Jefferson Nickel
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1938-present (Specific date on obverse not visible)
Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Brief Description
A standard US five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel. Designed by Felix Schlag, it has been the standard five-cent piece for over 80 years, with a brief portrait change in 2005-2006.
Estimated Value
$0.05 circulated; $1-$50+ for high-grade Mint State or key dates.
Care Instructions
Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic value. Handle by the edges.
Mint Mark
D (Denver), S (San Francisco), or P/No Mark (Philadelphia) found to the right of Monticello or on the obverse after 1968.
Mintage & Rarity
Generally common; billions produced. Key dates include 1938-D, 1938-S, 1939-D, 1939-S, and 1950-D.
Weight & Diameter
5.0 grams, 21.21 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine - showing moderate wear on the building steps and roof lines of Monticello.
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson (pre-2005) or front-facing (post-2006) with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY'.
Reverse (Back)
Depicts Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with legends 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint state condition, 'Full Steps' on Monticello, key dates, and silver content in 'War Nickels' (1942-1945).
Similar Coins
Buffalo Nickels (previous design) and 'Westward Journey' Nickels (2004-2005 special reverses).
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for correct weight (5.0g) and clear details in the lettering and building pillars. Counterfeits of common dates are rare.
Notable Varieties & Errors
1939 Doubled Die Reverse, 1942-D over D, and 'Full Steps' designations on the reverse.
Created At: 2026-06-13T20:50:37.171661