Coin Identifier

Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents (One Nickel)

Jefferson Nickel

United States · 1938-Present

A circulating United States five-cent coin featuring a profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1938-Present
Denomination: 5 Cents (One 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 September 4, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A circulating United States five-cent coin featuring a profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel, winning a design competition won by Felix Schlag. It has remained a staple of American circulating coinage.

Obverse (front)

Profile bust of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with the inscriptions IN GOD WE TRUST to the left, LIBERTY and the year to the right.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and FIVE CENTS.

Estimated value

$0.05 to $0.25 for most modern circulated issues; key dates and high-grade mint state specimens can command much higher prices.

What drives this coin's value

Condition (Full Steps designation on the reverse steps of Monticello), key dates (such as 1950-D), and silver composition for war nickels.

Grade assessment

Circulated / About Uncirculated based on visible wear on the highest points of the portrait and building.

Mintage & rarity

Varies significantly by year; most post-1960 issues have very high mintages and are common in circulation.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, diameter, and magnetic properties; genuine standard nickels are not magnetic.

Notable varieties & errors

1938-D and 1938-S key dates, 1950-D low mintage, 1943/2 overdate variety, and 1942-P over S war nickel.

Similar coins

Buffalo Nickel, Roosevelt Dime

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid harsh cleaning or wiping, as this damages the coin's surfaces and greatly reduces numismatic value.

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