2018 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

Most 2018 nickels remain at face value in circulation, making them common finds for collectors just starting out.

The 2018 nickel value increases significantly when you find examples with Full Steps. This feature shows complete detail on Monticello’s base, and these coins can reach $5.43 in MS condition, compared to around $2.03 for regular strikes.

What makes Full Steps specimens harder to locate is the striking process itself. The steps aren’t always fully impressed during production, so finding coins with crisp, complete detail requires sorting through many examples.

 

2018 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart breaks down 2018 nickel values by mint mark, special designations like Full Steps, and condition grade. 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 8 Most Valuable 2018 Nickel Worth Money

The most valuable 2018 nickels are those graded MS68 with Full Steps, representing the absolute finest examples with exceptional eye appeal, virtually flawless surfaces, and complete step detail on Monticello. Top specimens have sold for $2,500 for the 2018-D FS and $2,400 for the 2018-P FS.

What makes these prices remarkable is their rarity at this grade level. While MS67 coins with Full Steps are already difficult to find, MS68 FS examples are exceptionally scarce, as even tiny imperfections prevent a coin from reaching this elite tier.

Beyond circulation strikes, proof coins from San Francisco also command attention. The 2018-S in PR70DCAM condition, representing a perfect proof strike, has reached $169 at auction.

These high-grade examples demonstrate why condition matters so much in coin collecting. The difference between an MS67 and MS68 can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in value.

 

History of the 2018 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel has been part of American circulation since 1938, when it replaced the Buffalo nickel. Designer Felix Schlag won a nationwide competition among 390 artists to create the coin’s original design.

For nearly seven decades, the nickel maintained its classic profile view of Thomas Jefferson. Then in 2006, following special commemorative designs honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition bicentennial, the series introduced a new forward-facing portrait of Jefferson designed by Jamie Franki.

By 2018, this modern design had been in circulation for twelve years. The year represented a period of stability for the series, with no special commemorative designs or major changes from previous years.

These coins continued their everyday role in commerce, passing through millions of hands largely unnoticed except by collectors who understood their potential value.

The 2018 nickel is simply another year in the long-running Jefferson series, though certain high-grade examples have proven surprisingly valuable to dedicated collectors.

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

 

Is Your 2018 Nickel Rare?

Check your 2018 nickel’s rarity status instantly with our CoinValueChecker App.

 

Key Features of the 2018 Nickel

The 2018 Jefferson nickel carries forward the “Return to Monticello” design introduced in 2006, showcasing updated renditions of Thomas Jefferson.

The Obverse of the 2018 Nickel

The front of the coin displays Jamie Franki’s forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, a notable departure from the side-profile design used in the series’ earlier decades.

“IN GOD WE TRUST” runs along the coin’s right side, while “LIBERTY” appears in an italicized, script-like typeface near Jefferson’s right chin. The date “2018” is positioned in the lower right area of the portrait. The mint mark sits just below this date.

Look closely at Jefferson’s collar to find the designer and sculptor initials: “JNF” on the upper left for Jamie N. Franki, and “DW” on the lower right for Donna Weaver.

The Reverse of the 2018 Nickel

The back features Monticello presented in a head-on architectural view, building upon Felix Schlag’s original concept with enhanced structural details.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top portion of the coin. Below the building, you’ll find “MONTICELLO” followed by “FIVE CENTS” on the next line. The phrase “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” follows the curve at the bottom rim.

The steps at Monticello’s entrance hold special significance for collectors. When 5 or 6 steps show complete, unbroken detail, the coin receives the valuable “Full Steps” designation.

Other Features of the 2018 Nickel

The 2018 Jefferson nickel contains 75% copper and 25% nickel. The coin features a circular shape with a smooth edge. Its weight is 5 grams, with a diameter of 21.20 millimeters and a thickness of roughly 1.95 millimeters.

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

 

2018 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The U.S. Mint produced over 1.25 billion circulation nickels in 2018, split nearly evenly between two facilities. The Philadelphia Mint struck 629,520,000 coins while the Denver Mint produced 626,880,000, showing remarkably balanced output between the two locations.

The San Francisco Mint contributed 844,220 proof coins in Deep Cameo finish, a much smaller number reserved specifically for collectors rather than everyday use. These S DCAM nickels represent less than 0.1% of the total 2018 nickel production.

While mintage figures are well documented, survival data remains unknown for all three varieties. This is typical for modern coins still in active circulation, as tracking how many remain in collectible condition becomes possible only after years of wear and attrition.

The high mintage numbers for P and D nickels mean circulated examples are readily available. However, finding specimens in pristine mint state condition, especially with Full Steps, requires considerably more effort despite the large original production.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2018 Nickel Value

Check the mint mark below the date on your coin. The P or D indicates Philadelphia or Denver production, while S marks special proof coins from San Francisco.

Examine the coin’s overall condition and look for the “Full Steps” feature on Monticello’s reverse, as this detail significantly impacts value. Watch for any minting errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes that collectors prize.

Our CoinValueChecker App instantly analyzes your coin’s grade and current market value through professional image recognition technology.

 

2018 Nickel Value Guides

The U.S. Mint produced three distinct versions of the 2018 nickel across different facilities. Philadelphia and Denver mints created coins for everyday circulation, while San Francisco focused exclusively on premium proof specimens for collectors.

• 2018-P Nickel – Produced at the Philadelphia Mint
• 2018-D Nickel – Struck at the Denver Mint
• 2018-S DCAM Nickel – Deep Cameo proof coin minted at San Francisco

Each type carries its own mint mark and serves a different purpose in the numismatic market. Circulation strikes from P and D mints are readily available, but high-grade examples with Full Steps remain scarce. The proof versions from San Francisco offer superior strikes and mirror-like finishes that appeal to serious collectors.

 

2018-P Nickel Value

Philadelphia’s 2018 nickels circulate widely in everyday commerce, yet certain specimens attract serious collector attention. The difference between an average circulated piece and a premium example lies in preservation quality and strike sharpness.

Circulated 2018-P nickels remain worth face value, while mint state examples in MS66 and below are relatively accessible to collectors. Finding specimens graded MS67 and higher proves much more difficult, as these coins must display exceptional surfaces with minimal contact marks and strong luster retention.

High-grade examples have performed well at auction. A 2018-P nickel in MS68 condition reached $2,400 in 2019, demonstrating the premium collectors will pay for superior preservation. Collectors seeking top-quality pieces often search through multiple rolls before finding candidates worthy of professional evaluation.

The chart below displays recent market activity for 2018-P nickels.

 

2018-D Nickel Value

Denver Mint nickels from 2018 appear frequently in circulation but show varying levels of strike quality. Collectors pay particular attention to how well the Monticello steps were impressed during production, as this detail separates ordinary coins from premium specimens.

The Full Steps designation makes a substantial difference in value for 2018-D nickels. When five or six steps show complete, uninterrupted detail, these coins attract significantly higher prices.

A 2018-D nickel graded MS68 with Full Steps achieved $2,500 at auction in 2019, illustrating the premium attached to both superior grade and sharp architectural detail.

Without the Full Steps feature, high-grade examples still hold value but at more modest levels. Regular circulation strikes in average condition trade at face value, but the potential for finding well-preserved specimens makes sorting through rolls worthwhile.

This chart reflects collector trading patterns for 2018-D nickels in the current marketplace.

 

2018-S DCAM Nickel Value

San Francisco proof nickels represent a different category entirely from circulation strikes. These coins were specially made for collectors using polished dies and planchets, resulting in the distinctive Deep Cameo contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields.

The Deep Cameo designation specifically refers to this strong visual contrast that serious proof collectors actively seek. Each coin receives multiple strikes at higher pressure, ensuring complete design transfer including crisp step definition on Monticello.

This careful production explains why proof specimens consistently show superior visual appeal compared to their Philadelphia and Denver counterparts.

In PR70 condition, representing technically perfect proof specimens, 2018-S nickels have reached $169 at auction. Collectors appreciate these coins for their pristine surfaces and artistic presentation rather than scarcity alone.

The San Francisco proof specimens allow collectors to obtain coins with exceptional strikes and finishes without the substantial investment required for top-grade circulation strikes.

The following data shows pricing patterns for 2018-S proof nickels.

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

 

Rare 2018 Nickel Error List

Modern production quality makes 2018 nickel errors relatively uncommon compared to earlier decades. Quality control improvements have reduced the frequency of minting mistakes, but collectible errors still occur and attract collector attention when discovered.

1. Struck-Through Errors

Struck-through errors occur when foreign material comes between the die and coin blank during striking. Grease represents the most common culprit, creating coins where design elements appear weak, smudged, or partially missing.

On 2018 nickels, this typically affects lettering like “FIVE CENTS” or details around Monticello, giving them a blurry appearance. The severity of the obstruction directly impacts value. Minor grease fills produce subtle weakening worth modest premiums, while extensive struck-through errors showing significant design loss command higher prices.

Condition matters considerably for these errors. Uncirculated examples displaying clear evidence of the struck-through material fetch substantially more than circulated pieces.

Collectors particularly value specimens where the error creates dramatic visual impact while maintaining enough detail to confirm the coin’s date and mint mark.

2. Missing Clad Layer Errors

Jefferson nickels present an unusual case with missing clad layer errors. While nickels are typically solid cupronickel alloy rather than layered clad coins, some were struck on defective clad planchets intended for other denominations.

These rare errors expose the copper core on one side while showing the nickel surface on the other, creating a striking two-toned appearance.

The coin may also display unusual coloring ranging from brassy orange to dark brown depending on copper oxidation. Complete missing clad layers, where an entire side shows exposed copper, prove more valuable than partial examples.

Weight provides authentication, as coins missing clad material weigh less than normal specimens. Properly authenticated examples hold value among error coin collectors, though environmental damage can sometimes create similar appearances.

3. Broadstrike Errors

Broadstrike errors happen when the retaining collar fails to engage properly during striking, allowing the coin blank to spread beyond its normal diameter.

These errors display incomplete or misshapen rims with extra space between design elements and the coin’s edge. All design details must remain visible for proper classification as a broadstrike. The degree of expansion significantly influences value, with more dramatic broadstrikes commanding higher premiums than slight variations.

For modern nickels including 2018 examples, broadstrikes typically range from $10 to $30 depending on the extent of the error and overall condition.

 

Where to Sell Your 2018 Nickel?

You’ve explored the worth of your 2018 nickels and understand their potential value. If you’re considering selling, several reliable platforms can assist you. I’ve gathered these options with detailed reviews covering their services, fees, and overall seller experience.

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

 

2018 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ about the 2018 Nickel

1. What makes a 2018 Nickel rare?

Most 2018 nickels aren’t rare at all, with over 1.25 billion produced for circulation. What makes certain examples rare is their exceptional condition rather than low mintage numbers.

Specimens graded MS67 and higher are genuinely scarce because finding coins without contact marks or wear becomes increasingly difficult at these levels. The Full Steps designation adds another layer of rarity, as sharp step detail on Monticello requires precise striking that doesn’t always occur during production.

MS68 Full Steps examples represent the absolute peak of rarity for this date. Only a handful exist at this grade level, which explains why they’ve sold for thousands of dollars despite the coin’s common status in lower grades.

2. How do I tell if my 2018 Nickel is valuable?

Start by assessing whether your coin shows any circulation wear. Look at Jefferson’s cheekbone and hair details on the front, and Monticello’s columns on the back. Any smoothing or dulling in these high points indicates the coin has been spent and will likely remain at face value.

For unworn specimens, grab a magnifying glass and examine the steps at Monticello’s entrance. Count whether you can see five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines. If the steps appear mushy, incomplete, or blend together, the coin lacks the valuable Full Steps feature.

Check for obvious minting errors like off-center designs, doubled lettering, or unusual coloring. Compare your coin against typical examples to spot anomalies.

3. How much is a 2018 Nickel worth today?

Circulated 2018 nickels found in everyday circulation remain at face value of five cents. Most people will never encounter one worth more during normal transactions.

Uncirculated examples in average mint state grades (MS60-MS66) typically range from around $2 to $5, depending on strike quality and eye appeal. Adding the Full Steps designation increases these values, with MS condition Full Steps pieces reaching $5 to $6.

The real premiums appear at higher grades. MS68 Full Steps specimens have sold for $2,400 to $2,500 at auction, representing the finest known examples. San Francisco proof nickels in perfect PR70 condition have reached $169, while error coins like broadstrikes typically sell for $10 to $30.