Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents / Nickel

Jefferson Nickel

United States of America · 1946

A classic United States five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello.

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.

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Overview

A classic United States five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson and his home, Monticello.

Historical significance

1946 was the first year of the post-WWII composition for the Jefferson Nickel. During the war (1942-1945), coins were made of a silver alloy to conserve nickel for military use. This 1946 issue marks the return to the original copper-nickel alloy.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Legends: 'LIBERTY', 'IN GOD WE TRUST', and the date '1946'. Designer: Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.25 in circulated condition; $5 - $20 in high-grade Uncirculated (MS-65); significantly more if 'Full Steps' are present.

What drives this coin's value

Value is primarily driven by condition. For business strikes, 'Full Steps' (FS) visibility on the reverse is the primary premium factor. The 1946-D is a common date.

Grade assessment

Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). The coin shows significant heavy wear, particularly on Jefferson's hair and the details of the Monticello building.

Mintage & rarity

45,292,200 (Denver); Common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the correct weight (5.0g) and diameter. The 1946 is frequently circulated and rarely counterfeited except in very high grades or as ' Henning Nikels' (though the 1946 was not a known Henning date).

Notable varieties & errors

1946-D/D (Over-Mintmark) varieties exist and are sought after by specialists. Also, look for the 'D over inverted D' variety. There is also a 1946 Doubled Die Reverse (DDR) variety known for this year (though usually on Philadelphia strikes).

Similar coins

1942-1945 'War Nickels' which contain 35% silver and feature a large mint mark above the dome of Monticello.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or polishing as this destroys the numismatic value. Use PVC-free flips or capsules for preservation.

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