2022 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “P”, “D” & “S” Mint Mark Worth

Found a 2022 nickel in your change and wondering if it’s worth more than five cents? You’re in the right place.

Most circulated 2022 nickels are worth exactly face value — but certain uncirculated and error specimens can be worth $20, $50, or even hundreds of dollars. The key is knowing exactly what to look for. The top verified auction record for a 2022 Jefferson nickel stands at $905, reached on January 29, 2023, for a PCGS MS67+FS specimen — that’s over 18,000 times face value for a coin that entered circulation just months earlier.

Standard uncirculated examples typically range from $7 to $12, with the 2022-P Philadelphia averaging about $10.63 in mint state and 2022-S proof versions valued around $12. The “Full Steps” designation — when all steps on Monticello are sharply struck and unbroken — is what separates a $5 coin from a $50 or even $905 coin.

Whether you’re a total beginner or someone who just found a shiny nickel in pocket change, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

 

2022 Nickel Value By Variety

This chart displays current market values for 2022 Jefferson nickels across different mint marks and conditions, from circulated grades up through uncirculated Mint State (MS) and proof (PR) versions.

If you know the grade of your coin, find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

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

 

Top 4 Most Valuable 2022 Nickel Worth Money

The 2022-P MS67+FS specimen achieved $905 on eBay on January 29, 2023, making it the highest documented sale price for any 2022 Jefferson nickel. PCGS data confirms this was a MS67+ (plus grade) with Full Steps — meaning the coin exceeded even standard MS67 quality.

This result illustrates conditional rarity — a numismatic term for coins that become rare not because of low mintage, but because almost no examples survive in the very best preserved conditions. The Philadelphia Mint struck 772,780,000 nickels in 2022, yet specimens combining MS67 or higher with complete step detail on Monticello represent genuine scarcity.

The 2022-S PR70 DCAM specimen at $143 reflects the compressed pricing typical of modern proof production. DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation for coins where frosted design elements contrast sharply against mirror-like background fields. San Francisco’s controlled striking environment consistently produces premium-grade coins, meaning supply at top grades remains adequate.

The 2022-D MS67 FS value of $83 follows the same conditional rarity pattern as Philadelphia. Denver struck 558,240,000 nickels in 2022 — slightly fewer than Philadelphia — but Denver coins face the same technical challenges in achieving complete step definition.

The entire 2022 nickel market is driven by grade sensitivity rather than absolute rarity. Moving from MS66 to MS67 with Full Steps can multiply a coin’s value tenfold or more.

 

History of the 2022 Nickel

The Jefferson nickel series has been in continuous production since 1938, when it replaced the Buffalo nickel following a design competition that attracted 390 entries. Designer Felix Schlag won a $1,000 prize for his winning submission.

The design in use today on 2022 nickels was introduced in 2006, following the Westward Journey commemorative series of 2004–2005 that honored the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Artist Jamie Franki designed the new forward-facing obverse portrait of Thomas Jefferson, while sculptor Donna Weaver executed the final design. This 2006 redesign was the first U.S. circulating coin to feature a presidential portrait facing forward rather than in profile.

Production in 2022 took place during the recovery period following COVID-19 pandemic disruptions that had reduced coin circulation nationwide. Bank closures, reduced retail activity, and changes in cash usage patterns all contributed to localized coin shortages despite adequate overall supply. The U.S. Mint maintained elevated production with enhanced safety protocols and expanded overtime to meet Federal Reserve demand.

Each nickel cost more than twice its face value to produce in 2022 — a manufacturing cost problem that has existed since 2005. The 2022 nickels represent approximately 11% of total U.S. circulating coin production for the year. Philadelphia struck 772,780,000 nickels while Denver contributed 558,240,000, bringing total business strike production to over 1.33 billion pieces.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Mint has announced a special one-year design change for 2026 nickels to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — which may increase collector interest in the preceding years’ standard designs like the 2022 issue.

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

 

Is Your 2022 Nickel Rare?

Check the Coin Value Checker App to view the rarity ranking of your 2022 nickels and see how they compare among all Jefferson Nickel varieties in the series.

 

Key Features of the 2022 Nickel

The 2022 nickel belongs to the “Return to Monticello” design era that began in 2006, after the brief commemorative period of 2004–2005. Understanding the design details is essential for accurately identifying your coin and assessing its value.

The Obverse of the 2022 Nickel

The obverse (front) features a forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson designed by Jamie Franki and based on a Rembrandt Peale portrait painted in 1800. Sculptor Donna Weaver completed the final rendering for the 2006 introduction.

The word “Liberty” on the coin appears in Jefferson’s own handwriting — a unique design touch you won’t find on most U.S. coins. “IN GOD WE TRUST” is positioned in the upper right of the obverse.

The date “2022” appears below Jefferson’s portrait, with the mint mark directly beneath it. “P” means Philadelphia, “D” means Denver, and “S” means San Francisco proof.

The Reverse of the 2022 Nickel

The reverse (back) shows Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic home in Charlottesville, Virginia. The 2006 version features more detailed architectural elements than the original 1938 design, thanks to advances in modern minting technology.

“E PLURIBUS UNUM” (Latin for “out of many, one”) appears above the building, with “MONTICELLO,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” below.

The six steps leading to Monticello’s entrance are the most important feature for value. Collectors call coins with five or six complete, sharp, unbroken step lines “Full Steps” — and this designation can multiply value by 5 to 10 times or more.

Other Features of the 2022 Nickel

The 2022 nickel has a diameter of 21.2 millimeters and weighs 5.00 grams. It is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel — the same alloy used since 1946 (the wartime silver alloy of 1942–1945 was retired long ago). The edge is plain and smooth with no reeding (ridges).

Because of the high production volume, circulated 2022 nickels are easy to find. Only high-grade examples with the Full Steps designation present a real challenge for collectors.

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

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 2022 Nickel Value

Figuring out what your 2022 nickel is worth comes down to a few straightforward steps. You don’t need to be an expert — just patient and observant.

Start by identifying the mint mark below the date on your coin — “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco proof. Coins are graded on the Sheldon Scale of 1–70, where 70 means a perfect coin with no visible imperfections even under magnification.

When examining your coin, look for wear on high points — Jefferson’s hair, cheekbones, and facial details. For Jefferson nickels, the most important inspection area is the reverse: look at the six steps below Monticello’s columns. If all five or six step lines are sharp, complete, and uninterrupted from one side to the other, your coin may qualify for the Full Steps (FS) designation, which adds significant value.

There is also a grading difference between services you should know: PCGS awards a single “FS” label to any nickel showing five or six complete steps. NGC, since 2004, distinguishes between “5FS” (five full steps) and “6FS” (six full steps) — the 6FS designation typically commands a higher premium.

For instant evaluation, simply photograph your coin with the Coin Value Checker App to automatically identify mint marks, assess grade, detect Full Steps features, and receive current market values based on real-time auction data.

 

2022 Nickel Value Guides

• 2022-P Nickel
• 2022-D Nickel
• 2022-S Proof DCAM Nickel

The 2022 Jefferson nickel series includes three distinct categories, each produced at a different facility for a different purpose. Philadelphia and Denver produced circulation strikes for everyday use. San Francisco produced collector-only proof versions with superior finish quality — these were never released into general circulation and had a mintage of approximately 500,000 to 600,000 pieces.

Grade is the primary value driver for all three categories. The Full Steps designation adds substantial premiums for circulation strikes. Professional certification by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) enhances marketability and provides authentication, which is especially important for higher-grade or error examples.

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

2022-P Nickel Value

The 2022-P nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a mintage of 772,780,000 pieces. Circulated examples are worth face value. Uncirculated specimens in MS60–MS64 trade for modest premiums of $2–$5, while standard MS65 examples typically sell for $10–$12 and MS66 specimens reach $15–$20.

The value equation changes significantly with the Full Steps designation. MS65 Full Steps specimens trade around $20–$30, while MS66 Full Steps examples command $35–$50.

At MS67 with Full Steps, values jump dramatically. The documented auction record is $905, realized on January 29, 2023, for a PCGS MS67+FS example on eBay. This price reflects genuine conditional rarity — out of hundreds of millions struck, very few achieve both MS67+ surface quality and complete architectural strike detail on Monticello’s steps at the same time.

It is worth noting that PCGS uses a single “FS” label while NGC uses “5FS” or “6FS.” A 2022-P NGC MS67 6FS — denoting six perfectly struck steps — typically commands a higher premium than a standard five-step FS example.

The auction records below document realized prices across different grades and designations.

Market activity data demonstrates consistent collector engagement throughout the year.

 

2022-D Nickel Value

The 2022-D nickel was produced at the Denver Mint with a total mintage of 558,240,000 pieces — making it the slightly scarcer of the two business strike varieties. Circulated examples remain at face value. Uncirculated specimens in MS60–MS64 trade for $2–$5, standard MS65 examples sell for around $12, and MS66 specimens reach approximately $20.

Denver-minted nickels are noted for generally sharp strikes and clean planchets, but achieving Full Steps alongside gem-quality surfaces is still technically demanding. MS65 Full Steps examples trade in the $18–$25 range, while MS66 Full Steps specimens command $30–$40.

At MS67 with Full Steps, the documented auction record reaches $83 — genuine conditional rarity at the highest preservation levels. Specimens at this grade with complete step definition represent the top end of what a 2022-D nickel can achieve on the open market.

As with the Philadelphia issue, NGC’s 6FS designation (six perfectly struck steps) commands a premium over the standard five-step Full Steps label.

The auction records below document realized prices for certified 2022-D nickels.

Market activity data reflects consistent collector engagement.

 

2022-S Proof DCAM Nickel Value

The 2022-S is a proof coin produced exclusively at the San Francisco Mint for collectors, with an estimated mintage of 500,000 to 600,000 pieces. It was never released into everyday circulation. Proof coins are struck multiple times with specially polished dies and planchets to produce superior surface quality.

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation indicating strong contrast between frosted (frosty-looking) design elements and mirror-like background fields. This is the most desirable proof designation, and modern San Francisco proof nickels routinely achieve PR67 to PR70 DCAM due to their controlled production environment.

Standard PR69 DCAM specimens trade in the $5–$8 range. PR70 DCAM examples command $12–$20. The documented auction record for the 2022-S reaches $143 for a PR70 DCAM specimen. Note that the Full Steps designation is not awarded to proof coins, since proof dies are specifically engineered to produce sharp details including full steps as a baseline standard.

The First Strike designation applies to coins certified within 30 days of initial mint release. A 2022-S First Strike PR70 DCAM typically sells for $15–$25, reflecting collector preference for early submissions rather than any real scarcity.

The auction records below document realized prices for certified 2022-S proof nickels.

Market activity data demonstrates steady collector engagement.

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

 

Rare 2022 Nickel Error List Worth Money

Minting errors happen when something goes wrong during the production process, producing coins with unusual features that distinguish them from standard strikes.

The 2022 Jefferson nickel total production exceeded 1.33 billion pieces across Philadelphia and Denver. Even a very small error rate produces a meaningful number of unusual coins. Below are the most valuable and collectible error types known for the 2022 issue.

1. 2022 Strike Through Error

Strike through errors occur when a foreign object — cloth, hair, debris, a metal fragment, or even a small insect — gets trapped between the die and the blank coin (called a planchet) during striking. The object leaves an impression in the finished coin’s surface.

One of the most famous 2022-P strike throughs shows what appears to be a bee-shaped impression on Jefferson’s forehead — the so-called “Beehive” strike through. This visually dramatic example has sold for up to $300. More subtle strike-through impressions typically bring $20–$50 depending on size, clarity, and overall condition.

2. 2022 Die Chip Error

Die chip errors occur when small pieces break off the surface of a hardened steel die, and the resulting gap fills with metal during each subsequent strike. This produces a raised bump or blob on the finished coin.

One popular 2022-P variety features a die chip that resembles a “spear” piercing Jefferson’s nose — collectors call it the “Spear in Nose” error, and it can sell for up to $10. Another variety shows a die chip on the letter “F” in “FIVE CENTS” on the reverse, also valued around $10. Die chip errors are among the most accessible and affordable of all error coins.

3. 2022 Doubled Die Error (DDO / DDR)

Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) and Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) errors occur during the die-manufacturing process when the hub — the master tool used to impress the design onto a die — strikes the die at slightly different angles on separate impressions. This creates a die with doubled or shadowed design elements, which then transfers to every coin struck by that die.

For the 2022-P nickel, researchers have documented at least ten distinct Doubled Die Reverse varieties. The most dramatic examples show doubling on “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Some 2022 nickels show both obverse and reverse doubling simultaneously — look for it on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” the date, the mint mark, and “MONTICELLO.” Circulated doubled die 2022 nickels typically sell for $10–$20, with coins showing strong doubling on both sides commanding higher premiums.

When examining a coin for doubling, use a 10x magnifying loupe and look for crisp, rounded shadow or notch effects on letters and numbers. Mechanical doubling — which is common and worthless — appears flat and shelf-like rather than crisp and defined.

4. 2022 Die Clash Error (“Peeping Tom”)

A die clash error happens when the obverse and reverse dies collide against each other at high pressure without a planchet between them. This causes each die to pick up ghost impressions of the opposite design, which then appear on coins struck by the damaged dies.

On 2022-P nickels, the reverse shows a faint outline of Jefferson’s portrait visible beneath Monticello’s steps — a variety nicknamed the “Peeping Tom” because Jefferson appears to be peeking out from under the building. The obverse shows traces of Monticello’s architecture across Jefferson’s eyes. Standalone die clash errors on 2022 nickels typically sell for $7–$12, while coins combining a die clash with a doubled die can reach $10–$20.

5. 2022 Improperly Annealed Planchet Error

Before blanks are struck into coins, they go through an annealing process — controlled heating and cooling that softens the metal. If this process is improperly performed, the resulting coin may display unusual coloring, typically a dark brownish tone rather than the normal bright metallic appearance.

This error has been documented on 2022-D nickels, which show a dark brownish discoloration across the surfaces. An improperly annealed 2022-D nickel is typically valued at $15–$20.

6. 2022 Reverse Compression Ring Error

A small number of 2022-P nickels feature an arch-like compression ring at the top of the reverse. The exact cause is uncertain but may relate to excessive die pressure or a strike-through event that caused the planchet edge to fold. Due to very limited known examples, these coins are valued at $15–$20.

 

Where to Sell Your 2022 Nickel

Whether you’re selling to a dealer, at auction, or through an online marketplace, always research current values and get multiple evaluations before accepting an offer.

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

 

FAQ About the 2022 Nickel Value, Errors & Collecting

1. How much is a 2022 nickel worth?

Most circulated 2022 nickels are worth face value — just five cents. Uncirculated examples without the Full Steps designation typically sell for $2–$12 depending on grade and mint mark. High-grade MS67+ specimens with Full Steps can be worth hundreds of dollars, and the all-time record for any 2022 nickel is $905 for a PCGS MS67+FS example sold on eBay on January 29, 2023.

2. What does “Full Steps” mean on a 2022 nickel?

Full Steps (FS) is a designation awarded by PCGS and NGC when the steps below Monticello’s columns on the reverse are sharply struck and completely unbroken. PCGS requires five or six full steps under their single “FS” label. NGC, since 2004, distinguishes between “5FS” (five full steps) and “6FS” (six full steps) — the 6FS designation is rarer and typically commands a higher price.

3. How many 2022 nickels were minted?

Philadelphia struck 772,780,000 nickels in 2022, while Denver produced 558,240,000 — a combined business strike total exceeding 1.33 billion coins. San Francisco produced approximately 500,000 to 600,000 proof nickels exclusively for collector sets.

4. What is the difference between a 2022-P and 2022-D nickel?

The “P” or “D” mint mark below the date on the obverse tells you where the coin was made — “P” is Philadelphia, “D” is Denver. The 2022-P had a higher mintage (772 million vs 558 million for Denver). Both types are virtually identical in design and composition, with values mainly determined by grade and Full Steps designation rather than which mint produced the coin.

5. Are there any doubled die errors on the 2022 nickel?

Yes. Researchers have documented at least ten different Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties for the 2022-P nickel alone, with strong doubling visible on inscriptions like “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Doubling has also been found on the obverse affecting “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” the date, and the mint mark. Circulated doubled die 2022 nickels typically sell for $10–$20, with multi-error examples reaching higher.

6. What is the “Peeping Tom” error on a 2022 nickel?

The “Peeping Tom” is a nickname for a die clash error where Jefferson’s portrait outline appears faintly visible beneath Monticello’s steps on the reverse, as if he is peeking out from under the building. It occurs when the obverse and reverse dies strike each other without a coin blank between them, transferring ghost impressions of each other’s design. These coins typically sell for $7–$12, or more if the clash is vivid and paired with other errors.

7. What does DCAM mean on a 2022-S proof nickel?

DCAM stands for Deep Cameo — a designation for proof coins where the design devices (raised lettering and images) appear with a frosty, white appearance against sharply reflective mirror-like background fields. Deep Cameo is the most desirable proof designation. A 2022-S PR70 DCAM — meaning a perfect proof with Deep Cameo contrast — typically sells for $12–$20, with the documented auction record at $143.

8. Is it worth getting a 2022 nickel professionally graded?

Professional grading by PCGS or NGC costs roughly $100–$150 per coin once you factor in membership fees, submission fees, and shipping. It only makes financial sense if your coin appears to be worth $200 or more. Strong candidates include: MS65 or higher with visible Full Steps, confirmed error coins like doubled dies or dramatic strike-throughs, or any 2022 nickel showing exceptional eye appeal and luster in gem condition.

9. How do I identify a Full Steps 2022 nickel at home?

Use a 10x magnifying loupe and look at the six steps below Monticello’s columns on the reverse. Count how many horizontal step lines run completely across from one side to the other without any interruption, nick, or weakness. Five unbroken lines qualifies as Full Steps (5FS by NGC standards). Six complete, unbroken lines is the premium standard (6FS). Avoid any coin with contact marks, scratches, or weak areas crossing through the step lines.

10. Will 2022 nickels become more valuable over time?

The 2022 nickel is not a key date — it has a high mintage and is common in circulation. However, the same is true of other modern Jefferson nickels that now command significant premiums in top grades with Full Steps. The U.S. Mint plans a one-year redesign for 2026 nickels to mark the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, which may increase collector attention toward all preceding years including 2022. High-grade certified examples with Full Steps designation remain the best long-term candidates for value appreciation.