Coin Identifier
Jefferson Nickel (1942 Issue)
5 Cents ($0.05)

Jefferson Nickel (1942 Issue)

United States of America · 1942

The obverse features a profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with the word 'LIBERTY' and the year '1942'. This specific specimen shows significant surface damage or a possible error in the form of a large lamination peel or struck-through debris.

Country
United States of America
Year
1942
Denomination
5 Cents ($0.05)

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Overview

The obverse features a profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with the word 'LIBERTY' and the year '1942'. This specific specimen shows significant surface damage or a possible error in the form of a large lamination peel or struck-through debris.

Historical significance

1942 was a transition year for the US nickel. Due to the need for nickel for the WWII effort, the composition was changed mid-year to a silver alloy (known as 'War Nickels'). These are distinguished by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above the dome of Monticello on the reverse.

Estimated value

$1.00 - $5.00 (Standard value depends on silver content; if the damage is a rare mint error, it could be higher, but surface damage generally reduces numismatic value.)

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation. Do not clean the coin with chemicals or abrasives, as this removes the original patina and destroys collector value.