Jefferson Nickel (Pre-1964 Type)

Country of Origin: United States of America

Year of Issue: 1938-1964 (Specific date obscured due to image blur)

Denomination: Five Cents (5c)

Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (Note: 1942-1945 silver alloy possible if mint mark is above building)

Jefferson Nickel (Pre-1964 Type)

Brief Description

A standard US five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical Significance

Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo nickel, the Jefferson nickel design was created by Felix Schlag and has remained largely unchanged for over 60 years.

Estimated Value

$0.05-$1.00 in circulated condition; higher for silver war nickels (1942-45) or high-grade uncirculated examples.

Care Instructions

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or scrubbing, as this reduces numismatic value. Use PVC-free flips or folders for long-term storage.

Mint Mark

Typically found on the reverse to the right of Monticello (pre-1964) or above it (1942-45).

Mintage & Rarity

Generally common; billions produced across the series. Rare dates include 1939-D and 1950-D.

Weight & Diameter

5.0 grams, 21.21 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

Poor/Unknown (Images are too blurry to determine surface detail or wear levels).

Obverse (Front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY' inscribed around the edge.

Reverse (Back)

Depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' inscriptions.

What Drives This Coin's Value

Date, mint mark, and condition (especially 'Full Steps' on the reverse) are the primary value drivers.

Similar Coins

Buffalo Nickel (preceded it), current Jefferson Nickels (post-2005 have a different portrait).

Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags

Counterfeits of common nickels are rare, but 'Henning Nickels' (fakes without mint marks) from the mid-20th century exist. Check for weight and crispness of lettering.

Notable Varieties & Errors

1942-D over D, 1943-P 3 over 2, 1955-D 'D over S'.

Created At: 2026-06-18T16:08:25.483655