2020 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S”, “W” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

The 2020 Jefferson Nickel is one of the most interesting modern coins to collect, with values ranging from just five cents for circulated examples to over $2,300 for the rarest certified specimens. Understanding 2020 Nickel value requires knowing which mint produced your coin and what condition it is in — two factors that can mean the difference between pocket change and a serious collector’s prize.

This year was truly historic for the Jefferson Nickel series. The West Point Mint struck Jefferson Nickels for the very first time in the series’ 82-year history, creating special Proof and Reverse Proof editions that instantly became collector favorites.

 

2020 Nickel Value By Variety

The chart below displays current market values for 2020 nickels across different grades and mint varieties. If you already know the grade of your coin, jump ahead to the Value Guides section for exact pricing.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 2020 Nickel Worth Money

The 2020-W nickels dominate the very top of the value ladder. A First Day of Issue PR70 specimen has commanded as much as $2,305, while the First Strike variant has reached $1,482 — premiums driven by the historic novelty of the “W” mint mark appearing on a nickel for the first time ever.

The Reverse Proof variety graded PR70 trades at approximately $895, with its First Strike counterpart valued near $813. These numbers reflect both the novelty of the West Point mint mark and the exceptional quality of a perfect PR70 grade.

Philadelphia and Denver coins also reach impressive heights in top condition. A 2020-P graded MS67 has sold for $716, and a 2020-D graded MS69 has fetched $995 on eBay according to PCGS CoinFacts records. Even the Early Find designation adds a meaningful premium, with a 2020-P Early Find MS68FS recording a $203 sale on eBay in June 2021.

These figures confirm just how dramatically grade and certification details shape value in today’s collector market.

 

History of the 2020 Nickel

The 2020 Jefferson Nickel was produced at Philadelphia and Denver for general circulation, while San Francisco continued its role striking Proof versions for collectors. This three-mint arrangement had been standard for decades, efficiently supplying both spending coins and collector pieces in a single annual program.

The design in use since 2006 features a forward-facing Jefferson portrait based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 oil study of the third president, replacing the original left-facing profile that had appeared since Felix Schlag’s 1938 design debut. Schlag won that original design competition from 390 entries, earning a $1,000 prize — equivalent to roughly $18,000 today.

The Monticello reverse on the 2020 nickel reflects enhancements made by John Mercanti in 2006, which added sharper definition to the dome, balconies, columns, doors, and windows. This “Return to Monticello” redesign followed the four special Westward Journey reverses of 2004 and 2005.

The biggest story of 2020 was the West Point Mint striking Jefferson Nickels for the first time in the series’ history. West Point normally focuses on commemorative coins and precious metal bullion, making this entry into base-metal coinage a genuine milestone.

The Proof version was included in the 2020 Clad Proof Set, while the Reverse Proof appeared in the 2020 Silver Proof Set, both packaged separately in sealed plastic wrap. Collectors who wanted either coin had to purchase the complete annual set to obtain it.

A planned third West Point product — an Uncirculated nickel intended for the annual Mint Set — was cancelled late in the year due to COVID-19 production constraints. That cancellation made the 2020-W lineup smaller than intended, adding a footnote to an already historic year.

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

 

Is Your 2020 Nickel Rare?

To quickly find out whether your 2020 nickel qualifies as rare, use our Coin Identifier and Value App to scan your coin and instantly receive detailed rarity information alongside current market values.

 

Key Features of the 2020 Nickel

Knowing a coin’s physical details helps you identify what you have and evaluate it correctly. The sections below walk through each major feature of the 2020 Jefferson Nickel.

The Obverse of the 2020 Nickel

The obverse (front) shows Thomas Jefferson in a forward-facing portrait introduced in 2006 by designer Jamie Franki and engraved by Donna Weaver. This design replaced Schlag’s original left-facing profile that had appeared on the nickel since 1938.

The word “LIBERTY” appears in a style inspired by Jefferson’s own handwriting, a distinctive touch introduced in 2005. The motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” sits to the left of the portrait, while the date “2020” and mint mark (P, D, S, or W) appear in the lower right area of the coin’s face.

The Reverse of the 2020 Nickel

The reverse (back) features Monticello — Jefferson’s Virginia estate — in a head-on architectural view enhanced in 2006 by engraver John Mercanti. His update added greater detail to the dome, balconies, doors, and windows, giving the building a crisper, more three-dimensional appearance.

Inscriptions on the reverse include “E PLURIBUS UNUM” across the top, “MONTICELLO” below the building, “FIVE CENTS” beneath that, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the outer edge. The letters “FS” visible to the right of Monticello are not a grading note — they are Felix Schlag’s initials, relocated to the reverse when the 2006 obverse redesign replaced his original portrait.

Other Features of the 2020 Nickel

The 2020 nickel weighs 5 grams and measures 21.20 millimeters across. It is struck from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, giving it the familiar silver-gray appearance despite containing no silver at all.

The coin’s edge is smooth (plain), with no reeding or lettering. Special West Point editions feature either a standard Proof finish — with mirror-like fields and frosted devices — or the distinctive Reverse Proof finish, which inverts this relationship so the devices are polished and the fields carry a frosted texture.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2020 Nickel Value

The fastest starting point is to check the mint mark — found below the date on the obverse — and assess the coin’s overall condition. Most circulated 2020 nickels from Philadelphia or Denver are worth only face value, but special varieties like the 2020-W and high-grade Full Steps examples can bring $15 to $700 or more.

For instant, accurate valuations, use the Coin Identifier and Value App to identify your coin’s grade, detect errors, and access current market values.

 

2020 Nickel Value Guides

The four main types of 2020 Jefferson Nickel each carry very different collector premiums. Knowing which variety you have is the first step toward understanding its true market value.

The 2020-W nickel stands apart as a historic first — the only Jefferson Nickel ever struck at West Point Mint — and commands the highest prices of any 2020 issue. Circulated Philadelphia and Denver examples are abundant, but high-grade Full Steps specimens and error coins still reward patient searchers with significant premiums.

Here are the four main types of 2020 nickel:

• 2020-P Nickel (Philadelphia Mint)
• 2020-D Nickel (Denver Mint)
• 2020-S DCAM Nickel (San Francisco Mint)
• 2020-W Reverse Proof Nickel (West Point Mint)

Also Read:  Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

2020-P Nickel Value

Philadelphia struck approximately 567,854,000 nickels in 2020 — a massive production run that means circulated examples are worth only face value. Uncirculated pieces without the Full Steps designation typically trade between 30 and 60 cents, reflecting how common this coin remains in mint condition.

The Full Steps (FS) designation changes the picture entirely. FS means that at least five complete, unbroken horizontal lines are visible running across the base of Monticello — a sign of a sharply struck coin that is far rarer than it sounds. Full Steps 2020-P specimens command $15 to $100 or more depending on grade.

You will need a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to check for this. Any break or blending in the step lines, anywhere across their full width, disqualifies the coin from FS status.

Coin shops, bank rolls, and half-price boxes are the best hunting grounds for these coins. Dealers often overlook Full Steps details when pricing inventory, so patient collectors can still find them at regular uncirculated prices.

The market activity chart below reveals collector interest trends over the past year.

 

2020-D Nickel Value

Denver Mint struck approximately 798 million 2020-D Nickels, making this the higher-mintage of the two circulation strikes. Most uncirculated examples trade between 30 and 61 cents, yet Full Steps specimens command $30 to $85 depending on grade — a dramatic premium that hinges entirely on those small architectural details at Monticello’s base.

The PCGS auction record for a 2020-D nickel stands at $995 for an MS69 example sold on eBay in August 2021. That price illustrates how a seemingly common coin becomes genuinely scarce in the very top grades.

Denver Mint coins historically prove harder to find with Full Steps than Philadelphia strikes. Variations in striking pressure and die maintenance between the two facilities create this difference, and it only becomes visible under magnification.

Searching bank rolls systematically remains the most cost-effective way to find quality specimens. Patience pays off when hunting for examples that combine complete step definition with minimal surface marks and good eye appeal.

The market activity chart below shows a snapshot of collector demand for the 2020-D issue.

 

2020-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2020-S Deep Cameo (DCAM) Jefferson Nickel is a Proof coin struck at the San Francisco Mint with a special two-step process. San Francisco strikes Proof coins multiple times with specially prepared dies, creating the deep DCAM effect — frosted, white design elements that contrast dramatically against mirror-like, polished background fields.

The “DCAM” designation stands for Deep Cameo, a term used by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) to describe this strong frosted contrast. NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company), the other major grading service, uses the term “UC” (Ultra Cameo) for the same visual quality.

Most 2020-S examples achieve grades of PR69 to PR70, reflecting the high consistency of San Francisco’s Proof production process. Certified PR70DCAM examples command $22–$28, while PR69DCAM specimens trade at $12–$14.

Uncertified pieces removed from Proof sets typically sell for only $4–$5, showing how professional certification by PCGS or NGC significantly increases buyer confidence and market value. Store these coins in protective holders away from humidity to preserve the sharp contrast that collectors prize.

The market activity chart below shows ongoing demand for this issue across recent months.

 

2020-W Reverse Proof Nickel Value

The 2020-W Reverse Proof Nickel is the crown jewel of the 2020 nickel series. It uses an inverted finishing technique: Jefferson’s portrait, the lettering, and the date display a polished mirror finish, while the background fields carry a soft frosted texture — the opposite of a standard Proof coin.

West Point Mint, which normally produces commemorative coins and precious metal bullion products, struck this nickel with the “W” mint mark for the first time in the Jefferson series’ 82-year history. That single fact alone makes 2020 a landmark year for nickel collectors.

Collectors could only obtain this coin by purchasing the complete 2020 Silver Proof Set, where it arrived as a separately sealed premium item. This set-only distribution meant that anyone wanting just the nickel still had to invest in the full set.

Top-grade certified examples carry strong premiums. A PR70 Reverse Proof commands around $895, and a First Strike PR70 reaches approximately $813. The record sale for a First Day of Issue PR70 example stands at an impressive $2,305.

The market activity chart below captures the past year’s collector interest in this historic coin.

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

 

Rare 2020 Nickel Error List

While most 2020 nickels are only worth face value, certain minting mistakes can transform them into coins worth $50, $500, or even several thousand dollars. Knowing what to look for gives every collector a real edge when sorting through pocket change or coin rolls.

1. Doubled Die Errors (DDO / DDR)

The doubled die error occurs during the die-making process when the hub impressions do not align perfectly, creating a doubled image baked into the die itself. On 2020 Jefferson nickels, the most common location for this error is the obverse (DDO) — specifically on the words “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY,” where letters appear to have a crisp shadow or echo effect.

Doubling can also appear on the reverse (DDR), most visibly around Monticello’s outline and the surrounding lettering. A specific subtype called the “tilted door error” shows two diagnostic markers: die gouges just below Jefferson’s ear and doubling on the left side of the center door above the steps.

Circulated 2020 nickels with doubled die errors typically sell for $50 to $80. Uncirculated examples with strong, clearly visible doubling can fetch $100 to $200 at auction.

Use a magnifying glass and look for crisp, mechanical separation between the doubled elements — not the fuzzy blurring caused by wear or circulation damage. Comparing your coin to verified DDO examples online before contacting a grading service is always a smart first step.

2. Double Strike Errors

A double strike error happens when a coin fails to eject from the press after its first strike and receives a second full blow from the die. This creates a dramatic overlapping image of the entire design — both Jefferson’s portrait and Monticello should show doubled images if the error is genuine.

Circulated double-struck 2020 nickels typically sell for $200 to $500. Dramatic examples with significant off-center displacement between the two strikes can command $1,000 to $3,000 or more.

One uncirculated 2020 Jefferson nickel showing both a double-strike and an off-center strike error sold for $2,999 — one of the highest prices ever recorded for a modern Jefferson nickel error. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is strongly recommended before selling any example at this value level.

Examine the rim carefully for signs of two separate strikes, and check whether both impressions show complete design details rather than just partial impressions. True double strikes are unmistakable once you know what to look for.

3. Strike-Through Errors

Strike-through errors occur when a foreign object — grease, thread, dust, or debris — gets trapped between the die and the planchet at the moment of striking. The intruding material prevents the die from fully contacting the coin, leaving a void or unusual impression on the finished surface.

These errors vary widely in appearance and size. A tiny grease strike-through may add only modest value, while a large obstruction that obscures a significant portion of Jefferson’s portrait or Monticello’s facade attracts much stronger collector interest.

Market values for 2020 nickel strike-through errors range from $50 to $80 in average condition. Pristine uncirculated examples with dramatic, well-defined obstructions can exceed these figures significantly.

The error’s uniqueness is part of its appeal — every strike-through is shaped by whatever object happened to intrude, making each example truly one-of-a-kind.

4. Missing Clad Layer Errors

The 2020 nickel is a clad coin — a copper core bonded on both sides with an outer layer of 75% copper / 25% nickel alloy. During planchet preparation, impurities or manufacturing defects can prevent one layer from bonding properly, eventually causing it to separate and reveal the copper interior beneath.

These errors create a striking two-tone appearance: one copper-colored face and one standard nickel-colored face, or a coin with visible copper peeking through where the outer layer has peeled away. The rarity of this error stems from quality control improvements that catch most defective planchets before striking begins.

Circulated 2020 nickels with missing clad layer errors typically sell for $20 to $35. Coins with more dramatic separation or missing cladding on both sides can reach $50 to $75, with uncirculated examples commanding premium prices above those figures.

Be careful not to confuse genuine missing clad layer errors with environmental damage or chemical exposure — real errors show clean copper from the core with distinct separation lines, while damaged coins show irregular discoloration or corrosion patterns.

5. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes happen when the planchet fails to seat properly within the collar during striking, leaving a blank crescent-shaped area where part of the design should appear. The degree of misalignment varies from just a few millimeters to dramatic cases where nearly half the design is missing.

Collectors strongly prefer examples that still show the complete date “2020,” since the coin cannot be properly attributed without it. A partial date dramatically reduces both the rarity claim and the market value.

Value correlates directly with how far off-center the strike is. A 10–15% shift typically brings $100 to $300, while dramatic 30–45% displacements can command $500 to $900 or more. The visual impact of these coins makes them popular entry-level error coins for beginners, yet high-grade examples continue attracting experienced collectors as well.

6. Die Chip Errors

Die chip errors occur when a small fragment breaks off the surface of a die due to wear and repeated use. During subsequent strikes, metal flows into the tiny void left by the missing chip and creates a small, raised bump on the finished coin’s surface.

These are among the smallest and most subtle errors you can find on a 2020 nickel. You will likely need a magnifying glass — and sometimes a second opinion from a professional grading service — to confirm whether what you see is a genuine die chip.

Despite their small size, die chip errors do add value to a 2020 nickel. A confirmed die chip can bring $5 to $20 depending on its size, placement on the coin, and whether the coin is circulated or uncirculated.

Common locations for die chips on Jefferson nickels include the fields near Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse and around Monticello’s architectural details on the reverse.

 

Where To Sell Your 2020 Nickel

Choosing the right selling platform can mean the difference between getting a fair offer and maximizing your return. The best venue depends on whether your coin is a common circulated example, a certified high-grade specimen, or a rare error coin.

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

 

FAQ About 2020 Nickel Value

1. How much is a 2020 nickel worth?

Most circulated 2020 nickels from Philadelphia or Denver are worth only their face value of five cents. Uncirculated examples without the Full Steps designation typically trade between 30 and 61 cents.

However, the coin’s value increases dramatically with the right attributes. Full Steps uncirculated examples range from $15 to $100, error coins can bring $50 to $3,000, and the 2020-W Reverse Proof in top grade commands up to $2,305.

2. Are 2020 nickels made of silver?

No — 2020 nickels contain no silver at all. They are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which gives them their silvery appearance despite having no precious metal content.

The only Jefferson Nickels that ever contained silver were the “War Nickels” struck from mid-1942 through 1945. Those coins were made from a 35% silver alloy as part of a wartime effort to conserve nickel for military equipment. You can identify War Nickels by the large mint mark (P, D, or S) located above Monticello’s dome on the reverse.

3. What makes the 2020-W nickel special?

The 2020-W nickel was the first Jefferson Nickel ever struck at the West Point Mint, making it unique in the series’ 82-year history. West Point normally produces commemorative coins and precious metal bullion, so its entry into regular nickel production was a landmark event.

The “W” mint mark appears on two varieties: a standard Proof included in the 2020 Clad Proof Set and a Reverse Proof included in the 2020 Silver Proof Set. Both were packaged separately from the rest of the set coins and could only be obtained by purchasing the complete annual sets. A planned Uncirculated version was cancelled due to COVID-19, reducing the 2020-W lineup from three coins to two.

4. What is a Full Steps (FS) designation and how does it affect 2020 Nickel value?

The Full Steps (FS) designation is awarded by PCGS and NGC to Jefferson Nickels that show at least five complete, unbroken horizontal lines across the base of Monticello on the reverse. Any break or weak area in any of those lines disqualifies the coin.

For a 2020-P or 2020-D nickel, earning this designation can multiply the coin’s value by ten to twenty times compared to a non-FS example at the same grade. A standard MS65 example might sell for under a dollar, while an MS65FS specimen commands a significant premium. PCGS awards the designation as “FS,” while NGC separates the levels into “5FS” and “6FS” to indicate whether five or six steps are fully visible.

5. What errors should I look for on a 2020 nickel?

The most valuable errors on 2020 nickels include the doubled die obverse (doubling on “LIBERTY” or “IN GOD WE TRUST”), double strike errors, off-center strikes, missing clad layer errors, and strike-through errors.

Double-struck error coins are among the most dramatic and valuable — one uncirculated example with both a double strike and off-center strike sold for $2,999. More subtle errors like die chip errors ($5–$20) and minor strike-throughs ($50–$80) are easier to find and still add meaningful value to an otherwise common coin. Always use a magnifying glass when checking your coins and compare findings to verified examples online before seeking professional authentication.

6. How do I tell the difference between the P and D mint marks on a 2020 nickel?

The mint mark on a 2020 nickel appears on the obverse (front), just below and to the right of the date “2020.” A “P” indicates Philadelphia, while a “D” indicates Denver.

Both letters are small and may require a magnifying glass to read clearly on worn coins. Coins without a visible mint mark from this era would indicate a production error rather than a Philadelphia coin — by 2020, Philadelphia had been placing the “P” mint mark on all its coins for several decades.

7. How does the 2020-S Proof nickel’s DCAM designation affect its value?

The DCAM (Deep Cameo) designation describes the sharp visual contrast between the frosted, white design elements and the mirror-like polished background fields of a Proof coin. PCGS uses “DCAM” for this designation; NGC uses “UC” (Ultra Cameo) for the same quality level.

For the 2020-S Proof nickel, the DCAM designation is standard — most examples achieve it because of San Francisco’s careful Proof production process. A PR70DCAM commands $22–$28, while a PR69DCAM trades at $12–$14. Removing a coin from its original holder or mishandling it can develop haze that reduces the contrast and lowers the grade, which is why storing Proof coins in protective cases matters so much.

8. Is the 2020-P or 2020-D nickel harder to find in Full Steps?

The 2020-D nickel is historically harder to find with Full Steps than the 2020-P nickel. Denver Mint coins throughout the Jefferson series have tended to show more striking weakness at Monticello’s steps compared to Philadelphia issues, likely due to differences in striking pressure and die maintenance practices between the two facilities.

This scarcity gap means that top-grade Full Steps examples from Denver are generally worth more than comparable Philadelphia coins at the same numeric grade. If you find a 2020-D example with clean, complete steps under a magnifying glass, it is worth having assessed by a professional grading service before selling or trading.

9. Can I find a valuable 2020 nickel in circulation?

Yes — patient searching through bank rolls and circulation finds can still turn up Full Steps examples and minor error coins. A circulated doubled die obverse can bring $50, while even a small die chip error adds $5 to $20 in value.

The key is systematic searching with a magnifying glass. Focus on Monticello’s steps first for Full Steps quality, then check the obverse inscriptions for any doubling, and finally examine the coin’s surfaces for unusual impressions or missing clad layer. Most finds will be ordinary coins, but the occasional discovery makes the effort worthwhile.

10. Should I clean my 2020 nickel before selling it?

Never clean a coin before selling it — cleaning is one of the most damaging things you can do to a coin’s value. Even gentle wiping with a soft cloth creates microscopic scratches on the surface that professional graders can detect immediately and that will result in a lower grade or a “cleaned” designation.

Collectors and grading services strongly prefer coins in their original, unaltered state, even if the surface shows light toning or minor spots. A naturally toned or lightly tarnished 2020 nickel will always sell for more than a cleaned one at the same grade level. If your coin appears to need attention, consult a professional numismatist before touching it.