Obverse

Reverse

Five Cents ($0.05)

Jefferson Nickel

United States of America · 1946

A circulated 1946 Jefferson Nickel featuring the portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1946
Denomination: Five Cents ($0.05)
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 circulated 1946 Jefferson Nickel featuring the portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical significance

1946 marked the first year that the Jefferson Nickel returned to its original copper-nickel composition after the 'War Nickels' (which contained 35% silver) were discontinued following the end of WWII.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd U.S. President. Legends include 'LIBERTY', the year '1946', and 'IN GOD WE TRUST'. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

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

Estimated value

$0.10-$0.50 circulated; $15-$50 in high-grade Mint State; significantly more for 'Full Steps' (FS) designation.

What drives this coin's value

Mint state condition, the presence of 'Full Steps' on Monticello, and the specific mint mark (D).

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (Heavily circulated with noticeable wear on Jefferson's hair and the pillars of Monticello; surfaces appear somewhat dark/toned).

Mintage & rarity

45,292,200 (Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Verify weight (5g) and diameter. Counterfeits for this common date are rare, but 'Full Steps' modifications can occur on high-grade pieces.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1946-D 'D over Horizontal D' is a known sought-after variety for this year and mint.

Similar coins

1942-1945 Silver War Nickels (distinguished by a large mint mark P, D, or S above the dome of Monticello) and modern Jefferson Nickels.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges to avoid transferring finger oils. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin holder. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys its numismatic value.

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