Jefferson Nickel (1938–Present): An Icon of American Coinage

The Jefferson Nickel, designed by Felix O. Schlag, debuted in 1938 and has become a staple of U.S. coinage. Featuring Thomas Jefferson’s profile on the obverse and his historic Monticello estate on the reverse, this coin marked a shift from symbolic imagery to portraits of historical figures. Over the years, the Jefferson ... Read More

Jefferson Nickel (1938–Present): An Icon of American Coinage

The Jefferson Nickel, designed by Felix O. Schlag, debuted in 1938 and has become a staple of U.S. coinage. Featuring Thomas Jefferson’s profile on the obverse and his historic Monticello estate on the reverse, this coin marked a shift from symbolic imagery to portraits of historical figures. Over the years, the Jefferson Nickel has evolved with new designs, special editions, and significant historical context, making it a favorite among collectors.

Key Features and Specifications

• Designer: Felix O. Schlag (1938); Updated designs by Jamie Franki, Joe Fitzgerald, and others
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (except during WWII)
• Diameter: 21.2 mm
• Weight: 5.00 grams
• Edge: Plain

Design Evolution of the Jefferson Nickel

1. Type 1: Jefferson Profile (1938–2003)

   • Obverse: Jefferson’s left-facing profile, with LIBERTY and the date.
   • Reverse: Front-facing Monticello. Schlag’s initials (FS) were added in 1966.
   • Notable Varieties:
     • 1939 Doubled Die Reverse
     • Over-mintmarks (1949-D/S, 1954-S/D, 1955-D/S)

2. Type 2: Wartime Nickel (1942–1945)

   • Composition: 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese to conserve nickel for WWII.
   • Mintmark: Large mintmarks above Monticello, with P used for the first time.
   • Collectible Features: Wartime nickels often display sharp strikes and are distinguished by their unique alloy.

3. Type 3: Westward Journey Series (2004–2005)

   • Celebrates the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
   • Features four unique designs:
     • 2004 Peace Medal
     • 2004 Keelboat
     • 2005 American Bison
     • 2005 Ocean in View
   • Obverse in 2005: A ¾ profile of Jefferson inspired by Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1789 marble bust.

4. Type 4: Jefferson Facing Portrait (2006–Present)

   • Obverse: A forward-facing portrait of Jefferson designed by Jamie Franki.
   • Reverse: Restored Monticello design with Schlag’s initials moved to the reverse.

Historical Highlights

World War II and the Wartime Nickel

During WWII, nickel became essential for the war effort. From 1942 to 1945, Jefferson Nickels were struck with a silver-based alloy, creating a distinct subset of the series. These "war nickels" are identified by their large mintmarks and are prized by collectors for their unique composition and historical significance.

The 1950-D Rarity

The 1950-D Jefferson Nickel, with a mintage of only 2,630,030, became an instant collector's item. Its scarcity in circulation drove demand, making it one of the most famous dates in the series.

Full Steps Designation

The steps of Monticello on the reverse are a key feature for collectors. Coins with Full Steps (FS)—showing five distinct and uninterrupted steps—command premiums, especially for rare dates and mintmarks.

Collecting Jefferson Nickels

Popular Strategies:

1. Basic Date and Mintmark Collection: Affordable and widely accessible, spanning over 80 years of history.
2. Wartime Series (1942–1945): A compact and unique collection featuring silver alloy nickels.
3. Full Steps Focus: Seek coins with sharply struck Monticello steps for added rarity.
4. Westward Journey Series: Includes limited-edition designs and historical significance.

Key Dates and Varieties to Watch:

• 1939-D and 1939-S: Scarce early issues.
• 1943/2-P: A rare overdate from the wartime series.
• 1950-D: The series' key date.
• 1969-D Full Steps: Among the most elusive FS coins.

Why Collect Jefferson Nickels?

The Jefferson Nickel offers a unique blend of history, artistry, and affordability. Whether you're a casual collector or a specialist seeking rare varieties, this series provides endless opportunities for exploration.

Explore Jefferson Nickels at ParadimeCoins.com

Paradime Coins offers a curated selection of Jefferson Nickels, from rare key dates to pristine Full Steps examples. Start or expand your collection with confidence—browse our inventory today at ParadimeCoins.com!