5 Cents (Nickel)

Jefferson Nickel

United States · Based on the design, it is a Jefferson Nickel issued between 1938 and the present day. Without a visible date on the coin, a specific year cannot be determined. Typically, the date is located on the obverse, below Jefferson's portrait.

The coin features a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse. The reverse typically depicts Jefferson's home, Monticello. In the provided image, only the obverse is clearly visible, showing Jefferson's left-facing portrait, a design that was first introduced in 1938.

Country: United States
Denomination: 5 Cents (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 3, 2025More united states coins →

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Overview

Historical significance

The Jefferson Nickel replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938 and has been in continuous production ever since. It was designed by Felix Schlag. The introduction of the Jefferson Nickel marked a shift in US coinage design towards depicting past presidents more frequently. The 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) are historically significant due to their altered silver composition, necessitated by the need to conserve nickel for the war effort during World War II.

Estimated value

The value of a Jefferson Nickel varies greatly depending on its year, mint mark, condition, and whether it's a regular strike or a 'War Nickel'. Common issues in circulated condition often trade for face value or slightly above (e.g., $0.05 - $0.50). Key dates, varieties, and uncirculated examples can fetch much higher prices (tens to hundreds of dollars). A clear date is needed for a more precise estimate.

Care & preservation

Handle coins by their edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Store in inert, archival-safe holders (e.g., Mylar flips, acrylic capsules, or albums designed for coin storage) to protect them from environmental damage and physical abrasion. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can devalue it significantly. For valuable coins, consider professional grading and encapsulation.