Jefferson Nickel
Country of Origin: United States of America
Year of Issue: 1940
Denomination: 5 Cents (Nickel)
Composition: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Brief Description
A copper-nickel five-cent coin featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Introduced in 1938 to replace the Buffalo Nickel, the Jefferson Nickel has remained the standard 5-cent design for over 80 years. This 1940 specimen represents the early years of the design before the alloy was changed for WWII.
Estimated Value
Face value to $0.50 in circulated condition; $2.00 to $10.00 in high uncirculated grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish the coin, as this destroys its numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or coin folder to prevent environmental damage.
Mint Mark
None (Philadelphia Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
176,485,000 (Very Common)
Weight & Diameter
5.00 grams / 21.21 mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine (VF). Shows moderate wear on Jefferson's hair and the pillars of Monticello, but all major details and lettering are clear.
Obverse (Front)
Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Legend: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the date '1940'. Designer: Felix Schlag.
Reverse (Back)
Frontal view of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate. Legends: 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'. Designer: Felix Schlag.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Most 1940 nickels are worth little over face value unless they are in 'Full Steps' (FS) condition, meaning the steps on Monticello are sharply defined and fully struck.
Similar Coins
1940-D and 1940-S nickels (identified by a small D or S to the right of Monticello). It is frequently mislabeled as a 'Buffalo Nickel' by non-collectors, as seen in the handwritten note in the photo.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly 5.0 grams. These coins are so common that counterfeits are extremely rare, though 're-punched mint marks' are sought by specialists.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1940 Reverse of 1938 and 1940 Reverse of 1940 are two minor hub varieties collectors distinguish by the sharpness of the steps on Monticello.
Created At: 2026-06-16T17:18:11.786995