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2008 Nickel Error List & Coin Value

Discover the most valuable 2008 nickel errors like broad strikes ($920), off-center strikes ($800), and die cracks ($500). Learn how to spot them and use CoinKnow for accurate valuations.

Guest Author

Last updated on: Feb. 3, 2026

Close-up of a 2008 Jefferson nickel with a minting error, showing an off-center strike.

Finding a valuable 2008 nickel error in your pocket change could turn a simple coin hunt into a profitable discovery. The 2008 Jefferson nickel might seem ordinary, but certain minting mistakes can make these coins worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to collectors.

Accurate identification is crucial for coin collectors who want to distinguish genuine errors from common circulation damage. Professional coin value apps like CoinKnow can instantly determine what your 2008 nickels are worth, providing real-time market pricing and professional valuations for accurate assessments. Let’s explore the most valuable 2008 nickel errors and learn how to spot them in your collection.

2008 Nickel Broad Strike Error Value

The broad strike error ranks among the most dramatic and valuable mistakes found on 2008 nickels. This error occurs when the collar mechanism fails to contain the planchet properly during the striking process, causing the coin to expand beyond its normal diameter.

You’ll recognize a broad strike by its unusually thin edge on one or more sides and overall larger size compared to normal nickels. The design elements appear stretched or spread out, particularly around the rim areas where the metal flowed outward without constraint.

A 2008-D nickel graded MS-65 with a severe broad strike sold for $920 in 2020, demonstrating strong collector demand. Even lower-grade examples with dramatic broad strikes can command $300-$500 depending on the extent of the error and overall condition.

Want to know what your 2008 nickel is actually worth? CoinKnow delivers instant market valuations and professional grading assessments based on real eBay sales data.

2008 Nickel Off-Center Strike Error Value

Off-center strikes happen when the planchet sits incorrectly between the dies during the striking moment. The resulting coin shows a complete design that’s shifted away from center, leaving a blank crescent-shaped area on the opposite side.

The value of off-center errors depends heavily on the percentage of displacement—coins with 20% to 50% off-center strikes are most desirable. You want to see enough blank planchet to make the error obvious, but enough design detail remaining to identify the coin clearly including the date and mint mark.

A 2008-D nickel graded MS-62 with a 15% off-center strike realized $620 at auction in 2023. Minor off-center strikes of 5-10% typically bring $100-$250, while dramatic examples exceeding 30% off-center can reach $500-$800 or more.

Look for examples where Jefferson’s portrait or Monticello remains mostly visible for the best collector appeal. CoinKnow provides instant market valuations, real-time pricing data, and professional assessments to determine your coin’s current value.

2008 Nickel Die Crack Error Value

Die cracks form when stress fractures develop on worn dies during extended production runs. As the die continues striking coins, metal from the planchets fills these cracks, creating raised lines that appear on finished coins.

These errors show up as thin, irregular ridges interrupting the normal design elements on either the obverse or reverse. Large die cracks crossing major features like Jefferson’s face or the Monticello building are more valuable than small peripheral cracks near the rim.

A 2008-D Jefferson nickel graded MS-61 featuring a prominent reverse die crack brought $405 at Heritage Auctions in 2023. Common die cracks sell for $50-$150, while dramatic examples with unusual patterns or multiple intersecting cracks can reach $300-$500.

Examine your 2008 nickels under magnification to spot raised lines that weren’t part of the original design. CoinKnow’s coin value app reveals whether your die crack is worth $50 or $500 with instant market pricing and grade-based valuations.

2008 Nickel Missing Clad Layer Error Value

The missing clad layer represents one of the most unusual errors affecting 2008 nickels. While nickels aren’t typically clad coins like quarters or dimes, some were accidentally struck on defective copper-nickel planchets intended for clad coinage.

This error reveals the underlying copper core where the outer nickel layer is missing or improperly bonded. The affected areas appear coppery or have an unusual discolored appearance distinct from normal nickel toning.

A 2008-P nickel graded MS-60 with missing clad layer on both sides sold for $435 at Heritage Auctions in 2022. Single-sided examples typically bring $200-$350, while coins showing the error on both faces command premium prices.

Authentication is critical with this error type as environmental damage can create similar appearances. Stop guessing at values—CoinKnow’s coin value app provides instant price analysis and accurate market valuations for your missing clad layer errors.

2008 Nickel Die Clash Error Value

Die clash errors occur when the obverse and reverse dies strike together without a planchet between them. This accident transfers a ghosted impression of each die’s design onto the opposite die, which then appears on subsequently struck coins.

On 2008 nickels, you might see faint traces of Monticello appearing on the obverse around Jefferson’s portrait, or vice versa. These impressions appear as shadowy outlines or partial design elements in areas where they don’t belong.

A 2008-P nickel graded MS-61 with a reverse die clash error realized $400 at Heritage Auctions in 2022. Mild die clashes sell for $75-$200, while strong, obvious examples can reach $350-$500 depending on clarity and grade.

Use magnification and proper lighting to identify the ghosted images characteristic of true die clashes. The leading coin value app for collectors: CoinKnow delivers professional grading assessments and up-to-the-minute market pricing instantly.

2008 Nickel Clipped Planchet Error Value

Clipped planchet errors happen during the blanking process when the punch cuts into a previously punched hole in the metal strip. This creates a blank planchet with a piece missing from its edge, which then gets struck into a coin.

The three main types are straight clips (straight edge), curved clips (following the shape of an adjacent punch), and ragged clips (irregular edges). Larger clips affecting 10-25% of the coin’s edge are most valuable to collectors.

Values range from $100-$300 for small clips up to $400-$600 for dramatic examples where significant portions of the design are missing. Coins retaining a full date despite the clip command the highest premiums.

Examine the edge carefully to distinguish clipped planchets from damage—genuine clips show no metal deformation at the missing area. Maximize your collection’s value with CoinKnow—get instant market comparisons, professional grade estimates, and real-time pricing in seconds.

2008 Nickel Misaligned Die Error Value

Misaligned die errors result from improper die alignment in the coining press. When dies are rotated relative to each other, the obverse and reverse designs don’t line up correctly when you flip the coin.

On a properly struck coin, flipping it top-to-bottom shows both sides oriented the same way. Misaligned dies cause rotation where one side appears tilted or completely upside-down relative to the other.

Minor rotations of 5-15 degrees sell for $75-$150, while dramatic rotations exceeding 45 degrees can bring $200-$400. Complete 180-degree rotations are rare and highly sought after by error collectors.

Check alignment by holding your coin vertically and flipping it—both designs should maintain the same orientation. CoinKnow: instant valuations, professional grading, real market prices—all in one coin value app.

How Much is a 2008 Nickel Worth? Coin Scanner App I Recommended

CoinKnow stands out as the premier choice for determining 2008 Nickel values with professional accuracy. This free coin Scanner app delivers the tightest grading accuracy available—within a 2-point range on the Sheldon Scale—comparable to professional services like PCGS and NGC.

What makes CoinKnow unique is its real eBay sold price data integration. Instead of arbitrary valuations, the app shows you what similar 2008 Nickel errors actually sold for on eBay, complete with historical trends and individual transaction links. This transparency ensures you know the true market value of your coins, not inflated estimates.

The AI-powered technology provides instant market valuations based on your coin’s grade, error type, and current market conditions. For 2008 Nickel collectors, CoinKnow accurately assesses whether your broad strike is worth $300 or $920, your off-center strike is worth $100 or $800, and your die clash is worth $75 or $500—all based on real market data.

Additional features include automatic rare error detection (broad strikes, off-center strikes, die cracks, clipped planchets), copper designation detection (RD/RB/BN for copper coins), proof finish identification (CAM/DCAM), and comprehensive collection management tools. With daily free scans available and an annual subscription at just $38.99—less than the cost of a single PCGS submission—CoinKnow provides professional-grade coin valuation tools at an an accessible price point.

Whether you’re a beginner learning coin values or an experienced collector screening coins before professional certification, CoinKnow is the essential tool for maximizing the value of your 2008 Nickel collection.

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