Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents

Jefferson Nickel

United States · 1943

A copper-silver-manganese alloy five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Country: United States
Year: 1943
Denomination: 5 Cents
Metal: 35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese (Silver War Nickel)

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Identified April 28, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A copper-silver-manganese alloy five-cent piece featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical significance

Due to the strategic importance of nickel for military use during World War II, the composition of the five-cent piece was changed from cupro-nickel to a silver alloy from 1942 to 1945.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with 'IN GOD WE TRUST' on the left and 'LIBERTY' followed by the date '1943' on the right. Design by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

A representation of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Above the dome is the large P mint mark. Legends include 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Estimated value

$1.50-$2.50 in circulated condition; $15-$50 in Mint State grades (MS-65)

What drives this coin's value

Silver content (melt value), mint mark variety (silver nickels are the first US coins to use the 'P' mint mark), and the presence of 'Full Steps' on the reverse in high grades.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine; shows moderate wear on Jefferson's hair and the steps of Monticello, with some surface grime typical of circulated war nickels.

Mintage & rarity

271,165,000 (Very common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for the large P, D, or S mint mark above the dome. Genuine silver war nickels usually have a 'greasy' or darker gray appearance compared to standard nickels.

Notable varieties & errors

1943-P 3 over 2 (overdate) and the 1943-P Doubled Die Obverse (DDO).

Similar coins

Standard cupro-nickel Jefferson nickels (1938-1941, 1946-2003). Distinguishable by the large mint mark above the dome and the darker, grayer luster of the silver alloy.

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule. Avoid cleaning, especially since war nickels are prone to developing a greenish or blackish tarnish due to the manganese content; cleaning will destroy their numismatic value.

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