Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents ($0.05)

Jefferson Nickel

USA, United States Mint · 1946

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

Country: USA, United States Mint
Year: 1946
Denomination: 5 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 usa, united states mint 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

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

Historical significance

1946 marked the return to the standard copper-nickel composition following the 'War Nickel' (35% silver) production from 1942 to 1945 necessitated by WWII nickel shortages.

Obverse (front)

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

Reverse (back)

Frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. The 'D' mint mark is located to the right of the building.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.25 (Very Good to Fine), $0.50 - $2.00 (Extremely Fine), $10 - $50+ (Uncirculated MS65)

What drives this coin's value

Mint mark, date, and overall condition. 'Full Steps' (FS) on the reverse building significantly increases value in uncirculated grades.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (VF). Heavy wear on Jefferson's hair and the pillars of Monticello, but major details remain visible.

Mintage & rarity

45,292,200 (Commonly available)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Weight should be exactly 5.0 grams; check for the D mint mark placement which changed to the obverse in later years (1968).

Notable varieties & errors

The 1946-D Over D (Repunched Mint Mark) and the 1946-D 'D over Horizontal D' are sought-after collector varieties.

Similar coins

1942-1945 War Nickels (distinguished by large mint marks above the dome and darker toning) and the 2006-Present Forward Facing Jefferson Nickel.

Care & preservation

Never clean the coin with chemicals or abrasives. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival-safe coin folder to prevent further environmental damage.

Other usa, united states mint coins

See all

Jefferson Nickel (Westward Journey Series: Ocean in View)

USA (United States Mint) · 2005

5 Cents (Nickel)

Lincoln Memorial Cent (Small Date)

USA - United States Mint · 1960

One Cent ($0.01)

Jefferson Nickel (Westward Journey Series - American Bison)

USA - United States Mint · 2005

5 Cents / 0.05 USD

New Jersey State Quarter (50 State Quarters Program)

USA, United States Mint · 1999

0.25 USD

Lincoln Bicentennial / Union Shield Cent

USA - United States Mint · 2010 to Present