2021 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

The 2021 nickel is one of the final issues of the modern Jefferson design before the anticipated 2026 Semiquincentennial redesign, giving it quiet historical significance for date-set collectors.

Understanding its true value means looking beyond face value — mint mark, strike quality, and error status can transform a common five-cent piece into a coin worth hundreds of dollars.

This guide covers every factor that drives 2021 nickel value, from circulated grades to record-setting Full Steps (FS) auction prices and the rarest errors worth hunting for today.

 

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 shows a clear hierarchy where ultra-high-grade business strikes vastly outperform proofs despite the latter’s fancier finish. At the top sits the 2021-P graded MS-67 Full Steps, which sold for $761 — a result driven by extreme population scarcity at that grade and intense registry-set competition among advanced collectors.

Right behind it is the 2021-D MS-69 at $695, sold on eBay in October 2022 — a dramatic reminder that near-perfect Denver mint coins are equally elusive despite the higher overall mintage.

Notably, the third-place coin is the 2021-S PR-69 Deep Cameo proof at $161, far below both circulation strikes even though its numerical grade is higher. This gap illustrates a key truth: condition rarity among business strikes — not proof status alone — is what drives premium value for modern nickels.

 

History of The 2021 Nickel

The 2021 nickel continues the modern Jefferson design introduced in 2006, which ended the Westward Journey Nickel Series commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition. That redesign was also the first time a U.S. president appeared facing forward on a circulating coin — a historic break from over a century of profile-only portraits.

Total production for the 2021 Jefferson nickel reached substantial levels: the Denver Mint struck approximately 837.6 million pieces and the Philadelphia Mint produced around 785.5 million, as reported by Coin World in January 2022 from official U.S. Mint data. That combined output of over 1.6 billion coins makes circulated examples extremely common, while certified Full Steps survivors represent only a tiny fraction of total production.

On January 13, 2021, President Trump signed the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 into law, authorizing redesigns of all circulating U.S. coins for the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The U.S. Mint has since confirmed a one-year redesign for the 2026 nickel — formally placing a deadline on the current Jefferson portrait series.

For collectors, this context is significant: the 2021 nickel is among the last issues of the 2006-era design, making it a natural endpoint for modern date sets. Historical precedent from the 1976 Bicentennial program suggests that the public tends to hoard final-year issues before a design change, which could create modest long-term premium potential for high-grade survivors.

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 Coin Value Checker 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 carries the modern Jefferson design introduced in 2006, pairing an innovative forward-facing presidential portrait with the classic Monticello reverse. Knowing these features helps you identify valuable varieties and understand why some specimens command dramatic premiums.

The Obverse Of The 2021 Nickel

The obverse features artist Jamie Franki’s forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, sculpted by Donna Weaver and based on Rembrandt Peale’s 1800 oil painting. This design marked a historic first: no U.S. president had ever appeared facing forward on a circulating coin before this portrait debuted in 2006.

The inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears on the left side of the portrait, while “LIBERTY” — rendered in Jefferson’s own handwriting — is positioned to the right above the date. The mint mark (P, D, or S) appears directly below the date on the obverse, a position standardized with the 2006 redesign.

The Reverse Of The 2021 Nickel

The reverse showcases Felix Schlag’s iconic 1938 Monticello design, enhanced with crisper architectural detail restored by sculptor John Mercanti when the current design series launched. This improvement makes Full Steps specimens more achievable on modern dies than in earlier decades — though they remain far from guaranteed in high grades.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top of the coin, with “FIVE CENTS” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” at the bottom. The initials “FS” visible to the right of Monticello stand for Felix Schlag, the nickel’s original designer — they have absolutely nothing to do with the Full Steps grading designation collectors look for on the building’s steps.

Other Features Of The 2021 Nickel

The 2021 nickel measures 21.20mm in diameter, is 1.95mm thick, and weighs exactly 5 grams. Its composition — 75% copper and 25% nickel — has been standard since 1946, when the wartime 35% silver alloy used from 1942 to 1945 was discontinued after World War II.

The edge is smooth and plain, with no reeding or lettering — distinguishing nickels instantly from dimes and quarters. At approximately 10 cents per coin to produce, the nickel remains one of the most-discussed candidates for future composition reform in numismatic and legislative circles.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2021 Nickel Value

Start with three simple checks: identify the mint mark (P, D, or S below the date), assess overall condition for any visible wear or damage, and examine Monticello’s steps under magnification to see if all horizontal lines run completely and without breaks.

Circulated examples remain at face value, while uncirculated specimens can range from $0.30 to $1. Full Steps designations in high grades can reach $761 or more, and error coins add another premium layer entirely.

Download our Coin Value Checker App for instant professional grading, automated error detection, and real-time market values — turning what once required expert knowledge into a simple photo-based assessment any collector can use.

 

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 includes business strikes from Philadelphia (P) and Denver (D) for general circulation, plus Deep Cameo proof coins from the San Francisco Mint (S) sold exclusively in collector sets. Each type exhibits different production characteristics, certified population data, and value ceilings.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

2021-P Nickel Value

The Philadelphia Mint struck approximately 785.5 million 2021 nickels for circulation, making circulated examples worth face value only. Uncirculated specimens — those with original mint luster and no signs of wear — typically range from $0.30 to $0.61, reflecting modest premiums for preserved condition.

The key value driver is the Full Steps (FS) designation. The Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) awards “FS” when at least five complete, unbroken horizontal lines are visible across Monticello’s steps, while the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) uses separate “5FS” and “6FS” labels — 6FS requires all six steps fully struck with no weakness, making it significantly rarer and worth more.

A 2021-P graded MS-67 Full Steps sold for $761 in December 2022, demonstrating how dramatically strike quality transforms value. The January 13, 2021 signing of the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020 also adds a layer of historical meaning to every 2021-P — it was the year Congress formally authorized the end of the current design era.

Market activity reveals active collector interest patterns for Philadelphia Full Steps specimens.

 

2021-D Nickel Value

The Denver Mint produced approximately 837.6 million 2021 nickels — the higher of the two business-strike facilities — making circulated examples extremely common at face value. But like the Philadelphia issue, the real collector premium lies in certified high-grade Full Steps specimens where population data reveals a dramatic rarity cliff.

Approximately 201 PCGS-certified specimens achieved MS-67 Full Steps status, but only 2 reached MS-67+ FS, and just 14 examples attained the elite MS-68 FS grade. The extreme scarcity at MS-69 FS explains the $695 eBay sale in October 2022 — essentially a near-unique coin in the certified world. Meanwhile, the regular (non-FS) 2021-D also set an impressive record: a perfect MS-70 example sold for $1,000 in October 2022, confirming that even standard strikes attract significant premiums at the absolute condition ceiling.

MS-66 Full Steps examples command around $15, rising to $20 for MS-66+ and $30 at MS-67. Values escalate sharply above that point, driven by registry set competition far beyond standard price guide figures.

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

 

2021-S DCAM Nickel Value

The 2021-S proof nickel was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collectors, with a mintage of approximately 792,000 pieces. It was never intended for circulation and can only be found in officially packaged collector sets — never in pocket change.

The Deep Cameo (DCAM) designation from PCGS — called “Ultra Cameo” (UCAM) by NGC — indicates the maximum level of contrast between deeply frosted raised design elements and mirror-like background fields. This finish is produced through specially prepared dies and multiple strikes, and has been near-universal on modern proof nickels since the late 1970s, meaning almost all certified 2021-S examples display full DCAM quality. The 2021-S was distributed as part of the U.S. Mint’s annual Silver Proof Set, which debuted at $105.00 — though the nickel (and the cent) retained their standard compositions while the other five coins in the set were struck in 99.9% silver.

Because DCAM quality is routine for this issue and certified populations at PR68–PR70 DCAM are large, prices remain very accessible. PR69 DCAM examples typically sell for around $15, while perfect PR70 DCAM coins bring approximately $22. The auction record of $161 for a PR69 DCAM sold in March 2022 represents the high-water mark, illustrating that modern proof nickels remain affordable entry points in the Jefferson series even at their finest.

The chart below shows market activity for San Francisco Deep Cameo proof coins.

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

 

Rare 2021 Nickel Error List

Modern computerized die-making has dramatically reduced traditional errors like Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) — which previously required multiple manual hub strikes where the die could shift between impressions. Mechanical and die-deterioration errors still occur, however, and 2021 nickels exhibit several collectible varieties worth knowing about.

1. Die Cracks and Cuds Errors

Die cracks appear as raised lines on the coin’s surface, caused by fractures developing in the die after it has struck hundreds of thousands of planchets at high pressure. These cracks begin as fine hairlines and grow progressively wider with continued use, transferring the flaw to every coin the damaged die strikes.

Cuds represent advanced die failures where a chunk of die metal separates completely, creating a raised blob on affected coins. A documented 2021-P nickel shows a prominent cud across the word “OF” on the reverse — a characteristic raised mass where displaced metal filled the void in the damaged die. Values for die crack errors range from $5 to $25 for minor examples, while dramatic cuds on certified specimens can reach $100 or more depending on size and location.

2. Rotated Die Errors

A rotated die error occurs when one die — typically the reverse — becomes misaligned from its standard 180-degree opposition to the obverse. On a correctly struck coin, flipping it over should show the reverse design upside-down relative to the obverse; a rotated die displays a measurable angular deviation from that expected orientation.

On 2021 nickels, documented rotated die errors typically show deviations of 30 to 45 degrees, caused by loose die mounting or collar positioning failures in the striking press. Uncertified examples typically sell for $20 to $50, while certified specimens with dramatic rotation angles can reach $100 to $300 depending on the degree of misalignment and overall condition.

3. Struck-Through Grease Errors

Struck-through errors occur when a foreign substance — most commonly accumulated die lubricant — positions itself between the die and the planchet during striking, preventing full design transfer. Affected areas show weak or missing detail with a smudged or blurry appearance distinctly different from normal strike weakness.

A 2021-D nickel with grease obscuring portions of Monticello’s architectural detail and lettering is a typical example of this error type. Uncirculated certified specimens with clearly documented struck-through grease typically bring $25 to $75 depending on the size and visual prominence of the affected area.

4. Black Toning (Improperly Annealed Planchet) Errors

Before striking, coin blanks are annealed — a process of heating and slow cooling that softens the metal to prevent cracking under die pressure. When this process goes wrong, the planchet can develop unusual surface coloration, most commonly a dark brown or black toning across part or all of the coin’s surface.

A 2021-P nickel with dramatic black toning from an improperly annealed planchet displays two-toned silver and black coloring visually distinct from normal circulation toning. Documented examples have sold on eBay for approximately $45 to $50. Certification significantly enhances value by confirming the toning is a genuine minting anomaly rather than artificial coloring applied after production.

5. Die Chip Errors

Die chips occur when small pieces of the die surface flake away after extended use, transferring as small raised bumps or irregular protrusions on the coin’s surface. They are among the most common modern errors and can appear near letters, at the rim, or in open field areas on either side of the coin.

A documented 2021-P nickel shows die chips on both the obverse and reverse simultaneously — a combination that increases collector interest compared to single-sided examples. Because die chips are common and not classified as dramatic rarities by major grading services, unverified examples typically sell for $5 or less, while certified coins with unusually prominent or multiple chips can reach $20 or more.

 

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 Value

1. How much is a 2021 nickel worth?

Most circulated 2021 nickels are worth only their face value of five cents. Uncirculated examples without the Full Steps designation range from $0.30 to $0.61 depending on mint mark and condition.

Full Steps specimens in high grades command dramatically more: a 2021-P MS-67 FS sold for $761 and a 2021-D MS-69 FS brought $695 at auction. Certified error coins and San Francisco proof specimens add additional value tiers beyond those results.

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

Use a 5x magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe to examine the base of Monticello on the reverse. You need at least five complete, unbroken horizontal lines running the full width of the steps — with no bridging, blending, or weakness anywhere across them.

PCGS awards its “FS” label for five or more complete steps, while NGC uses separate “5FS” (five steps) and “6FS” (all six steps) designations since 2004 — the 6FS standard is rarer and typically worth more. Professional certification by PCGS or NGC is the only reliable way to confirm the designation before selling.

3. What is the difference between PCGS FS and NGC 5FS or 6FS?

PCGS uses a single “FS” designation for Jefferson nickels with five or more fully visible steps. NGC, since implementing its two-tier system in 2004, uses “5FS” for five complete steps and “6FS” for all six steps fully struck with no weakness — a higher and rarer standard.

This matters because NGC 6FS represents stricter strike quality than most PCGS FS coins, yet PCGS coins often command stronger market prices due to collector registry set competition. Always compare values between coins certified by the same service for an apples-to-apples comparison.

4. Where is the mint mark on a 2021 nickel?

The mint mark appears on the obverse (heads side) directly below the date “2021.” A “P” indicates Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” marks the San Francisco proof-only strikes.

This mint mark position has been standard on Jefferson nickels since the current forward-facing design debuted in 2006, replacing the earlier reverse placement used in prior decades.

5. How many 2021 nickels were made?

The Denver Mint struck approximately 837.6 million 2021 nickels for circulation, while the Philadelphia Mint produced around 785.5 million — figures reported by Coin World in January 2022 from official U.S. Mint production data. The San Francisco Mint produced approximately 792,000 proof-only examples for collector sets.

Combined, over 1.6 billion 2021 nickels entered the supply across all three facilities.

6. What makes a circulated 2021 nickel worth keeping?

There are three main reasons to set one aside. First, if it shows a clearly visible minting error such as a dramatic rotated die, prominent cud, or struck-through material. Second, if it appears pristine enough to be a Full Steps candidate worth professional evaluation. Third, collectors building a date set of the final years before the 2026 redesign have good reason to save all 2021 examples as a group.

Circulated examples without errors or exceptional strike quality are worth only face value and can be spent or deposited at any time.

7. Are true DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) errors possible on 2021 nickels?

Genuine DDO errors are extremely unlikely on modern 2021 nickels. Traditional Doubled Die Obverse errors resulted from manual hub-to-die production methods used in earlier decades, where misalignment between multiple hub strikes created doubling visible on every coin from that die.

Today’s dies are produced using a single computer-guided hub strike, virtually eliminating traditional doubling. Some sellers list purported 2021-P DDO coins on eBay — sometimes asking $800 or more — but these are almost always unverified and likely show mechanical doubling or post-mint damage rather than true die errors. Never pay a significant premium for any claimed modern DDO without professional certification from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS.

8. Is the 2021-S proof nickel valuable?

The 2021-S proof nickel is affordable and widely available in the certified market. PR69 Deep Cameo (DCAM) examples sell for around $15, and perfect PR70 DCAM specimens bring approximately $22 in most current transactions.

The all-time auction record of $161 for a PR69 DCAM sold in March 2022 reflects the ceiling for this issue. High mintage and near-universal Deep Cameo quality on modern proofs mean these coins are collected by grade rather than rarity, with First Strike or Early Releases label designations adding a small marginal premium among specialized collectors.

9. Will 2021 nickels become more valuable because of the 2026 redesign?

The 2026 Semiquincentennial redesign, authorized by the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act of 2020, will replace the current Jefferson portrait on all circulating nickels. Historical precedent from the 1976 Bicentennial program suggests public hoarding increases sharply as a design change approaches.

Meaningful appreciation, however, is most realistic for certified high-grade Full Steps specimens and authenticated error coins — not for the vast supply of common circulated examples. With over 1.6 billion 2021 nickels already produced, common-grade pieces will remain plentiful indefinitely regardless of the redesign.

10. What is the best way to search for a valuable 2021 nickel?

The most accessible approach is bank roll hunting — purchasing sealed rolls of nickels from a bank and examining each coin for uncirculated condition, original luster, and sharp step definition on the Monticello reverse. Look for coins free of contact marks in the fields and with crisp lines clearly visible across all six steps.

When you find a promising candidate, examine it under 5x to 10x magnification before deciding whether to pursue professional certification through PCGS or NGC. Certification is worth considering for any coin that could grade MS-66 or higher with Full Steps quality, since a certified holder is essential for realizing meaningful market value above face value.