2021 Nickel Value (Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth)

The 2021 nickel represents one of the final issues before the anticipated 2026 Semiquincentennial redesign, adding historical context to an otherwise modern coin.

Quality-historic-conscious collectors recognize distinct value tiers: circulated grades command modest premiums from $0.17 to $0.68, while Mint State Full Steps examples escalate to $5.26-$8.32 depending on mint mark. San Francisco proof strikes offer Deep Cameo specimens at $9.33.

This comprehensive guide examines how mint location, grade level, and strike quality influence 2021 nickel value across all three production facilities.

 

2021 Nickel Value By Variety

This value chart focuses on 2021 Full Steps (FS) nickels from the P and D mint marks, as well as proof coins from the San Francisco mint. 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 3 Most Valuable 2021 Nickel Worth Money

The 2021 nickel market reveals a clear hierarchy where ultra-high grade specimens command substantial premiums. Leading the pack is the 2021-P graded MS-67, valued at $761, demonstrating the extreme rarity of Philadelphia mint nickels achieving this grade level.

Close behind, the 2021-D MS-69 reaches $695, showcasing that Denver mint coins in near-perfect condition are equally scarce in the marketplace.

Notably, both circulation strikes significantly outvalue the third-place 2021-S PR-69 proof at $161, despite the proof’s higher numerical grade.

The value gap between circulation strikes and proofs underscores how condition rarity, rather than production method alone, ultimately determines market value for modern nickels.

 

History of The 2021 Nickel

The 2021 nickel continues the modern Jefferson nickel design that was introduced in 2006, following the completion of the Westward Journey commemorative series. This design represents a historic represent from traditional U.S. coinage, as it features the forward-facing presidential portrait on a circulating American coin.

The 2021 nickel maintains the traditional 75% copper and 25% nickel composition that has been standard since 1946, when the wartime silver alloy was discontinued. Production costs for each nickel have exceeded face value in recent years, making it a topic of ongoing discussion regarding potential composition changes.

January 13, 2021 marked a pivotal moment in numismatic legislation when President Trump signed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 into law. This historic legislation authorizes the redesign of all circulating U.S. coins, including the nickel, for the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.

For collectors, the 2021 nickel holds special significance as part of the final years before the 2026 redesign, making it one of the last issues featuring the current forward-facing Jefferson portrait.

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

 

Is Your 2021 Nickel Rare?

Wondering if your 2021 nickel is a hidden rare coin? Download our CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify rare varieties, check current market values, and discover if your pocket change contains valuable Full Steps designations or mint errors worth far more than face value.

 

Key Features of The 2021 Nickel

The 2021 nickel showcases the modern Jefferson nickel design introduced in 2006, combining innovative artistry with traditional American symbolism. Understanding these key features helps collectors identify valuable varieties and assess coin quality.

The Obverse Of The 2021 Nickel

The obverse features Jamie Franki’s groundbreaking forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, sculpted by Donna Weaver and based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 portrait. This design marked a U.S. president appeared facing forward on circulating coinage.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left side of the portrait, while “LIBERTY” is positioned on the right above the date in Jefferson’s own handwriting—an authentic touch linking modern collectors to the Founding Father. The mint mark, when present, appears directly below the date: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco proof specimens.

The Reverse Of The 2021 Nickel

The reverse showcases Felix Schlag’s iconic 1938 Monticello design, enhanced with superior architectural detailing restored by sculptor John Mercanti. This enhanced version reveals crisp lines and sharper features compared to earlier strikes, making it easier to identify Full Steps specimens.

The inscription “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top of the coin, symbolizing national unity from many states. Below Monticello appears the building’s name, with “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” displayed at the bottom. Schlag’s initials “FS” appear to the right of Monticello, relocated from the obverse after his original portrait design was replaced in 2006.

Other Features Of The 2021 Nickel

The 2021 nickel maintains precise physical specifications: 21.20mm diameter, 1.95mm thickness, and 5 grams weight. The composition consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel, producing the coin’s distinctive silver appearance while maintaining durability for circulation.

The edge is smooth and plain, without any reeding or lettering—a characteristic that distinguishes nickels from dimes and quarters.

This smooth edge design has remained standard throughout the Jefferson nickel series since 1938, making edge characteristics a quick authentication feature for collectors examining potential varieties or errors.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2021 Nickel Value

Examining your 2021 nickel’s worth starts with three simple checks: identify the mint mark (P, D, or S below the date), assess overall condition for wear or damage, and examine Monticello’s steps on the reverse for complete visibility.

While circulated examples remain at face value, uncirculated specimens range from $0.30 to $1, and rare Full Steps designations in high grades can reach $761 or more.

Download our CoinValueChecker App for instant professional grading, automated error detection, and real-time market values—transforming what once required expert knowledge into a simple photo-based assessment accessible to any collector.

 

2021 Nickel Value Guides

2021 Nickel Types:

• 2021-P Nickel (Philadelphia)
• 2021-D Nickel (Denver)
• 2021-S DCAM Nickel (San Francisco)

The 2021 nickel series comprises three distinct varieties: business strikes from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) mints, plus collector-oriented Deep Cameo proofs from San Francisco (S). Each type exhibits unique characteristics that influence market value and collector demand across different grade levels.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

2021-P Nickel Value

The 2021-P nickel holds historical significance as it was produced during a pivotal year for American coinage. On January 13, 2021, President Trump signed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, authorizing comprehensive redesigns of all circulating coins for the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebration. This legislation makes the 2021-P one of the final years featuring the current forward-facing Jefferson portrait before the upcoming 250th anniversary redesign.

Struck at the Philadelphia Mint, most circulated 2021-P nickels remain at face value. Uncirculated specimens typically range from $0.30 to $0.61, reflecting modest premiums for preserved luster and sharp strikes.

The true distinction lies in the Full Steps designation. Coins displaying complete, unbroken horizontal lines across Monticello’s six entrance steps represent striking excellence achieved in only a small fraction of production. A 2021-P graded MS-67 Full Steps commanded $761 at auction in December 2022, demonstrating how strike quality dramatically transforms value.

Market activity reveals collector interest patterns for the Philadelphia coin.

 

2021-D Nickel Value

The 2021-D nickel represents a modern Denver Mint production with approximately 798 million pieces struck, making it readily available in circulated grades at face value. However, the true collector interest lies in high-grade Full Steps specimens, where population data reveals significant scarcity.

Certification records demonstrate a sharp rarity curve for premium examples. While 201 specimens achieved MS-67 Full Steps grading, only 2 coins reached MS-67+ status, and just 14 examples attained the elite MS-68 grade. The extreme rarity at MS-69 Full Steps—with virtually no certified population, explains the great $695 auction record achieved in October 2022.

MS-66 Full Steps specimens command $15, advancing to $20 for MS-66+, and $30 for MS-67 examples. Values escalate usually for MS-67+ and higher grades, where market premiums exceed standard price guide levels due to minimal availability.

Market transactions reflect shows notable fluctuation throughout the tracking period for Denver specimens.

 

2021-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2021-S proof nickel was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collectors as part of the annual proof set program. The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation indicates the strongest level of contrast between the devices and fields, with deeply frosted raised design elements set against dark, mirror-like backgrounds.

These proof coins were distributed through the U.S. Mint’s Silver Proof Set, which debuted at $105.00 and contained seven coins total. While the dime, quarters, and half dollar in the set were struck in 99.9% silver, the nickel and cent maintained their standard cupronickel and copper compositions respectively.

Modern proof production techniques have made Deep Cameo finishes nearly universal since the late 1970s. The majority of 2021-S proof nickels exhibit full Deep Cameo characteristics, with specimens grading from PR68 to PR70 DCAM being readily available in the certified population.

Price guidance for 2021-S DCAM nickels reflects this accessibility. PR69 DCAM examples typically value at $15, while perfect PR70 DCAM specimens value at $22. The auction record of $161 for a PR69 DCAM example sold in March 2022 demonstrates that even top-grade proof nickels remain affordable within the modern Jefferson series.

Chart below is the market activity for the San Francisco deep cameo coins.

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

 

Rare 2021 Nickel Error List

While modern minting technology has significantly reduced error frequency, 2021 nickels still exhibit several collectible varieties that command premium prices.

1. Die Cracks and Cuds Errors

Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface, caused by fractures developing in aging dies after striking hundreds of thousands of coins. These cracks typically begin as fine hairlines and progressively widen as the die continues production, transferring the flaw to each subsequent strike.

Cuds represent advanced die breaks where metal chunks completely separate from the die face, creating raised blob-like areas on affected coins. A 2021-P nickel with prominent cuds across the word “OF” on the reverse demonstrates this error, showing characteristic raised bumps where displaced metal filled voids in the damaged die.

Values for die crack errors typically range from $5 to $25 for minor cracks, while dramatic cuds on certified specimens can reach $100 or more depending on size and location.

2. Rotated Die Errors

This error occurs when one die—typically the reverse—becomes misaligned from its standard 180-degree opposition to the obverse die. During normal production, flipping a coin over should show the reverse design upside-down relative to the obverse orientation.

Rotated die errors display angular deviations ranging from 30 to 45 degrees, though any measurable rotation qualifies as an error. The misalignment stems from loose die mounting or collar positioning failures within the striking press, allowing the die to shift during production runs.

While relatively common among modern errors, rotated dies remain collectible due to their visual distinctiveness and verifiable nature. Uncertified examples typically sell for $20 to $50, while professionally graded specimens with dramatic rotation angles can command $100 to $300 depending on degree and overall condition.

3. Struck-Through Grease Errors

Struck-through errors occur when foreign substances—most commonly accumulated die lubricant—position between the die and planchet during striking. The grease prevents complete design transfer, creating areas of weak or missing details with characteristic smudged, blurry appearance.

A 2021-D nickel with grease obscuring portions of Monticello exemplifies this error, showing weakened lettering and architectural details. Uncirculated examples command greater premiums since circulated specimens can mimic grease strikes through natural wear, with certified pieces fetching $25 to $75 depending on affected area size and visibility.

 

Where to Sell Your 2021 Nickel?

Whether you’re selling a rare Full Steps specimen or an error variety, choosing the right marketplace makes all the difference. Discover which platforms offer the best fees, fastest payments, and largest buyer audiences for your 2021 nickel.

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

 

2021 Nickel Market Trend

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

 

FAQ About The 2021 Nickel

1. How much is a 2021 nickel worth?

Most circulated 2021 nickels remain at face value of five cents. Uncirculated examples typically range from $0.30 to $1, depending on condition and mint mark.

However, coins with Full Steps designation in high grades can command significantly higher prices—a 2021-P MS-67 Full Steps nickel sold for $761, while a 2021-D MS-69 reached $695 at auction. Certified error coins and proof specimens can also fetch premium prices in the collector market.

2. How can I tell if my 2021 nickel has Full Steps?

Examine the base of Monticello on the reverse using a 5x magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe. Count the horizontal lines between the steps—you need at least four complete, unbroken lines visible across the entire width.

Look for any breaks, blending, or weakness in the lines that would disqualify the coin. If all lines appear crisp and run continuously without interruption, your nickel may qualify for Full Steps designation, though professional certification is recommended for valuable specimens.

3. Where is the mint mark located on a 2021 nickel?

The mint mark appears on the obverse (front) directly below the date “2021.” A “P” indicates Philadelphia Mint production, while “D” signifies Denver Mint.

San Francisco proof coins bear an “S” mint mark in the same location. This mint mark position has been standard since 2006, when the current forward-facing Jefferson design was introduced.