Jefferson Nickel

Country of Origin: United States

Year of Issue: 1962

Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)

Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Jefferson Nickel

Brief Description

A standard US five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. The coin shows significant surface wear and possible environmental damage or a 'sanded' look.

Historical Significance

The Jefferson Nickel series began in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. Designed by Felix Schlag, it remains the standard design for the five-cent piece today, with minor portrait modifications in 2005-2006.

Estimated Value

$0.05 - $0.10 in this condition. Uncirculated (MS-65) examples typically sell for $3-$5. High-grade double-die variants can exceed $50.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes original surface material and destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin holder in a dry environment.

Mint Mark

No mint mark (Philadelphia Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

97,384,000 (Philadelphia). This is a very common date.

Weight & Diameter

5.00 grams / 21.21 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). The coin exhibits heavy wear, blurred details on the hair and building, and significant surface pitting or corrosion.

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left. Legend 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on the left, 'LIBERTY' and the date '1962' on the right.

Reverse (Back)

A depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' below. Face value 'FIVE CENTS' sits just below the building.

What Drives This Coin's Value

For 1962, value is driven by 'Full Steps' (FS) on the reverse, which requires a pristine strike and high grade. This specific coin has no specialized value due to heavy wear and surface damage.

Similar Coins

Silver 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) are often confused with these but have a large mint mark above the dome; modern 2005-2006 'Westward Journey' nickels feature different portraits.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Counterfeits of common 1962 nickels are extremely rare as the cost to produce them exceeds their face value. Check for standard weight (5.0g) and magnetic properties (should be non-magnetic).

Notable Varieties & Errors

The 1962-D (Denver) has a known 'D over D' repunched mint mark; the Philadelphia 1962 has a minor Double Die Reverse (DDR) variety.

Created At: 2026-06-12T11:18:04.440418