Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents

Jefferson Nickel

United States · 1972

A standard 1972 Jefferson Nickel featuring the profile of Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello.

Country: United States
Year: 1972
Denomination: 5 Cents
Metal: 75% copper, 25% nickel
Grade: Fine/Very Fine; shows significant circulation wear and surface dullness.

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 May 18, 2026More united states coins →

Explore Jefferson Nickel in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A standard 1972 Jefferson Nickel featuring the profile of Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello.

Historical significance

The Jefferson Nickel replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938 and remains the current design for the five-cent coin. The 1972 issue represents a standard circulation year from the 'cladding' era.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson. Legends include 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the year '1972'. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

A front view of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends include 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Estimated value

$0.05 circulating, up to $1.00-$5.00 in uncirculated (MS-65) condition. Only rare error coins or high specimens with 'Full Steps' on the reverse carry high premiums.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (grade), presence of 'Full Steps' on the reverse design, and potential doubled die errors.

Grade assessment

Fine/Very Fine; shows significant circulation wear and surface dullness.

Mintage & rarity

Common; Philadelphia minted approximately 388,424,000 of these.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authenticity is rarely an issue for this high-mintage common date; check weight and magnetic properties to ensure it is not a non-magnetic counterfeit.

Notable varieties & errors

Check for Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) or potential die cracks; however, no major high-value varieties are widely documented for Philadelphia in 1972.

Similar coins

1972-D and 1972-S Nickels (distinguished by the 'D' or 'S' mint mark near the date) and the 1942-1945 silver 'War Nickels' (distinguished by large mint marks above the dome).

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. While this coin is common, avoid cleaning with chemicals or abrasives as it destroys any remaining numismatic value.

Other united states coins

See all

United States Administration (Philippines) One Centavo

Philippines (issued by the United States Mint) · 1944

One Centavo

United States Administration of Philippines One Centavo

Philippines (under United States Sovereignty) · 1944

One Centavo

Reader's Digest Sweepstakes 25th Anniversary Coin (Token)

United States, Reader's Digest Association · 1987

No cash value (Promotional Token)

United States Bicentennial Quarter

United States of America · 1776-1976

Quarter Dollar ($0.25)

United States Bicentennial Quarter

United States of America · 1776-1976 (Minted in 1975 and 1976)

Quarter Dollar (25 Cents)

United States Presidential Dollar (Grover Cleveland)

United States · 2011 (for the 22nd and 24th President, Grover Cleveland)

1 Dollar ($1)