2020 Jefferson Nickel Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Complete 2020 Jefferson Nickel error value guide: W Reverse Proof worth up to $900, WDDR-006 'Best Of' variety $50–$150+, Full Steps MS67+ up to $700, and 37+ doubled die reverses with die-marker diagnostics and authentication tips.
Most 2020 Jefferson Nickels are worth face value — but a W mint mark, a Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety on a Philadelphia coin, or a gem Full Steps grade can push value into the hundreds.
- 💎 2020-W Reverse Proof PR70:$800–$900 — the rarest standard 2020 nickel
- 💎 2020-W Proof PR70:$125–$800+ — first W-mint nickel in series history
- 🔍 WDDR-006 “Best Of” (P-mint):$50–$150+ — Class VI distended hub doubling on Monticello columns
- 🔍 Full Steps MS67+ FS (D-mint):$150–$700+ — flawless step lines are exceptionally scarce
⚠️ Biggest trap: flat, shelf-like doubling on the date or LIBERTY is Machine Doubling — a mechanical flaw with zero numismatic value. No known major Doubled Die Obverse exists for 2020 involving the date.
2020 Jefferson Nickel Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of TODO and are subject to market fluctuation.
Error coin and variety values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and current market demand.
Professional third-party authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for any coin believed to be worth over $100.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is NOT a valuable doubled die variety—it is a mechanical striking artifact with no numismatic premium.
Plating blisters and die deterioration (orange peel texture) are common manufacturing byproducts with no collector value.
The 2020-W Uncirculated Nickel was officially cancelled due to COVID-19. Any 2020-W nickel in business strike finish should be carefully authenticated.
Grading fees ($30–$50+) plus attribution fees ($20–$40) should be considered before submitting coins for professional certification. Verify the variety yourself before submitting.
There are no known major Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) varieties for the 2020 nickel involving the date. Doubling on the date is statistically Machine Doubling.
In 2020, the Jefferson Nickel made numismatic history: the West Point Mint struck nickels with a “W” mint mark for the very first time since the series launched in 1938, and those coins command real premiums. Meanwhile, researchers cataloged 37 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) varieties lurking in everyday Philadelphia-minted rolls. Whether you pulled a coin from your pocket change or opened an old proof set, this guide tells you exactly what to look for and what it is worth. See full 2020 Jefferson Nickel base values →
2020 Nickel Specifications, Mintage & Value Baseline
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Series | Jefferson Nickel — “Return to Monticello” design, 2006–present |
| Composition | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (solid homogeneous alloy — no plating) |
| Weight | 5.000 grams |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Edge | Plain (smooth) |
| Obverse Designer | Jamie Franki (forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson) |
| Reverse Designer | Felix Schlag (Monticello, restored to 1938 sharpness) |
| Mint Mark Location | Obverse, right of Jefferson’s ponytail, below IN GOD WE TRUST |
Mintage by Facility
| Mint | Finish | Distributed In | Approx. Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| P — Philadelphia | Business Strike | Circulation | 772,780,000 |
| D — Denver | Business Strike | Circulation | 798,000,000 |
| S — San Francisco | Proof Deep Cameo | Clad Proof Set | ~464,000 |
| S — San Francisco | Proof Deep Cameo | Silver Proof Set | ~313,000 |
| W — West Point | Proof Deep Cameo | Bonus w/ Proof Set | ~464,000 |
| W — West Point | Reverse Proof | Bonus w/ Silver Proof Set | ~313,000 |
⚠️ The Cancelled 2020-W Uncirculated Nickel
A third W-mint nickel — an Uncirculated (business-strike finish) version — was planned for the 2020 Mint Set but was officially cancelled due to COVID-19 production constraints. It was never minted. Any 2020-W nickel claiming to be a business strike or “uncirculated finish” is either a misidentified Proof or a counterfeit. Only Proof and Reverse Proof finishes exist for the W mint in 2020.
Want baseline values for standard undamaged coins? See the full 2020 Jefferson Nickel value guide →
2020 Nickel Errors: 5 Quick Checks Every Hunter Needs
Run through these five checks with a standard 10x loupe (a small magnifying glass). They are designed to filter out the vast majority of face-value coins and flag genuine candidates in under two minutes.
Machine Doubling (left, flat shelf) vs. true Doubled Die Reverse (right, rounded and raised).
Check 1 — WDDR-006 “Best Of” Variety (Class VI Distended Hub Doubling)
The reverse (back) of a P-mint coin. Focus on the center of Monticello: the columns, the rectangular center door, the steps, and the triangular pediment (the triangle above the door).
Strong extra thickness on the columns and door frames — columns look unnaturally fat, almost touching. Letters in MONTICELLO (especially TICELLO) appear bold and swollen. Confirm with a die gouge (a tiny raised scratch) in the open field to the upper left of the dome.
Machine Doubling looks flat and shelf-like — it reduces design size. General die wear causes a fuzzy, textured “orange peel” look across the whole coin, not localized thickening. WDDR-006 shows specific, rounded distension centered on the architecture.
Check 2 — Class VIII Door Frame Doubled Die Reverse (37+ Varieties)
The upper portion of the center door frame on Monticello’s reverse, and the triangular pediment above it. Over 37 distinct Class VIII varieties have been cataloged for the 2020-P nickel.
A secondary raised line or lip running alongside the primary door-frame lines. Letter serifs (the small end-strokes on letters) may show a split or notch. Once you spot doubling, match specific die markers — gouges, dots, or scratches on exact letters — to identify the variety.
Machine Doubling on the door frame looks flat. If the doubling is only on the date or LIBERTY on the front of the coin and appears shelf-like, stop — that is MD. True 2020 doubled dies are almost exclusively on the reverse.
Check 3 — West Point Finish Identification (Proof vs. Reverse Proof)
The flat, empty field (background space) next to Jefferson’s profile on the front of the coin. Tilt the coin slowly under a single light source and watch how the field reacts to the light.
Reverse Proof: field diffuses light (matte/frosted), Jefferson’s portrait is dark and mirror-like. Mintage ~313,000. Standard Proof: field reflects like a mirror, Jefferson’s portrait is frosty white. Mintage ~464,000. The Reverse Proof is significantly more valuable.
Environmental haze or toning on a Standard Proof can make fields look frosted. Look carefully for mirror reflectivity beneath any haze. There is no 2020-W business-strike (circulation-finish) nickel — it was cancelled.
Check 4 — Full Steps (FS) Assessment
The horizontal stair steps at the base of Monticello on the reverse. These are the fine lines running across the full width of the staircase. Examine them under 10x magnification.
Five or six completely unbroken lines running the full width of the staircase with zero interruptions from contact marks, planchet flaws, or weak strike areas. The coin must also be gem uncirculated (MS65+) to benefit meaningfully from the designation.
Partial or bridged (merged) steps do not qualify. Bag marks from bin handling frequently break a step line, disqualifying the coin. Die wear causing weak steps is normal, not an error.
Check 5 — Machine Doubling Filter (STOP HERE First)
The date (2020), LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST on the front of the coin. Machine Doubling is extremely common on these areas of modern high-speed strikes.
The doubling looks like a flat, step-like shelf extending from the number or letter. It appears to “shave” the side of the design element, making it slightly smaller. This is Machine Doubling (MD) — caused by the die bouncing during striking, not a genuine doubled die.
If the doubling is on the obverse date or LIBERTY and looks flat and shelf-like, it is statistically MD. True 2020 doubled dies are almost exclusively on the reverse (door frames, columns, triangle). There are no known major Doubled Die Obverse varieties for 2020 involving the date.
2020 Nickel Error & Variety Value Reference Table
Use the first table to quickly find the baseline value for your specific mint and condition before investing time in diagnostics. The second table lists all documented error and variety types with market value ranges.
Baseline Values by Mint & Condition
| Mint | Condition / Finish | Value Range | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| P — Philadelphia | Circulated (worn) | Face ($0.05) | Check reverse for WDDR-006 — can add $50+ even circulated |
| P — Philadelphia | Uncirculated | $0.10–$1.00 | Check for WDDR varieties and Full Steps designation |
| D — Denver | Circulated (worn) | Face ($0.05) | No known major DDR varieties; Full Steps is the value driver |
| D — Denver | Uncirculated (MS65 FS) | $15–$30 | Full Steps designation required for significant premium |
| D — Denver | Uncirculated (MS67+ FS) | $150–$700+ | Gem FS coins are extremely scarce; auction record $700+ |
| S — San Francisco | Proof (Clad Set) | $3–$10 | ~464,000 mintage; no widely recognized major errors |
| S — San Francisco | Proof (Silver Set) | $3–$10 | ~313,000 mintage; similar collector value to clad version |
| S — Impaired Proof | Circulated / Damaged | $1–$3 | Proof surfaces destroyed by wear; minimal premium |
Error & Variety Master Table
| Error / Variety Type | Class / Grade | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-W Reverse Proof PR70 | PR70 DC | W | Modern Rarity | $800–$900 | ~$900 |
| 2020-W Proof PR70 | PR70 DC | W | Modern Rarity | $125–$800+ | $800+ |
| Full Steps MS67+ FS | MS67+ FS | D | Very Rare | $150–$700+ | $700+ |
| WDDR-006 “Best Of” | Class VI / MS65+ | P | Scarce | $50–$150+ | — |
| 2020-W Reverse Proof PR69 | PR69 DC | W | Scarce | $80–$100 | — |
| 2020-W Proof PR69 | PR69 DC | W | Scarce | ~$40 | — |
| WDDR-017 (Ear Dot Marker) | Class VIII / MS65 | P | Uncommon | $5–$55 | — |
| Full Steps MS65–66 FS | MS65–66 FS | P / D | Scarce | $15–$30 | — |
| Other Class VIII WDDRs (001–037) | Class VIII | P | Various | $3–$10 | — |
| Grease Strike (weak lettering) | — | P / D | Common | $1–$3 | — |
| Interior Die Break (chip) | — | P / D | Common | Face–$1 | — |
| Machine Doubling | — | All | Very Common | Face only | — |
2020 Nickel Rare Varieties: What Each Jackpot Error is Worth
Understanding a few key terms before diving in: Obverse = front of the coin (Jefferson portrait). Reverse = back (Monticello building). Die markers = tiny accidental scratches or gouges permanently etched into the die steel, transferred to every coin struck by that die — they serve as unique fingerprints to identify specific varieties.
Labeled anatomy of the 2020 nickel reverse — columns, door frame, pediment triangle, steps, and dome identified.
2020-P WDDR-006 “Best Of” — Class VI Distended Hub Doubling
Normal 2020-P columns (left) vs. WDDR-006 distended columns (right) — note the unnatural thickness on the right.
Origin & Background
The modern U.S. Mint uses a “single-squeeze” hubbing process to make dies, meaning the hub (master image) is pressed into the die steel only once. If the hub tilts or penetrates too deeply during that single impression, the die image distorts and widens — this is called Class VI Distended Hub Doubling. WDDR-006 is the only known Class VI variety for 2020-P nickels and is designated the “Best Of” variety by researchers, making it the most sought-after doubled die reverse in the 2020 Philadelphia series.
How to Identify
- Strong extra thickness on the columns of Monticello — they look unnaturally fat, almost touching or merging with each other
- Door frames and steps appear swollen and distended, not sharp and clean
- Letters in MONTICELLO, especially T-I-C-E-L-L-O, look bold and oversized
- The pediment triangle above the center door appears thicker than normal
- Confirm with die markers: die gouge in the open field to the upper left of the dome; secondary die gouge to the lower right of the N in MONTICELLO. Both markers must be present to positively attribute WDDR-006.
Red circle marks the confirmatory die gouge in the field upper left of the dome — required for WDDR-006 attribution.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like) is the most common false positive. General die deterioration causes thickening across the entire design surface with an “orange peel” texture — WDDR-006 shows specific, localized distension centered on the architectural features of Monticello, not uniform surface roughness. Always verify the dome die gouge before attributing.
Market Values
- 🔸 MS65 or higher (gem uncirculated): $50–$150+
- 🔸 Circulated grades: Modest premium over face; collector interest varies
- 🔸 Higher-grade certified examples are scarce — most are found in circulation
Research Reference
WDDR-006 is cataloged in the Wexler Doubled Die Files. See the full 2020-P WDDR listing at Brian’s Variety Coins WDDR Catalog.
2020-P Class VIII Doubled Die Reverse Varieties (WDDR-001 through 037)
Class VIII doubling on the center door frame — secondary raised lip visible along the upper door edge.
Origin & Background
Class VIII is called Tilted Hub Doubling: during the single impression process, the hub is not perfectly seated and tilts slightly, creating a secondary image. The doubling is usually strongest toward the center of the die, which on the Jefferson Nickel reverse means the door frames, triangle (pediment), and columns. Researchers John Wexler and Brian Allen have cataloged 37 distinct WDDR varieties for the 2020-P nickel as of the current research cycle.
How to Identify
- Look for a secondary raised line or “lip” alongside the primary door frame lines on the center door of Monticello
- Some varieties show doubling inside or above the triangular pediment above the door
- The doubling is rounded and raised — it increases the apparent width of design elements (unlike Machine Doubling, which flattens and reduces them)
- Once you spot doubling, consult the die marker table: each variety has unique gouges, dots, or scratches at specific letter positions that confirm attribution
WDDR-017 featured: door frame doubling confirmed by the diagnostic die dot on Jefferson’s right ear (circled).
Featured: WDDR-017 (The “Ear Dot” Variety)
WDDR-017 is one of the more collectible Class VIII varieties because its obverse marker — a die dot on Jefferson’s right ear — is easy to spot and definitively confirms the die. Reverse markers include a die gouge above the E of FIVE and die dots to the upper left and lower right of the M in MONTICELLO. Value: approximately $55 in MS65; $5–$10 in circulated grades.
Note: WDDR-010 also carries a die dot on Jefferson’s right ear — distinguish it from WDDR-017 by checking the reverse markers (WDDR-010 has a die gouge between R and I in AMERICA, while WDDR-017 has the gouge above E of FIVE).
False Positives to Avoid
Without matching die markers, you cannot attribute a specific variety — you may have doubling from a different, unlisted die. Machine Doubling on the date or LIBERTY on the obverse has zero value and is not a WDDR. Doubling must be on the reverse to be a genuine WDDR variety.
Market Values — Class VIII WDDRs
- 🔸 WDDR-017 in MS65: ~$55
- 🔸 WDDR-017 circulated: $5–$10
- 🔸 Other Class VIII WDDRs (any variety): $3–$10 traded among error enthusiasts
- 🔸 Most are not recognized by general collectors; trade best raw among specialists
2020-W Jefferson Nickel — Proof and Reverse Proof
2020-W Standard Proof (left, mirror fields) vs. 2020-W Reverse Proof (right, frosted fields, mirror portrait).
Origin & Background
The West Point Mint — primarily a bullion and commemorative facility — struck base-metal nickels for the first time in the Jefferson series’ history. These were distributed as bonus incentives inside the 2020 Proof Set (Standard Proof, ~464,000 mintage) and 2020 Silver Proof Set (Reverse Proof, ~313,000 mintage), packaged in clear cellophane wrappers. Because they were not sealed inside the hard plastic lenses with other proof coins, they are susceptible to environmental damage if removed from their cellophane without protective storage.
How to Tell Proof from Reverse Proof
- Tilt the coin under a single light source and watch the flat field (background space) next to Jefferson’s profile
- Standard Proof: field reflects like a mirror; Jefferson’s portrait is frosted white
- Reverse Proof: field diffuses light (matte, frosted); Jefferson’s portrait is dark and mirror-polished
- The Reverse Proof inverts the normal proof relationship — frosted fields, mirrored devices
False Positives to Avoid
Environmental haze or toning on a Standard Proof can mimic frosted fields — look for mirror reflectivity beneath any surface haze. The 2020-W Uncirculated nickel was officially cancelled and does not exist; any W-mint coin in business-strike finish should be professionally authenticated before purchase.
Market Values
- 🔸 2020-W Reverse Proof PR70 DC:$800–$900
- 🔸 2020-W Reverse Proof PR69 DC:$80–$100
- 🔸 2020-W Proof PR70 DC:$125–$800+
- 🔸 2020-W Proof PR69 DC:~$40
- 🔸 Impaired Reverse Proof (circulated/damaged): $30–$60
- 🔸 Impaired Standard Proof: $15–$35
Note the dramatic “grade cliff” between PR69 and PR70 — registry set competition from advanced collectors drives steep premiums at the perfect grade level. Professional grading (PCGS or NGC) is strongly recommended before selling any W-mint nickel you believe is in pristine condition.
Auction Record
~$900 for a PR70 Deep Cameo Reverse Proof (PCGS CoinFacts #816084). Standard Proof PR70: $800+ (Heritage Auctions).
2020-P/D Full Steps (FS) — Gem Strike Quality
Full Steps (left, 6 clean lines) vs. bridged/incomplete steps (right, merged lines disqualify the designation).
Origin & Background
The steps at the base of Monticello are the highest point of relief on the reverse die — meaning metal must travel the furthest into the die recess to fill them. The cupronickel alloy is very hard, making complete step filling difficult even at maximum striking pressure. As dies wear over the course of millions of strikes, the step area deteriorates first, with lines “bridging” (merging together). The Full Steps (FS) designation is awarded by PCGS and NGC when they verify 5 or 6 complete, unbroken step lines under magnification.
How to Identify
- Examine the horizontal lines running across the full width of the staircase at the base of Monticello under 10x magnification
- Count 5 or 6 complete lines that run unbroken from the left edge to the right edge of the staircase
- Any interruption — even microscopic — from a contact mark, planchet flaw, or weak strike area disqualifies the coin
- The coin must also be in gem uncirculated condition (MS65 or higher) for the FS designation to add meaningful market value
False Positives to Avoid
Partial steps or bridged steps that merge together do not qualify for FS. Bag marks from bin handling at the Mint are the most common disqualifier. Die deterioration that weakens the step area is normal late-state die wear, not a valuable variety. Coins graded MS65 FS or MS66 FS trade for $15–$30, which often barely covers the cost of professional grading.
Market Values
- 🔸 MS65 FS: $15–$30
- 🔸 MS66 FS: Modest premium above MS65 FS
- 🔸 MS67+ FS: $150–$700+
Auction Record
$700+ for a 2020-D MS67+ FS (see GreatCollections archive; also referenced at PCGS CoinFacts #810712 for P-mint FS data). The difference between a raw circulated 2020-D nickel (face value) and a certified MS67+ FS example is entirely in the integrity of those five or six step lines.
Looking for a reputable dealer to buy or sell high-grade 2020 nickels? PCGS and NGC both maintain authorized dealer networks — consult their websites for members in your area. Variety specialists for WDDR attributions can often be found through the Combined Organizations of Numismatic Error Collectors of America (CONECA).
2020 Nickel Error Traps: What Looks Valuable But Isn't
The majority of “errors” listed on eBay for 2020 nickels fall into one of these categories. Recognizing them quickly saves time and frustration.
⚠️ Machine Doubling (MD) on the Date or LIBERTY
A shadow or step-like double image on the numbers 2020 or the word LIBERTY on the front of the coin. It looks like there are two sets of numerals or letters, slightly offset.
High-speed presses striking up to 750 coins per minute can cause the die to bounce slightly upon contact with the planchet. This “chatter” mechanically shaves and displaces part of the struck image during the strike — it varies from coin to coin.
- The secondary image looks flat and shelf-like — it reduces the design element’s size
- True doubled dies show rounded, raised secondary images that increase design width
- True 2020 doubled dies are almost exclusively on the reverse (door frames, columns), not the obverse date
- There are no known major Doubled Die Obverse varieties for 2020 involving the date
Value: Face value only. Spend it.
Machine Doubling on the 2020 date — the flat, shelf-like secondary image is a mechanical flaw, not a doubled die.
⚠️ Plating Blisters & Planchet Flaws
Small raised bumps, bubbles, or depressions on the coin’s surface, sometimes mistaken for die damage or errors.
Gas trapped within the solid cupronickel strip during production creates voids that appear as surface irregularities after striking. This is a planchet (coin blank) defect, not a die error.
- Blisters appear as irregular, organic-looking bumps — not sharp, defined design features
- They do not transfer a secondary image or additional lettering
- They are not related to the die — a true die variety appears on every coin from that die
Value: Face value only.
⚠️ The “RARE No Mint Mark” Fallacy
A 2020 nickel with no visible mint mark — listed online as a rare “no mint mark” variety worth significant money.
The Jefferson Nickel consistently carries a P mint mark since the “P” was added to the series. A missing or weak P on a 2020 nickel is almost always a Struck Through Grease error — die lubricant filled the P punch, preventing the letter from striking into the coin. It is a minor grease strike, not a major variety.
- Unlike the famous 1922 “No D” Lincoln cent, there is no known intentional omission of the mint mark on 2020 nickels
- A missing P is a grease strike — worth $1–$3 depending on severity, not hundreds of dollars
- Look for ghosting or soft outline where the P should be — if it is faint rather than absent, it is grease, not a variety
Value: $1–$3 as a minor grease strike. Not a rare die variety.
⚠️ Late-Stage Die Deterioration (“Orange Peel” Surface)
A grainy, textured, or pebbly surface on the fields of the coin, with flow lines radiating from the design centers. May make design elements look thicker or blurrier.
As dies wear from striking millions of hard cupronickel planchets, the die steel fatigues. Metal flows across the die surface, creating radial streaks and a “orange peel” texture on late-stage coins. Some collectors mistake this for doubling.
- The texture is uniform across the field — not concentrated on specific design features
- Design elements look soft and blurry, not doubled with a distinct secondary image
- Flow lines radiate outward from design centers in a fan-like pattern
Value: Face value only. A mint-made artifact, not an error.
2020 Nickel Value by Grade: Why Condition Changes Everything
On modern coins like the 2020 Jefferson Nickel, grade is the primary multiplier of value. The same variety or designation can be worth face value in one grade and hundreds of dollars in another. Professional grading is done by PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) on the Sheldon 70-point scale.
| Grade | Description | Impact on Value |
|---|---|---|
| MS60–64 | Uncirculated; moderate to heavy bag marks or contact marks from bin handling | Minimal — usually face to $1 |
| MS65 | Gem Uncirculated; few distracting marks; base grade for FS and WDDR premiums | $15–$55 with FS or variety |
| MS66 | Choice Gem; nearly mark-free surfaces | Elevated FS premium |
| MS67+ | Superb Gem; exceptional strike and virtually flawless surfaces | $150–$700+ with FS |
| PR69 DC | Proof; near-perfect; one or two minor imperfections | W-mint: $40–$100 |
| PR70 DC | Proof; perfect; no post-production imperfections at 5x magnification | W-mint: $800–$900 |
The dramatic gap between PR69 and PR70 on the 2020-W issues is driven by registry set competition — collectors building the finest certified sets pay premiums for the single highest grade. A 2020-W Reverse Proof drops from ~$900 (PR70) to ~$80–100 (PR69), illustrating why submitting a coin in perfect condition is worthwhile but submitting a borderline coin is a financial risk.
2020 Nickel Varieties: Authentication & Grading Submission Guide
The First Rule: Do Not Clean It
Modern cupronickel is highly reactive to abrasive cleaning. Wiping a nickel with a cloth or applying any cleaning solution leaves microscopic scratches (called hairlines) that destroy the coin’s cartwheel luster — the reflective shimmer of an uncirculated coin. A cleaned coin is technically “damaged” and loses almost all numismatic premium. Do not clean any coin you believe may be valuable.
When to Submit for Professional Grading
Third-Party Grading (TPG) fees run approximately $30–$50 per coin for grading, plus $20–$40 for variety attribution. Submission is financially justified only when:
- 2020-W coins: Submit if you believe the coin will grade PR69 or PR70. The $40 grading fee is recoverable if it grades PR69 (~$40 value); it is extremely profitable if it reaches PR70 ($800+).
- WDDR varieties: Submit only if the coin is MS65 or above and you have confirmed the variety yourself with 100% certainty using die markers. At $50–70 in combined fees, WDDR-006 in MS65 (~$50–150) is borderline. Submit only gem examples.
- Full Steps: Submit only if you are highly confident you have MS67 or better — MS65 FS trades for $15–30 and will not recover grading costs.
💡 Self-Verify Before Submitting
Verify the specific variety yourself with a 10x or 20x chromatic-corrected loupe before paying attribution fees. Confirm die markers match those listed in the Wexler WDDR catalog for the variety you suspect. If markers are absent, it may be a different variety or a new unlisted die — consult the Brian’s Variety Coins WDDR catalog for current listings.
Storage Guidance
- Avoid soft PVC flips: Pliable plastic coin flips often contain Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which breaks down over time and releases an acidic oil that turns coins green and damages surfaces
- Use: Mylar (stiff) flips, 2×2 acid-free cardboard holders, or direct-fit hard plastic capsules (e.g., Air-Tites)
- Environment: Cool, dry conditions with low humidity — moisture causes spotting, especially on proof surfaces
- W-mint cellophane: If you have an ungraded 2020-W nickel in its original cellophane wrapper, leave it there — the original packaging preserves provenance
2020 Nickel Errors FAQ: Common Questions Answered
What is the most valuable 2020 Jefferson Nickel?
The 2020-W Reverse Proof in perfect PR70 Deep Cameo grade is the most valuable standard-issue 2020 nickel, with auction records approaching $900. Its low mintage of approximately 313,000 and the premium registry collectors pay for perfection drive this price. In PR69, the same coin drops to approximately $80–$100.
How do I tell if my 2020-W nickel is a Reverse Proof?
Tilt the coin under a single light source and focus on the flat field (background area) next to Jefferson’s profile. If the field diffuses light and appears matte or frosted while Jefferson’s portrait is dark and reflective, it is a Reverse Proof. On a Standard Proof, the field is mirror-like and Jefferson’s portrait is frosty white.
Does the 2020-W Uncirculated Nickel exist?
No. The 2020-W Uncirculated (business-strike finish) nickel was planned for the 2020 Mint Set but was officially cancelled due to COVID-19 production constraints. Only two 2020-W nickels exist: the Proof and the Reverse Proof. Any 2020-W coin claiming to be a business strike should be carefully authenticated before purchase.
Is doubling on the date of my 2020 nickel valuable?
Almost certainly not. There are no known major Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) varieties for the 2020 Jefferson Nickel involving the date. Doubling that appears on the date (2020) or LIBERTY is statistically Machine Doubling — a mechanical striking artifact caused by die bounce. It is worthless numismatically. Valuable 2020 doubled dies are almost exclusively on the reverse (door frames, columns, and triangle of Monticello).
What is the WDDR-006 “Best Of” variety and how do I find it?
WDDR-006 is a Class VI Distended Hub Doubling variety on 2020-P nickels. Look on the reverse for unnaturally thick, swollen columns on Monticello and bold lettering in MONTICELLO (especially TICELLO). Confirm with a tiny die gouge in the open field to the upper left of the dome. This marker is the “fingerprint” of WDDR-006. Value: $50–$150+ in MS65 or higher. See our full WDDR-006 guide.
How many 2020-P Doubled Die Reverse varieties exist?
As of the current research cycle, researchers John Wexler and Brian Allen have cataloged 37 distinct Doubled Die Reverse (WDDR) varieties for the 2020-P nickel. All but one (WDDR-006) are Class VIII Tilted Hub Doubling, appearing primarily on the center door frame, pediment triangle, and columns of Monticello. Each variety has unique die markers (gouges, dots, scratches on specific letters) that confirm attribution.
What are Full Steps and why do they matter for the 2020-D nickel?
Full Steps (FS) is a designation awarded by PCGS and NGC when a Jefferson Nickel has 5 or 6 completely unbroken horizontal lines across the staircase at the base of Monticello. Because the cupronickel alloy is hard and dies wear quickly, fully struck steps are rare in gem condition. A 2020-D nickel is worth face value circulated — but a certified MS67+ FS example has sold for over $700.
Should I clean my 2020-W nickel before submitting it for grading?
Absolutely not. Never clean any coin you believe may be valuable. Modern cupronickel is highly reactive — even wiping with a soft cloth creates hairlines (microscopic scratches) that destroy luster and grade. A cleaned coin is considered damaged by grading services and loses almost all numismatic premium. Store it in a Mylar flip or hard plastic capsule and submit it exactly as found.
2020 Nickel Error Values: Research Sources & Methodology
Values and diagnostics in this guide are drawn exclusively from the following primary sources. All prices reflect realized auction sales or verified dealer records as cited.
- Brian’s Variety Coins — 2020 Nickel WDDR Listings (Wexler Doubled Die Files; complete WDDR-001 through 037 catalog with die markers)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 2020-W Reverse Proof (#816084) (auction records, population data)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 2020-W Reverse Proof First Strike (#816085)
- PCGS CoinFacts — 2020-P Full Steps (#810712) (FS population and value data)
- GreatCollections — 2020-D Early Find FS Auction Archive (MS67+ FS realized price)
- NGC — Doubled Dies vs. Machine Doubling (Educational Article) (diagnostics for MD vs. genuine DDR)
- JeffersonNickel.org — Mintage Data
- JeffersonNickel.org — 2020-W Jefferson Nickels Overview
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
