Jefferson Nickel

USA, United States Mint · 1938-present

A well-worn US nickel featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse, showing significant surface damage and corrosion.

Country: USA, United States Mint
Year: 1938-present
Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
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 July 14, 2026More usa, united states mint coins →

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Overview

A well-worn US nickel featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse, showing significant surface damage and corrosion.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo nickel, the Jefferson nickel design commemorates the 3rd US President and his Virginia estate. It remains the standard design for the American five-cent piece.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left (original design), with legends 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'LIBERTY'. Designers: Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

Representation of Monticello, Jefferson's home, with legends 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Estimated value

$0.05 (Face Value) in this condition. Common dates in circulated condition are worth face value; uncirculated examples range from $1-$10 depending on luster.

What drives this coin's value

Most common Jefferson nickels are only worth more than face value if they are in Mint State (MS) condition or have 'Full Steps' on Monticello. Key dates include 1939-D, 1939-S, and 1950-D.

Grade assessment

About Good (AG) to Good (G), but with significant environmental damage/corrosion and surface scratches that would likely result in a 'Details' grade.

Mintage & rarity

Extremely common (billions produced). Note: 1942-1945 'War Nickels' contain 35% silver, but this coin appears to be a standard nickel-copper issue.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authenticity is rarely an issue for common nickels; check for weight (5g) and diameter. Counterfeits commonly exist only for the 1944 'Henning' nickel which lacks the large mint mark.

Notable varieties & errors

1939 Doubled Die Reverse, 1942-D over D, and the 'Speared Bison' or 'Speared Buffalo' (modern series). Looking at this coin, the scratches across Monticello are post-mint damage, not an error or variety.

Similar coins

1942-1945 Silver War Nickels (distinguished by a large P, D, or S mint mark above the dome of Monticello) and the Buffalo Nickel which preceded it.

Care & preservation

Do not attempt to clean this coin with abrasives or chemicals, as it has already sustained heavy environmental damage. Store in a cool, dry place away from humidity to prevent further corrosion.