Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents (USD)

Jefferson Nickel

United States · 1946

A circulated US Jefferson Nickel showing Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1946
Denomination: 5 Cents (USD)
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 August 21, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A circulated US Jefferson Nickel showing Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel, the Jefferson Nickel has been a staple of United States coinage. The 1946 issue marks the post-World War II return to the standard copper-nickel composition, as the wartime 'silver' alloy (35% silver) was only used from mid-1942 through 1945.

Obverse (front)

Features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson. The motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' is to the left, and 'LIBERTY' along with the year '1946' is to the right. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

Depicts Thomas Jefferson's Virginia home, Monticello. Above is the motto 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and below reads 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Estimated value

$0.10 to $0.50 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition and preservation of full steps on Monticello are primary value drivers for uncirculated specimens.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated / Very Fine (AU/VF) with light surface wear and minor marks, typical of a circulated piece.

Mintage & rarity

Common (Philadelphia mintage was 161,116,000)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits for common date Jefferson nickels are extremely rare because face value exceeds or equals the metal value and collector demand for common dates is low.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for full steps (FS) on the reverse steps of Monticello and occasional doubled die obverse (DDO) varieties in other years.

Similar coins

Wartime silver nickels (1942-1945) which feature a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment in cardboard coin flips or non-PVC plastic holders. Do not clean, as harsh cleaning destroys numismatic value.

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