Jefferson Nickel

Country of Origin: United States

Year of Issue: 1938-Present (Specific date not visible due to image quality)

Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)

Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Jefferson Nickel

Brief Description

A standard US five-cent coin featuring a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel, the Jefferson Nickel has been the standard five-cent piece for over 80 years, celebrating the third US President and his estate, Monticello.

Estimated Value

$0.05-$1.00 for common circulated dates; $5.00-$50.00+ for early dates (1938-1950) or Uncirculated specimens.

Care Instructions

Do not clean or polish as it removes the original surface finish. Store in a cool, dry place in a PVC-free holder or folder.

Mint Mark

Varies: Typically found on the reverse to the right of Monticello (1938-1964) or on the obverse behind the queue of Jefferson's hair (1968-Present).

Mintage & Rarity

Large mintages (often into the hundreds of millions); common except for specifically rare years like 1939-D or 1950-D.

Weight & Diameter

5.0 grams / 21.21 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Good to Very Good (Heavily blurred images suggest significant wear or very poor lighting).

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left (original Felix Schlag design) with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY' inscriptions.

Reverse (Back)

View of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home, with 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' below.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Date, mint mark, and condition (especially 'Full Steps' on Monticello for uncirculated coins).

Similar Coins

Buffalo Nickel (preceded it), 2004-2005 Westward Journey Nickels (same denomination, different art).

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Check for proper weight (5.0g) and magnetism (nickels are not magnetic). Counterfeits are rare for common dates but exist for 1913/key dates.

Notable Varieties & Errors

1942-1945 Silver 'War Nickels', 1939 Doubled Monticello, 1950-D mintage, 1943 3-over-2.

Created At: 2026-06-18T16:06:21.577378