Obverse

Reverse

Five Cents

Jefferson Nickel

United States · 1946

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

Country: United States
Year: 1946
Denomination: Five Cents
Metal: Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

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Identified April 24, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

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

Historical significance

1946 marked the return to the standard cupronickel composition for the Jefferson Nickel following the conclusion of World War II, during which 'War Nickels' were made of a silver alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort.

Obverse (front)

Profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left. Legends: 'LIBERTY' and '1946' to the right; 'IN GOD WE TRUST' along the bottom left. Designer: Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

View of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' above; 'MONTICELLO' below the building; 'FIVE CENTS' and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' at the bottom. Designer: Felix Schlag.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $0.25 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $5.00 in Mint State (MS-63); significantly more for full steps varieties.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/Grade is the primary factor. For this series, the presence of 'Full Steps' on Monticello on a high-grade specimen provides the highest premium.

Grade assessment

Good (G) to Very Good (VG). The coin shows heavy overall wear, lacks detail in Jefferson's hair and the steps of Monticello, and has significant surface marks and dirt accumulation.

Mintage & rarity

45,292,200 (Common)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Authentic coins will have a weight of 5.0 grams. Check for a grainy surface texture or 'mushy' details which may indicate a cast counterfeit, though common dates like 1946 are rarely faked.

Notable varieties & errors

The 1946-D over D repunched mint mark (RPM) is a variety sought by specialists; various die cracks and minor clashes occur for this year as well.

Similar coins

1942-1945 silver 'War Nickels' (distinguished by a large mint mark above the dome of Monticello) and the newer 2005-present Jefferson designs with different portraits.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges to avoid transferring skin oils. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent environmental damage. Do not clean or polish.

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