Jefferson Nickel

Country of Origin: USA, United States Mint

Year of Issue: 1946

Denomination: 5 Cents ($0.05)

Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Jefferson Nickel

Brief Description

A circulated nickel featuring the portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical Significance

1946 marked the return to the standard copper-nickel composition following the 'War Nickel' (35% silver) production from 1942 to 1945 necessitated by WWII nickel shortages.

Estimated Value

$0.05 - $0.25 (Very Good to Fine), $0.50 - $2.00 (Extremely Fine), $10 - $50+ (Uncirculated MS65)

Care Instructions

Never clean the coin with chemicals or abrasives. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin folder to prevent further environmental damage.

Mint Mark

D (Denver Mint)

Mintage & Rarity

45,292,200 (Commonly available)

Weight & Diameter

5.00 grams / 21.21 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Fine to Very Fine (VF). Heavy wear on Jefferson's hair and the pillars of Monticello, but major details remain visible.

Obverse (Front)

Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President. Legends: 'LIBERTY', '1946', and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (Back)

Frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The 'D' mint mark is located to the right of the building.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Mint mark, date, and overall condition. 'Full Steps' (FS) on the reverse building significantly increases value in uncirculated grades.

Similar Coins

1942-1945 War Nickels (distinguished by large mint marks above the dome and darker toning) and the 2006-Present Forward Facing Jefferson Nickel.

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Weight should be exactly 5.0 grams; check for the D mint mark placement which changed to the obverse in later years (1968).

Notable Varieties & Errors

The 1946-D Over D (Repunched Mint Mark) and the 1946-D 'D over Horizontal D' are sought-after collector varieties.

Created At: 2026-04-24T06:06:25.894131