Obverse

Reverse

5 Cents ($0.05)

Jefferson Nickel

United States of America · 1982

A standard US five-cent coin featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Country: United States of America
Year: 1982
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 May 31, 2026More united states of america coins →

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Overview

A standard US five-cent coin featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.

Historical significance

The Jefferson Nickel series began in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. This 1982 issue represents the long-standing design by Felix Schlag which was used with very minor modifications for over 60 years.

Obverse (front)

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, with the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST' to the left and 'LIBERTY 1982 P' to the right. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with inscriptions 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above, 'MONTICELLO' directly below the building, and 'FIVE CENTS' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' at the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.05 in circulated condition; $0.50-$5.00 in high uncirculated (MS-65+) grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade is the primary factor. Collectors specifically look for 'Full Steps' (FS) on the reverse, where at least five steps of Monticello are clearly visible and uninterrupted.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU). Shows light circulation wear and minor contact marks, but retains most design details.

Mintage & rarity

Approx. 292,355,000 (Philadelphia). This is a very common date and not considered rare.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight (5.0g) and crispness of lettering. Because of its low value, counterfeits of this specific date are extremely rare except as part of larger contemporary counterfeit schemes.

Notable varieties & errors

While no major 1982 varieties are widely publicized, collectors check for die clashes and typical mechanical doubling common during this era.

Similar coins

Often confused with other years of the Jefferson Nickel (1938-2003) which look identical except for the date and mint mark location.

Care & preservation

Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a cool, dry place; higher-grade specimens should be kept in PVC-free flips or capsules.

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