Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents (Nickel)

Jefferson Nickel

United States · 1962

A standard US five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. The coin shows significant surface wear and possible environmental damage or a 'sanded' look.

Country: United States
Year: 1962
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 June 12, 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

Historical significance

The Jefferson Nickel series began in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. Designed by Felix Schlag, it remains the standard design for the five-cent piece today, with minor portrait modifications in 2005-2006.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left. Legend 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on the left, 'LIBERTY' and the date '1962' on the right.

Reverse (back)

A depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' below. Face value 'FIVE CENTS' sits just below the building.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.10 in this condition. Uncirculated (MS-65) examples typically sell for $3-$5. High-grade double-die variants can exceed $50.

What drives this coin's value

For 1962, value is driven by 'Full Steps' (FS) on the reverse, which requires a pristine strike and high grade. This specific coin has no specialized value due to heavy wear and surface damage.

Grade assessment

Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). The coin exhibits heavy wear, blurred details on the hair and building, and significant surface pitting or corrosion.

Mintage & rarity

97,384,000 (Philadelphia). This is a very common date.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits of common 1962 nickels are extremely rare as the cost to produce them exceeds their face value. Check for standard weight (5.0g) and magnetic properties (should be non-magnetic).

Notable varieties & errors

The 1962-D (Denver) has a known 'D over D' repunched mint mark; the Philadelphia 1962 has a minor Double Die Reverse (DDR) variety.

Similar coins

Silver 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) are often confused with these but have a large mint mark above the dome; modern 2005-2006 'Westward Journey' nickels feature different portraits.

Care & preservation

Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes original surface material and destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin holder in a dry environment.

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)