Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents (Nickel)

Jefferson Nickel

United States of America · 1946

A 1946 Jefferson Nickel showing Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse with a 'D' mint mark.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1946
Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
Metal: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified April 24, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A 1946 Jefferson Nickel showing Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse with a 'D' mint mark.

Historical significance

Following the conclusion of WWII in 1945, the U.S. Mint returned to the standard copper-nickel composition for the five-cent piece, ending the production of the 'Silver War Nickels' (1942-1945).

Obverse (front)

Features a left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd U.S. President. Legends include 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST' with the date '1946'. Designer: Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.10 - $0.50 in circulated condition; $5 - $25 in high-grade Mint State; very high values for 'Full Steps' specimens.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of 'Full Steps' on Monticello (rare for this year), and errors such as the 'D over Horizontal D' or 'Re-engraved Date'.

Grade assessment

Very Good to Fine. Shows significant wear on Jefferson's hair and the columns of Monticello. The reverse appears slightly better than the obverse but both show signs of heavy circulation.

Mintage & rarity

45,292,200; Common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (5.0g) and sharp details on the lettering. Common forgeries are rare for this date, but altered mint marks sometimes occur to mimic rare varieties.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1946-D 'D over Horizontal D' and the 1946 'D over S' are the most famous varieties for this year/mint combo.

Similar coins

1942-1945 Silver War Nickels (identified by a large mint mark above the dome of Monticello) and modern post-2006 Jefferson Nickels with the forward-facing portrait.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning or polishing, as this removes original surface material and reduces collector value. Store in an acid-free holder or a PVC-free flip to prevent corrosion and 'green slime'.

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