Jefferson Nickel (1938-1964)

Jefferson Nickels (1938-1964): A Historical and Collectible Series

The coins that were issued between 1938 and 1964 are very important in terms of history and coin collecting, as they were produced over about thirty years. Take a deeper look at the history, design, and important features of this well-known series of coins.

The United States Mint has created a wide variety of coins in many distinct designs throughout its lengthy history. The Jefferson Nickel is one of the most popular coins that the mint has ever made for circulation. These nickels were initially made in 1938 to take the role of the Buffalo Nickel, and they are still being manufactured today. Nickels are often used, and you can often hear them jingling in the pockets of individuals all around the country.

War Nickels (1942-1945)

These coins were made with a mixture of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese since nickel was needed for manufacture during WWII. The huge mint mark over Monticello on the back side of the coin is how you can tell whether a nickel is a War Nickel.

Mint Marks and Locations

Jefferson Nickels were produced at three mints during this period:

• • Philadelphia (no mint mark pre-1980, large "P" on War Nickels)
• • Denver (D)
• • San Francisco (S)

Jefferson Nickel Design:Felix Schlag, an artist, was the designer of the Jefferson Nickel.

• • Front: The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, based on a marble bust by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Jefferson's calm and dignified profile reflects his statesmanlike qualities.
• • Back: The reverse showcases Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia estate, with its iconic neoclassical architecture. The design displays the words “MONTICELLO” and “FIVE CENTS”.
• • In 1966, the designer's initials, FS, were added to the obverse border below the shoulder. This was not a significant change. Although there are no unusual date-mintmark combinations, the Guidebook includes several overdates, over mintmarks, and doubled dies that will challenge collectors who are attempting to put together a collection with all varieties.

Gathering Jefferson Nickels

• • 1938-D and 1938-S: These coins are in high demand due to their low mintage statistics.
• • 1939-D: Another important date, albeit with a restricted number of items produced.
• • 1950-D: This coin is a rare treasure since it has a very low mintage of little over 2.6 million.
• • Nickels from the War Years of 1942-1945