nickel is always worth more than a cleaned version of the same coin.

9. Are 2016 nickels with errors rare?

Genuine errors show up periodically — lamination errors, off-center strikes, rotated dies, struck-through debris, improperly annealed planchets, and wrong planchet errors. Most get caught by automated quality controls during production. Dramatic errors visible to the naked eye command far higher premiums than microscopic varieties you need a loupe to spot.

10. How does the 2016 nickel mintage compare to other years in the Jefferson series?

The combined 2016 circulation mintage tops 1.546 billion — large, but not the record. That belongs to 1964 at roughly 2.82 billion nickels during a nationwide coin shortage. The lowest-mintage Jefferson nickel is the 1950-D at just 2,630,000 pieces. For recent context, the 2009 recession year saw only about 86.6 million combined from Philadelphia and Denver. The 2016 output of 1.5 billion marked a strong recovery to high-volume production. But massive mintage doesn’t guarantee quality striking — high-grade Full Steps examples remain genuinely rare.