Jefferson Nickel

Country of Origin: United States

Year of Issue: 1946

Denomination: Five Cents

Composition: Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

Jefferson Nickel

Brief Description

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.

Estimated Value

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

Care Instructions

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.

Mint Mark

D (Denver Mint) located to the right of Monticello on the reverse.

Mintage & Rarity

45,292,200 (Common)

Weight & Diameter

5.00 grams / 21.21 mm

Edge

Plain

Apparent Grade

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Created At: 2026-04-24T06:08:15.510587