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

2018 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $2,500. That record was a Grade 68 example sold through EA Auctions in March 2019 — just one year after it was minted, which shows how fast collectors move on high-grade examples of this date. Upload a photo of yours below to get a quick value range. Then scroll down to check what 2018 Nickels are selling for on eBay right now.

 

2018 Nickel Value By Variety

Here’s a quick breakdown of 2018 nickel values by mint mark, Full Steps designation, and condition grade. If you already know your coin’s grade, jump to the Value Guides section for exact pricing.

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

 

Top 8 Most Valuable 2018 Nickel Worth Money

The king of 2018 nickels is a Denver mint MS68 with Full Steps — every single step on Monticello razor-sharp, surfaces absolutely clean. It brought $2,500 at auction in 2019. A Philadelphia MS68 FS wasn’t far behind at $2,400 that same year.

Here’s what catches people off guard: the 2018-D Full Steps coin is actually easier to find in gem grades than the Philly version. NGC MS-67 6FS examples from Denver have traded for as low as $20.50–$31. That scarcity at MS68 doesn’t trickle down the way you’d expect.

On the proof side, a 2018-S Deep Cameo in perfect PR70 has sold for $169. The real prize for advanced collectors is the 2018-S Reverse Proof — a special variety issued only in the San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set. Frosty fields, mirrored devices. It flips the normal proof look on its head.

One grade point separates a $30 coin from a $2,500 coin. That’s the 2018 nickel market in a nutshell.

 

History of the 2018 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel replaced the Buffalo nickel in 1938. Felix Schlag beat out 390 other artists in a design competition and took home $1,000 — serious money during the Depression.

His original design paired a profile portrait of Jefferson on the obverse with Monticello on the reverse. That combo ran for nearly seven decades without major changes. In 2004–2005, the Mint issued special Westward Journey reverses honoring the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Then in 2006, sculptor Jamie Franki’s forward-facing Jefferson portrait arrived, engraved by Donna Weaver. That’s still the design you see today.

By 2018, this “Return to Monticello” design had been running for twelve years. No commemorative twists, no composition changes. What makes 2018 interesting to collectors comes down to strike quality and condition — that’s it.

One thing worth knowing: 2018 was a big year for San Francisco. The Mint celebrated 50 years of proof coin production by releasing a Silver Reverse Proof Set that included the first-ever Reverse Proof Jefferson nickel. That coin stands apart from both the regular circulation strikes and the standard 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 Identifier and Value App.

In circulated condition? Not rare at all. Over a billion were struck. Rarity only kicks in at MS67 and above, or when a coin earns the Full Steps designation, or when you’ve got a confirmed mint error.

The standard 2018-S Deep Cameo proof had a mintage of 901,072 — pretty accessible for a proof. The coin advanced collectors actually chase is the 2018-S Reverse Proof, part of a limited Silver Reverse Proof Set capped at 200,000 (final count: 199,116). That’s the genuinely scarce San Francisco issue.

 

Key Features of the 2018 Nickel

The 2018 Jefferson nickel uses the “Return to Monticello” design from 2006, with a forward-facing Jefferson instead of the old profile view.

The Obverse of the 2018 Nickel

You’re looking at Jamie Franki’s forward-facing Jefferson — a big change from Schlag’s 1938 profile. “IN GOD WE TRUST” runs along the right side. “LIBERTY” appears in italicized script near Jefferson’s right chin.

The date “2018” sits in the lower right area, with the mint mark just below it. Look closely at Jefferson’s collar for two sets of 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

Flip it over and you get Monticello head-on, building on Schlag’s original concept with sharper architectural detail. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top, with “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the bottom rim.

The steps at Monticello’s entrance are what collectors zero in on. You need five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines — no merging, no weak spots, no bag marks crossing them. Hit that standard and the coin qualifies for Full Steps. PCGS uses a single “FS” label. NGC splits it into two tiers: “5FS” for five complete steps and the tougher “6FS” for six perfectly rendered ones.

Other Features of the 2018 Nickel

The 2018 nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel — the same alloy used since 1946 (the wartime silver nickels of 1942–1945 were the exception). It weighs 5 grams, measures 21.20 millimeters across, runs about 1.95 millimeters thick, and has a plain edge.

Melt value based on 2025 metal prices sits at roughly $0.06 — barely above face value. Federal law prohibits melting coins for their metal content, so that number is just for reference.

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

 

2018 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

The U.S. Mint cranked out over 1.25 billion circulation nickels in 2018. Philadelphia struck 629,520,000 and Denver produced 626,880,000 — almost perfectly split. That’s roughly four nickels for every person in the country.

San Francisco handled two collector issues: the standard 2018-S proof with a mintage of 901,072, and the special 2018-S Reverse Proof celebrating the Mint’s 50th anniversary of proof production. That Reverse Proof set was capped at 200,000 units and sold out at 199,116.

Survival data for the circulation strikes? Unknown. That’s normal for modern coins still floating around in commerce. Cherrypicking pristine Full Steps examples from 1.25 billion coins takes patience and a good loupe.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2018 Nickel Value

Check the mint mark below the date. “P” means Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” marks a collector coin from San Francisco.

Look at overall condition, then grab a magnifying glass and examine Monticello’s steps on the reverse. Count whether you can see five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines. While you’re at it, check for errors — doubled lettering, off-center strikes, or unusual coloring that might point to a missing clad layer.

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

 

2018 Nickel Value Guides

Three versions of the 2018 nickel exist. Philadelphia and Denver made coins for circulation, and San Francisco struck 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)

Circulation strikes from P and D are everywhere in pocket change but get scarce fast in gem condition. The San Francisco proofs offer superior strikes and that dramatic frosted-over-mirror contrast.

 

2018-P Nickel Value

A 2018-P nickel in MS68 sold for $2,400 in 2019. That same coin in your pocket change? Five cents. The gap between average and premium comes down to strike quality and how the coin was handled after it left the press.

Circulated examples stay at face value. Uncirculated coins in MS60–MS65 are easy to find with a little searching. MS66 takes patience. At MS67 and above, things get genuinely tough — even from a production run of 629 million.

PCGS notes the Philadelphia 2018 issue was generally well-struck, so MS66 and below are relatively easy to source. The cliff starts at MS67. APMEX market data puts MS-67 at roughly $83 and MS-66 at around $17.

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

 

2018-D Nickel Value

Think the Denver version is just a carbon copy of the Philly coin? Not quite. Strike quality varies more from Denver, and that’s exactly why sorting through rolls can pay off. The Full Steps designation can turn a $2 coin into a $200+ piece.

Here’s something counterintuitive: 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 — solid entry points if you’re building a Full Steps set. The real scarcity hits at MS68 FS, where the all-time record sits at $2,500 from a 2019 auction.

Even without Full Steps, high-grade 2018-D coins hold value. PCGS confirms MS67 examples are tough despite the massive mintage. Anything 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

Can you tell a Deep Cameo proof from a regular proof at arm’s length? Usually, yes. The contrast between frosted design elements and mirror-like fields is that strong. These coins are struck multiple times with polished dies at higher pressure — a completely different animal from circulation strikes.

DCAM — or “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) in NGC’s system — describes that bold visual contrast. It’s what serious proof collectors want. The standard 2018-S proof had a mintage of 901,072, issued as part of the regular annual Proof Set.

In perfect PR70 condition, 2018-S nickels have sold for $169 at auction. The NGC Price Guide currently values a PR-70 UCAM at roughly $35, reflecting how the modern proof market has settled down in recent years. I think these are undervalued at that level for a technically perfect coin.

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 quality control keeps 2018 nickel errors fairly uncommon. The Cherrypickers’ Guide confirms there are no major cataloged die varieties for the 2018 Jefferson nickel. So value comes from mint mark, grade, Full Steps, and genuine mint errors. Here’s what collectors have actually found, authenticated, and paid real money for.

1. Struck-Through Errors (Grease Fill)

Grease gets trapped between the die and the planchet during striking. The result? Design elements look weak, blurry, or partially missing — like the design melted away in spots.

On 2018 nickels, this usually hits lettering like “FIVE CENTS” or details around Monticello. A 2018-D with a confirmed grease struck-through sold for $120 at a 2020 auction. The more design area affected, the more you’ll get — but the surrounding detail needs to be sharp for top dollar.

2. Missing Clad Layer Errors

Jefferson nickels are solid cupronickel, not clad. But some 2018 nickels were struck on defective planchets that created a missing-layer effect — one side looks coppery or reddish while the other appears normal. The coin may also feel lighter than usual.

A 2018-P with a confirmed missing clad layer brought $155 at a 2019 online auction. Full separation on one complete side is most desirable. Even partial examples attract buyers when the design detail stays sharp and you’re not looking at corrosion or post-mint damage.

3. Broadstrike Errors

The retaining collar — that ring shaping the coin’s edge — fails to engage during striking. The blank spreads beyond its normal diameter, leaving an incomplete or misshapen rim and a slightly expanded design.

For 2018 nickels, broadstrikes typically sell in the $10–$30 range depending on severity and condition. A related error — a 10% off-center strike — sold for $60 at a 2020 auction.

4. Die Crack Errors

Die cracks show up as raised lines running across the coin’s surface. They form when a worn die keeps striking after developing fractures. Key distinction: scratches are recessed into the surface, but die cracks sit above it. Run your fingernail across the line — you’ll feel the raised ridge on a genuine die crack.

One 2018 nickel with multiple dramatic die cracks sold for an impressive $799 at a 2020 online auction. Most single-crack examples trade for $20–$100 depending on visibility and how the crack interacts with the design.

5. Die Chip “Beehive” Error

This one’s fun to cherrypick. A tiny chip of die material creates two small, parallel raised bumps on the left side of Monticello on the reverse. Collectors call it the “beehive” for the shape the bumps form under magnification.

A 2018 nickel with this confirmed die chip beehive error sold for $15 at a 2019 auction. Grab your loupe and look for two closely spaced, rounded protrusions — not scratches or damage. Both bumps need to be present; a single bump is less desirable.

6. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

Doubled die errors happen when the die itself gets multiple impressions at slightly different angles during production. You’ll see a shadow or ghost image alongside the primary design — doubling baked right into the die, not mechanical doubling from the strike.

On 2018 nickels, look for doubling in “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” the date, or Jefferson’s portrait details. A 2018-P with a doubled die obverse and reverse error sold for $43 in 2019. Stronger, more dramatic doubling always brings 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?

With over 1.25 billion struck for circulation, most 2018 nickels are the opposite of rare. Rarity only applies at MS67 and above, where finding coins without bag marks gets genuinely hard.

Full Steps adds another dimension. When Monticello’s steps are completely and sharply struck, the premium can multiply value many times over. At MS68 FS — the top of the mountain for this date — only a handful of examples exist. That’s why you see auction prices of $2,400–$2,500.

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

Check for wear first. Look at Jefferson’s cheekbone and hair on the obverse, and Monticello’s columns on the reverse. Any smoothing or dulling in those high-relief spots means the coin circulated and is likely worth face value.

If it looks unworn, grab a magnifying glass and count the steps at Monticello’s base. You need five or six complete, unbroken horizontal lines. If they blend together or look mushy, no Full Steps. Also scan for errors — doubled lettering, off-center strikes, or unusual coloring.

3. How much is a 2018 Nickel worth today?

Circulated? Five cents. Uncirculated without Full Steps runs $2 to $17 for MS65–MS66, jumping to around $83 at MS67. Full Steps adds significant premiums at every grade.

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 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 services award Full Steps when at least five complete, uninterrupted steps are visible at Monticello’s base. The difference is NGC uses a two-tier system that PCGS doesn’t: “5FS” for five full steps and “6FS” for six perfect steps.

NGC introduced this split in 2004. A 6FS coin represents a higher strike standard and often commands a premium — especially among registry set collectors chasing top-pop examples. When buying a Full Steps coin, always confirm which designation applies.

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

Yes — and we think it’s the most underappreciated 2018 nickel variety. The 2018-S Reverse Proof was issued exclusively in the San Francisco Mint Silver Reverse Proof Set, celebrating 50 years of proof production at San Francisco. Only 199,116 sets were produced, compared to 901,072 standard proof sets.

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

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

About $0.06 based on 2025 metal prices — barely above face value. The coin is 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Federal law prohibits melting pennies and nickels for their metal content. For collectors, this confirms that a 2018 nickel’s value is almost entirely numismatic — condition and designations, not metal.

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

No. The Cherrypickers’ Guide lists no major cataloged die varieties for the 2018 Jefferson nickel. Value comes from mint mark, grade, Full Steps designation, strike type (business strike, proof, or reverse proof), and confirmed mint errors.

That’s different from earlier 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 loupe of at least 5x power. Look at the steps at Monticello’s base on the reverse, just above the word “MONTICELLO.” Count the horizontal lines from top to bottom — you need five or six running completely from one side to the other without merging, breaking, or getting interrupted by contact marks.

Even a single nick crossing a step line can disqualify the coin. If you think yours qualifies, professional grading by PCGS or NGC is the only way to get the official FS, 5FS, or 6FS designation and unlock auction-level value.

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

The top confirmed 2018 nickel error is the multiple die cracks variety at $799 from a 2020 online auction. After that: missing clad layer at $155 (2019), grease struck-through at $120 (2020), 10% off-center strike at $60 (2020), and doubled die at $43 (2019).

Smaller errors like the die chip “beehive” on Monticello typically sell for $15–$30. More dramatic and clearly identifiable errors always bring more — especially in uncirculated condition.

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

Only if the coin might be worth significantly more than the $30–$50 submission cost. For most circulated or low-grade 2018 nickels, grading doesn’t make financial sense.

Consider submitting if your coin looks fully uncirculated with strong eye appeal and — most importantly — might qualify for Full Steps. A 2018-P or 2018-D graded MS67 FS or above, or a confirmed error in uncirculated condition, can justify the expense. If you’re not sure, post clear photos to CoinTalk or r/coins for free community feedback first.