2018 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

Most 2018 nickels pass through your hands every day without a second glance — and that’s exactly how the U.S. Mint intended it. With over 1.25 billion struck for circulation, these coins are among the most common modern issues you’ll ever find.

But don’t let that number fool you. Certain 2018 nickels — especially those with the Full Steps (FS) designation, meaning complete unbroken detail on Monticello’s steps — have sold for thousands of dollars at auction. The key is knowing which ones to look for and what separates a face-value coin from a collector’s prize.

 

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 graded MS68 with Full Steps — representing the absolute finest strikes with flawless surfaces and every step of Monticello’s base perfectly rendered. A 2018-D graded MS68 FS holds the all-time record at $2,500, sold in 2019, while a 2018-P in MS68 FS reached $2,400 the same year.

What’s interesting is that the 2018-D with Full Steps is actually more common in high gem grades than its Philadelphia counterpart. NGC MS-67 6FS examples from Denver have sold for as low as $20.50–$31, showing that scarcity at MS68 doesn’t always translate downward.

Beyond circulation strikes, the 2018-S Deep Cameo (DCAM) proof in perfect PR70 condition has sold for $169, while the rarer 2018-S Reverse Proof nickel — a special 4th variety issued exclusively in the San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set — is sought by advanced collectors for its unique frosty fields and mirrored design detail.

These high-grade examples prove why condition is everything in coin collecting. A single grade point can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra value.

 

History of the 2018 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel entered American circulation in 1938, replacing the beloved Buffalo nickel. Designer Felix Schlag won a nationwide competition among 390 artists, and his winning entry earned him a $1,000 prize — a meaningful sum during the Great Depression.

Schlag’s original design featured a side-profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his Virginia estate, Monticello, on the reverse. That pairing remained essentially unchanged for nearly seven decades, making it one of the longest-running coin designs in U.S. history.

Change came in 2004–2005, when the U.S. Mint issued special Westward Journey commemorative reverses honoring the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Then in 2006, a new obverse portrait arrived — a forward-facing depiction of Jefferson created by sculptor Jamie Franki and engraved by Donna Weaver, which remains the design used today.

By 2018, this “Return to Monticello” design had been in use for twelve years. The 2018 nickel represents a stable year in the long-running series, with no special commemorative designs or major production changes. What makes it interesting to collectors is almost entirely a story of condition and strike quality.

It is worth noting that 2018 was a pivotal year for San Francisco proof coinage. The San Francisco Mint celebrated the 50th anniversary of its proof coin production, releasing the special Silver Reverse Proof Set that included the first-ever Reverse Proof Jefferson nickel — a coin distinct from both the standard circulation strikes and the regular proof issue.

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 Coin Value Checker App.

In plain terms: the standard circulation 2018-P and 2018-D nickels are not rare in circulated condition. Rarity only enters the picture at grades of MS67 and above, or when the Full Steps designation is present, or when a genuine mint error is confirmed.

The 2018-S standard Deep Cameo proof had a mintage of 901,072 — making it relatively accessible. But the 2018-S Reverse Proof nickel, part of the limited Silver Reverse Proof Set capped at 200,000 sets (with a final count of 199,116), is the genuinely scarce San Francisco issue that advanced collectors chase.

 

Key Features of the 2018 Nickel

The 2018 Jefferson nickel carries forward the “Return to Monticello” design introduced in 2006, showcasing an updated rendition of Thomas Jefferson from the front rather than in profile.

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 Felix Schlag created in 1938. “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” sits in the lower right area of the portrait, with the mint mark positioned just below it. Look closely at Jefferson’s collar to spot two sets of designer initials: “JNF” on the upper left for Jamie N. Franki, and “DW” on the lower right for engraver Donna Weaver.

The Reverse of the 2018 Nickel

The back features Monticello in a head-on architectural view, building on Schlag’s original concept with enhanced structural clarity. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top, followed by “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the bottom rim.

The steps at Monticello’s entrance are the most important detail for collectors. When five or six steps show complete, unbroken horizontal lines — with no merging, weak areas, or contact marks crossing them — the coin qualifies for the Full Steps designation. PCGS uses a single “FS” label for qualifying coins, while NGC uses a two-tier system: “5FS” for five complete steps and the more demanding “6FS” for six perfectly rendered ones.

Other Features of the 2018 Nickel

The 2018 Jefferson nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel — a composition it has carried since 1946 (the wartime silver nickels of 1942–1945 were the notable exception). The coin weighs 5 grams, measures 21.20 millimeters in diameter, and is approximately 1.95 millimeters thick, with a smooth (plain) edge.

Based on 2025 metal prices, the melt value of a 2018 nickel is approximately $0.06 — just above its five-cent face value. Federal law prohibits melting coins for their metal content, so this figure is informational only.

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 Philadelphia and Denver. The Philadelphia Mint struck 629,520,000 coins and the Denver Mint produced 626,880,000 — a remarkably balanced output showing how closely the two facilities coordinated production.

The San Francisco Mint contributed to two separate collector issues: the standard 2018-S proof nickel with a mintage of 901,072, and the special 2018-S Reverse Proof nickel, which was part of the Silver Reverse Proof Set celebrating the San Francisco Mint’s 50th anniversary of proof coin production. That Reverse Proof set was capped at 200,000 units and sold out with a final mintage of 199,116.

While mintage figures for all issues are well documented, survival data remains unknown for the circulation strikes. This is typical of modern coins still in active commerce. Finding pristine, high-grade examples with Full Steps from those 1.25 billion coins still requires patience and a careful eye.

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. A “P” indicates Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” marks a special collector coin from San Francisco.

Examine the coin’s overall condition, then look closely at the steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. A magnifying glass helps — you’re counting whether you can see five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines. Also check for any minting errors like doubled lettering, off-center designs, or unusual coloring that might indicate a missing clad layer.

Our Coin Value Checker 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 created coins for everyday circulation, San Francisco issued standard Deep Cameo proofs for collector sets.

• 2018-P Nickel – Produced at the Philadelphia Mint for circulation
• 2018-D Nickel – Struck at the Denver Mint for circulation
• 2018-S DCAM Nickel – Deep Cameo proof coin from San Francisco (mintage: 901,072)

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 in pocket change but become scarce in gem condition. The proof versions from San Francisco offer superior strikes and dramatic visual contrast.

 

2018-P Nickel Value

Philadelphia’s 2018 nickels circulate freely in everyday commerce, yet certain specimens attract serious collector attention. The difference between an average coin and a premium example comes down entirely to how well the die impressed the design — and how carefully the coin was handled afterward.

Circulated examples remain at face value. Uncirculated specimens in MS60–MS65 are accessible with modest searching, while MS66 examples are reachable but require patience. At MS67 and above, the coin becomes genuinely challenging to find — even from a production run of 629 million.

PCGS notes that the Philadelphia 2018 issue was generally well-struck, making MS66 and below relatively easy to source. The scarcity begins sharply at MS67. A 2018-P in MS68 sold for $2,400 in 2019, while APMEX market data places MS-67 at approximately $83 and MS-66 at around $17.

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 variable strike quality — which is exactly why sorting through them can be rewarding. Collectors focus closely on Monticello’s step detail because the Full Steps designation can transform a $2 coin into a $200+ piece.

One important nuance: the 2018-D FS is actually more common in gem grades than the 2018-P FS. NGC MS-67 6FS examples from Denver have sold for as low as $20.50 to $31, making them accessible entry points for Full Steps collectors. The scarcity is extreme only at MS68 FS, where the all-time auction record stands at $2,500, achieved in 2019.

Without Full Steps, high-grade 2018-D examples still hold value. PCGS confirms that MS67 examples are tough to find despite the massive mintage, and anything in MS68 or higher is very scarce.

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 collecting category from circulation strikes. These coins are specially made using polished dies struck multiple times at higher pressure, creating the distinctive Deep Cameo (DCAM) contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields.

The DCAM designation — or “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) in NGC’s terminology — specifically describes this strong visual contrast. It is the most desirable proof grade and what serious proof collectors actively seek. The standard 2018-S proof had a mintage of 901,072, part of the regular annual U.S. Mint Proof Set.

In perfect PR70 condition, representing a technically flawless proof specimen, 2018-S nickels have sold for $169 at auction. The NGC Price Guide values a perfect PR-70 UCAM at approximately $35 in the current market, reflecting how the modern proof market has stabilized in recent years.

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. However, the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties confirms there are no major cataloged die varieties for the 2018 Jefferson nickel — so value is driven by mint mark, grade, Full Steps designation, and genuine mint errors. Here are the confirmed error types that collectors have authenticated and paid real money for.

1. Struck-Through Errors (Grease Fill)

Struck-through errors occur when foreign material — most commonly grease — gets trapped between the die and the coin blank during striking. The result is a coin where design elements appear weak, blurry, or partially absent, as if the design melted away in places.

On 2018 nickels, this typically affects lettering like “FIVE CENTS” or details around Monticello. A 2018-D nickel with a confirmed grease struck-through error sold for $120 at a 2020 auction. The value depends heavily on how much design was affected — a dramatic, clearly identifiable error with strong surrounding detail will always command more than a subtle example.

2. Missing Clad Layer Errors

While Jefferson nickels are a solid cupronickel alloy rather than a standard clad coin, some 2018 nickels were struck on defective planchets that produced a missing layer effect — one side appears coppery or reddish while the other looks normal. The coin may also feel noticeably lighter than a standard specimen.

A 2018-P nickel with a confirmed missing clad layer sold for $155 at a 2019 online auction. Complete layer separation on a full side is most desirable, but even partial examples attract buyer interest when surfaces show sharp design detail rather than damage or corrosion.

3. Broadstrike Errors

Broadstrike errors happen when the retaining collar — the ring that shapes a coin’s edge — fails to engage properly during striking, allowing the coin blank to spread beyond its normal diameter. The result is a coin with an incomplete or misshapen rim and slightly expanded design.

For 2018 nickels, broadstrikes typically sell in the $10–$30 range depending on the severity of the expansion and the coin’s overall condition. A 10% off-center strike — a related error where the blank isn’t centered under the die — sold for $60 at a 2020 auction.

4. Die Crack Errors

Die cracks appear as raised lines running across the coin’s surface, created when a worn or damaged die continues striking coins after developing fractures. Unlike scratches (which are recessed into the surface), die cracks stand above the surrounding metal — run your fingernail gently across the line and a die crack will have a slight raised feel.

One 2018 Jefferson nickel with multiple dramatic die cracks sold for an impressive $799 at a 2020 online auction. Most single-crack examples sell for $20–$100 depending on visibility and the pattern they create across the coin’s design.

5. Die Chip “Beehive” Error

This is a specific and visually distinctive error where a tiny chip of die material creates two small, parallel raised bumps on the left side of Monticello on the reverse. Collectors call this the “beehive” error for the shape the bumps create when viewed under magnification.

A 2018 Jefferson nickel with this confirmed die chip beehive error sold for $15 at a 2019 auction. Look for two closely spaced, rounded protrusions — not scratches or damage — using a quality loupe. Both bumps should be present; single bumps are less desirable.

6. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

Doubled die errors (DDO for obverse, DDR for reverse) are created when the die itself receives multiple impressions at slightly different angles during its production. The result is a coin where design elements appear doubled — you’ll see a shadow or ghost image alongside the primary design.

On 2018 Jefferson nickels, doubling may appear in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date, or elements of Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse. A 2018-P Jefferson nickel with a doubled die obverse and reverse error was auctioned in 2019 for $43. Coins with stronger, more dramatic doubling always command higher premiums.

 

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 are not rare at all — over 1.25 billion were produced for circulation. Rarity only applies to specimens graded MS67 and above, where finding coins without contact marks becomes genuinely difficult.

The Full Steps (FS) designation adds another layer: when Monticello’s steps are completely and sharply struck, the coin qualifies for a premium that can multiply its value many times over. At MS68 FS — the absolute peak for this date — only a handful of examples are known, which explains auction prices of $2,400–$2,500.

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

Start by checking for wear. Examine Jefferson’s cheekbone and hair details on the obverse, and Monticello’s columns on the reverse. Any smoothing or dulling in these high-relief areas means the coin has circulated and will likely remain at face value.

For unworn specimens, use a magnifying glass to count the steps at Monticello’s base. You need five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines — if they blend together or look mushy, the coin lacks the Full Steps designation. Also look for errors like doubled lettering, off-center designs, or unusual coloring.

3. How much is a 2018 Nickel worth today?

Circulated 2018 nickels are worth five cents — face value. Uncirculated examples without Full Steps typically range from $2 to $17 for MS65–MS66, and jump to around $83 at MS67. Full Steps examples add significant premiums at every grade level.

The top prices go to MS68 FS coins: $2,500 for the 2018-D and $2,400 for the 2018-P, both from 2019 auctions. The 2018-S DCAM proof in perfect PR70 condition has sold for $169. Error coins range from $15 for a die chip to $799 for a spectacular multi-crack die error.

4. What is the difference between PCGS “FS” and NGC “5FS” or “6FS” for a 2018 Nickel?

Both PCGS and NGC award a Full Steps designation when at least five complete, uninterrupted steps are visible at Monticello’s base. However, NGC uses a two-tier system that PCGS does not: “5FS” for five full steps and “6FS” for six full, perfect steps.

NGC introduced this distinction in 2004. An NGC 6FS coin represents a higher standard of strike perfection than a 5FS coin, and often commands a premium — especially among registry set collectors who compete for the finest-graded examples. When buying a Full Steps coin, confirm which designation applies.

5. Is there a 2018 Nickel Reverse Proof, and how is it different?

Yes — and it’s the most underappreciated 2018 nickel variety. The 2018-S Reverse Proof nickel was issued exclusively as part of the San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set, which commemorated the 50th anniversary of proof coin production at San Francisco. Only 199,116 sets were produced — compared to 901,072 standard proof sets.

A Reverse Proof has the opposite finish of a standard proof: the fields (flat background areas) are frosty and matte, while the raised design details are mirror-bright. Imagine a photograph versus its negative. This finish is rarer and visually striking. The nickel in this set is struck from the standard 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy — not silver, despite the set’s name.

6. What is the melt value of a 2018 Nickel?

Based on 2025 metal prices, the melt value of a 2018 nickel is approximately $0.06 — just slightly above its five-cent face value. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it a small intrinsic metal value.

Federal law prohibits melting pennies and nickels for their metal content, so this number is informational rather than practical. For collectors, this also confirms that a 2018 nickel’s value is almost entirely about its numismatic condition and special designations — not its metal.

7. Are there any major cataloged die varieties for the 2018 Nickel?

No. According to the Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties — the standard reference for U.S. coin variety collectors — there are no major cataloged die varieties for the 2018 Jefferson nickel. Value is driven entirely by mint mark, grade, Full Steps designation, strike type (business strike, proof, or reverse proof), and confirmed mint errors.

This is different from many earlier Jefferson nickel dates like the 1939 Doubled Monticello or the 1942-D Over Horizontal D, which have specific named varieties with established values.

8. How can I confirm a Full Steps designation on my 2018 Nickel?

Use a magnifying glass or coin loupe of at least 5x power. Look at the steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse, just above the word “MONTICELLO.” Count the horizontal lines from top to bottom — you need five or six that run completely from one side to the other without merging, breaking, or being interrupted by contact marks.

Even a single nick crossing a step line can disqualify the coin from the Full Steps designation. For a coin you believe qualifies, professional grading by PCGS or NGC — which assigns the official FS, 5FS, or 6FS designation — is the only way to have it officially recognized and to achieve auction-level value.

9. What 2018 Nickel errors are worth the most money?

The most valuable confirmed 2018 nickel error is the multiple die cracks variety, which sold for $799 at a 2020 online auction. After that, a missing clad layer example sold for $155 in 2019, and a grease struck-through error brought $120 in 2020. A 10% off-center strike sold for $60 in 2020, while a doubled die error sold for $43 in 2019.

Smaller errors like the die chip “beehive” on Monticello’s reverse typically sell for $15–$30. The more dramatic and clearly identifiable the error, the more a collector will pay — especially if the coin is in uncirculated condition.

10. Should I get my 2018 Nickel graded by PCGS or NGC?

Professional third-party grading makes sense only when your coin might be worth significantly more than the cost of submission — typically $30–$50 or more per coin when accounting for fees and shipping. For most circulated or low-grade 2018 nickels, grading doesn’t make financial sense.

Consider submitting if your coin appears fully uncirculated with exceptional eye appeal and — most importantly — if it looks like it might qualify for Full Steps. A 2018-P or 2018-D graded MS67 FS or above, or a confirmed mint error in uncirculated condition, can justify professional grading. If you’re unsure, post clear photos to coin forums like CoinTalk or r/coins for free community feedback first.