2019 Nickel Coin Value: Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

2019 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $850. That record was a Grade 68 Explore & Discover Set First Day of Issue example sold through EA Auctions in September 2022 — a specially designated coin that collectors pay a premium for over regular strikes. Upload a photo of yours below to get a quick value range. Then scroll down to see what 2019 Nickels are going for on eBay today.

 

2019 Nickel Value By Variety

Your 2019 nickel’s value depends on which variety you’re holding. The chart below covers all five major types: Philadelphia and Denver business strikes (with and without Full Steps), plus the San Francisco Deep Cameo proof.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2019 Nickel Worth Money

Denver Mint coins own most of the top auction spots for 2019 nickels. The 2019-D tends to come well-struck, and it’s the only issue available in exclusive PCGS designations like First Strike, First Day of Issue, and the Explore & Discover Set. That exclusivity drives serious bidding.

The huge price jump happens between MS67 and MS68. One grade point can mean hundreds of dollars. I think that gap is only going to widen as more registry set collectors chase top-pop coins in this series.

 

History of the 2019 Nickel Value and the Jefferson Series

The 2019 nickel belongs to the “Return to Monticello” era that kicked off in 2006. That year, the Mint debuted the first forward-facing presidential portrait on any U.S. circulating coin — designed by Jamie Franki, sculpted by Donna Weaver, and based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting of Thomas Jefferson.

Here’s a fun detail: the 2004–2005 Westward Journey commemorative nickels honoring Lewis and Clark had just wrapped up, and those special reverses pulled a ton of new collectors into the Jefferson series. By 2019, the hobby had shifted away from simple date-and-mint sets toward condition rarities — especially Full Steps coins and errors.

The 2019-P mintage of 567,854,400 was about 9.8% lower than the 2018-P output, partly because digital payments kept chipping away at demand for physical coins. Denver struck 527,040,000.

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

 

Is Your 2019 Nickel Rare? Understanding 2019 Nickel Value by Rarity

The counterintuitive part? The Denver coin had a lower mintage than Philly, yet it shows up in high grades more often because the dies tended to strike cleaner. That means the 2019-P in top Full Steps grades is actually tougher to find — fewer survived with complete step detail. The San Francisco proof is common in PR69DCAM but the jump to PR70 thins the population fast. Check the rarity chart above and compare your coin’s grade to the population numbers.

For detailed information about your coin’s specific variety and current market value, our Coin Identifier and Value App provides accurate rarity and value assessment for your coins.

 

Key Features That Affect 2019 Nickel Value

Two things drive premiums on 2019 nickels more than anything else: the Full Steps designation and the mint mark.

Full Steps (FS) gets awarded by PCGS and NGC when the steps at the base of Monticello are complete and uninterrupted. There are six steps total, counting the portico (porch) as Step 1 and the foundation as Step 6. PCGS awards FS for five or six full steps; NGC has distinguished between 5FS and 6FS separately since 2004.

A Full Steps coin can be worth 10x to 20x more than a non-FS coin at the same grade. That’s the single biggest value driver for 2019 nickels in uncirculated condition.

The mint mark — P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco — matters a lot too. San Francisco only made proofs in 2019, while P and D handled circulation strikes.

The Obverse Of The 2019 Nickel

Flip the coin to the portrait side. You’ll see Thomas Jefferson looking straight at you — the only circulating U.S. denomination with a forward-facing president. Jamie Franki designed it, Donna Weaver sculpted it, and it’s based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 painting.

Jefferson’s own handwritten word “Liberty” in script sits in the lower right field above the date. “IN GOD WE TRUST” curves along the upper rim. The year “2019” appears below the portrait, with the mint mark just beneath: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco proofs.

The Reverse Of The 2019 Nickel

Now flip it over. Felix Schlag’s Monticello has been on the reverse since 1938, but the 2006 redesign added real depth to the dome, balconies, doorway, and windows. That extra relief is exactly what makes the Full Steps designation possible — and worth cherrypicking for.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” arches across the top. “MONTICELLO” labels the building below. “FIVE CENTS” curves beneath the mansion, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” completes the outer legend.

Other Physical Features Of The 2019 Nickel

The 2019 nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel — the same alloy used since 1938, except for the silver Wartime issues of 1942–1945. It measures 21.20 mm in diameter, weighs 5.00 grams, and has a plain (smooth) edge.

Current melt value sits around $0.0681. So yeah, your raw 2019 nickel is worth more as a collectible than as scrap metal — even at face value.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2019 Nickel Value

2019 Nickel Value Guides

2019-P Nickel Value: Philadelphia Mint

Most people assume the Philly nickel is the “common” one. It is — in circulated grades. But try finding one with Full Steps at MS68, and you’ll see why the record sits at $195.

Philadelphia struck 567,854,400 nickels in 2019, about 9.8% fewer than the 2018-P. Look for the “P” mint mark below Jefferson’s portrait — a tradition that started in 1980. In circulated condition, you’re looking at face value: 5 cents. Uncirculated examples from MS60–MS65 run $0.30 to $0.61.

The real money is in Full Steps. A 2019-P MS68FS hit $195 on eBay on March 30, 2022, per PCGS CoinFacts. There’s also a special Jamie Franki Signature FS variety — a PCGS designation honoring the coin’s designer that adds collector appeal.

Here’s how collector activity on the 2019-P has trended recently.

Market activity score: 35/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

2019-D Nickel Value: Denver Mint

If you’re cherrypicking rolls for Full Steps nickels, Denver is where you want to focus. The 2019-D frequently shows complete step separation on Monticello, making it the go-to issue for FS hunters.

Denver struck 527,040,000 nickels in 2019. An MS67+FS specimen brought $237 at eBay in July 2019. What really sets the 2019-D apart is its availability in multiple exclusive PCGS designations: First Strike, First Day of Issue, and the Explore & Discover Set with Full Steps Prooflike (FS PL) qualities. Neither the 2019-P nor the 2019-S got those options.

Melt value runs about $0.0670 — slightly different from the Philly coin due to tiny manufacturing variations.

Trading activity on the 2019-D has stayed consistent. Here’s the breakdown.

Market activity score: 35/100 as of Sep 2026 — unchanged since Jun 2026. Currently at its 12-month peak.

 

2019-S DCAM Nickel Value: San Francisco Proof

You won’t find this one in pocket change. The 2019-S was made exclusively as a proof — hand-polished planchets, individually fed into the press, struck at least twice with specially polished dies.

The result? Mirror-like fields with frosted raised design elements. When that contrast is especially strong, grading services award the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation. We think the 2019-S is one of the best-looking modern proof nickels out there. According to PCGS CoinFacts, most examples grade PR69 or PR70 DCAM.

A PR70DCAM sold for $165 on eBay in February 2022. Entry price for a standard 2019-S proof is just $5.24, so it’s a great starting point if you’re new to the series.

Collector demand for the Deep Cameo finish has been climbing. Check the activity chart below.

Market activity score: 40/100 as of Sep 2026 — up 5 points from Jun 2026. 12-month peak: 50 (Aug 2026).

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

 

Rare 2019 Nickel Error List and Values

Errors are where a five-cent coin can turn into real money. Here are the most notable 2019 nickel errors with documented auction prices.

1. Die Chip Error (“Cud” Error)

When a small chunk of the die’s surface breaks away, it leaves a raised blob on the struck coin. On 2019 nickels, these chips show up most often on Monticello’s columns and steps.

The best-known one appears on the left side of Monticello on the reverse. A 2019 nickel with this die chip error sold for $165 at auction. Minor chips typically bring $20–$50. Large cuds that reach the rim can top $150 in uncirculated condition.

2. Broad Strike Error

A broad strike happens when the collar die — the ring that keeps the coin round — fails to hold the planchet. Without it, the metal spreads outward. You get a coin that’s wider than normal with a smooth edge and sometimes incomplete design at the margins.

Moderate broad strikes sell for $75–$150. Dramatic examples with major diameter expansion can hit $200–$400, especially if the date and mint mark are still clearly visible.

3. Off-Center Strike

The blank wasn’t centered under the die when it got struck. Part of the coin shows the design; the rest is blank metal. More off-center means more valuable — as long as the date is still readable.

Coins at 5–10% displacement with complete dates start at $25–$50. At 15–25%, you’re looking at $100–$300. Extreme examples over 30% off-center with a visible date can reach $400–$600 in mint state.

4. Feeder Finger Error

The feeder finger is the mechanical arm that places blanks into the collar before striking. If it breaks or gets damaged, it scratches the coin, leaving distinctive parallel horizontal raised lines across Jefferson’s portrait or Monticello. This error pops up more on Philadelphia Mint 2019 nickels.

A 2019 nickel with a feeder finger error sold for $50 at auction. The key to identification: the lines are consistent and parallel. That’s what separates this from random post-mint scratches.

5. Struck Through Grease Error

Too much lubricating grease builds up in the die and blocks metal flow. You get weak, blurry, or missing design details. The “smoking Jefferson” variety — where grease makes it look like smoke is coming from Jefferson’s mouth — blew up on social media.

A circulated 2019 “smoking Jefferson” sold for $25 at auction. Subtle examples bring $10–$20. Especially dramatic shapes can push past $40.

6. Lamination Error

Impurities in the planchet metal cause it to crack along a horizontal plane, creating flakes or peeling on the surface. These can develop before or after striking.

A 2019 nickel with visible peeling on the obverse sold for $50 at auction. Lamination errors are rarer than die chips or off-center strikes, so they attract both error specialists and casual collectors.

7. Re-Punched Mint Mark (RPM) Error

The mint mark impression on the die got struck more than once, each hit landing at a slightly different angle. The result is a doubled or shadowed mint mark. Grab your loupe and look for a faint secondary P or D beside or overlapping the primary mark.

A 2019 nickel with a repunched mint mark sold for $50 in circulated condition. Uncirculated examples with strong doubling bring higher premiums.

8. Filled-In Eyes Error

Die fill — metal or debris clogging the eye area of the Jefferson die — makes the eyes look solid instead of properly recessed. Some collectors call these “zombie Jefferson” nickels. The name fits.

A 2019 nickel with fully filled-in eyes sold for $80 at auction. Partial eye filling typically brings $30–$50. Both eyes fully obscured? That’s where the biggest premiums are.

9. Missing Clad Layer Error

Jefferson nickels aren’t actually clad like dimes or quarters — they’re solid 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy. But planchet defects can still cause a missing surface layer. The affected side may show unusual coloration or texture. Look for sharp design detail alongside the defect — that rules out post-mint damage.

Examples from the broader Jefferson series have sold for $100–$155 depending on how much material is missing.

10. Improper Alloy Mix Error

When the copper-to-nickel ratio in the planchet is off, you can get brassy or unusual coloration. These are tough to spot and even tougher to authenticate without professional help.

If you suspect this error, submit the coin to PCGS or NGC for authentication. Environmental toning can mimic the look, so a third-party opinion is the only way to know for sure.

 

Where to Sell Your 2019 Nickel?

Now that you’ve determined your coin’s worth, you may be wondering about the best platforms to sell it. Check out the comprehensive guide below, complete with pros and cons for each option.

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

 

FAQ About 2019 Nickel Value

1. What is the highest auction price ever recorded for a 2019 nickel?

The top sale for a standard variety was $237, achieved by a 2019-D MS67+FS on eBay in July 2019. For Philadelphia, the record is $195 for a 2019-P MS68FS, sold on eBay on March 30, 2022, per PCGS CoinFacts. Dramatic error coins in uncirculated condition can reach $400–$600.

2. What does “Full Steps” mean on a Jefferson nickel, and why does it matter for 2019 Nickel Value?

Full Steps (FS) means five or six of the steps at the base of Monticello are complete, clean, and unbroken. PCGS awards FS for either five or six full steps; NGC separately designates 5FS and 6FS since 2004. An FS coin can be worth 10x to 20x more than a non-FS coin at the same grade. It’s the single biggest value factor for uncirculated 2019 nickels.

3. Which 2019 nickel variety is worth the most money?

The 2019-D in MS67+FS or higher commands the strongest prices. It’s the only 2019 nickel available in the exclusive Explore & Discover Set and First Day of Issue PCGS designations. For proofs, a 2019-S PR70DCAM sold for $165 in February 2022. Error coins in high grades can beat all of these.

4. Should I clean my 2019 nickel before selling it?

Never. Cleaning destroys original mint luster and creates microscopic scratches that graders spot immediately. A cleaned coin gets a “details” grade and sells for a fraction of what an original-surface coin brings. Even gentle cleaning permanently kills value.

5. How do I find 2019 nickel errors in pocket change?

Use a 5x to 10x loupe under good light. Look for unusual rim width (broad strikes), off-center designs with blank areas, raised bumps on smooth surfaces (die chips), parallel raised lines (feeder finger errors), and weak or missing details (struck-through grease). Keep a normal example handy for comparison. Bank rolls tend to yield better finds than loose change.

6. What are PCGS and NGC, and do I need them for my 2019 nickel?

PCGS (founded 1986) and NGC (founded 1987) are the two leading independent coin grading services. They grade on the 70-point Sheldon Scale and seal coins in tamper-evident holders with financial guarantees backing their grades. For any 2019 nickel worth over $50 — especially Full Steps or error coins — getting it slabbed is strongly recommended. It confirms authenticity and makes selling much easier.

7. How can I tell the difference between machine doubling and a genuine doubled die on a 2019 nickel?

Machine doubling creates a flat, shelf-like shadow with no real depth. A genuine doubled die shows distinct, fully rounded, separated images as deep as the original design. On 2019 nickels, check LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, MONTICELLO, and FIVE CENTS for doubling. True doubled dies are worth real money — machine doubling adds basically nothing.

8. What is the Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation on the 2019-S nickel?

Deep Cameo describes the strong contrast between frosted raised design elements and deeply mirror-like background fields on a proof coin. It’s the highest cameo designation. Most 2019-S examples grade PR69 or PR70 DCAM, making them accessible despite looking spectacular.

9. Is the 2019 nickel made of silver?

No. It’s 75% copper and 25% nickel. The only silver Jefferson nickels are the Wartime issues from late 1942 through 1945, which used 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. You can spot those by the large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello’s dome on the reverse.

10. How does the 2019 nickel mintage compare to other years, and does lower mintage mean higher value?

The 2019-P mintage of 567,854,400 was about 9.8% lower than 2018-P, reflecting growing digital payment use. The 2019-D hit 527,040,000. For context, the lowest-mintage business strike Jefferson nickel ever is the 1950-D at just 2,630,000. For modern coins like the 2019, mintage alone doesn’t drive value — condition, Full Steps designation, and error status matter far more than how many were struck.