Jefferson Nickel
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1946
Denomination: Five Cents ($0.05)
Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Brief Description
A circulated 1946 Jefferson Nickel featuring the portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.
Historical Significance
1946 marked the first year that the Jefferson Nickel returned to its original copper-nickel composition after the 'War Nickels' (which contained 35% silver) were discontinued following the end of WWII.
Estimated Value
$0.10-$0.50 circulated; $15-$50 in high-grade Mint State; significantly more for 'Full Steps' (FS) designation.
Care Instructions
Handle by the edges to avoid transferring finger oils. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin holder. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys its numismatic value.
Mint Mark
D (Denver Mint) - located to the right of the building (Monticello) on the reverse.
Mintage & Rarity
45,292,200 (Common)
Weight & Diameter
5.00 grams / 21.21 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine (Heavily circulated with noticeable wear on Jefferson's hair and the pillars of Monticello; surfaces appear somewhat dark/toned).
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd U.S. President. Legends include 'LIBERTY', the year '1946', and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Designed by Felix Schlag.
Reverse (Back)
A front view of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home. Legends include 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint state condition, the presence of 'Full Steps' on Monticello, and the specific mint mark (D).
Similar Coins
1942-1945 Silver War Nickels (distinguished by a large mint mark P, D, or S above the dome of Monticello) and modern Jefferson Nickels.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Verify weight (5g) and diameter. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but 'Full Steps' modifications can occur on high-grade pieces.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1946-D 'D over Horizontal D' is a known sought-after variety for this year and mint.
Created At: 2026-04-24T06:04:19.811139