History of the Jefferson Nickel

(1938 to 2003)

The first Jefferson Five Cent Piece was issued in 1938. The obverse design of Thomas Jefferson has remained unchanged and is still in use today. Likewise, the original reverse design of Monticello is still current. The mint mark however has undergone some changes over the years.

The mint mark on Jefferson Five Cent Pieces from 1938 to midway through 1942 was located on the right side of the reverse between Monticello and the rim. When the composition changed in 1942, the mint mark was enlarged considerably and moved to the field above Monticello.

These 1942-1945 wartime silver issues marked the first use of a P mint mark on a United States coin. In 1946 the original mint mark location was resumed. Jefferson Five Cent Pieces from 1968 to the present have their mint mark on the obverse, near the rim, just below the last digit in the date. Nickels struck in Philadelphia from 1938 - 1942 and from 1946 - 1979 bear no mint mark.

The Jefferson Five Cent Piece was designed by Felix Schlag. His initials, F S, which were added in 1966, appear on the obverse near the rim under the bust of Jefferson.

The Jefferson Five Cent Piece was originally composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition was used until midway through 1942. During that time the nickel was needed for the war effort so the composition was changed to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. In 1946, after WWII had ended, the original composition was resumed. Jefferson Five Cent Pieces have a weight of 5.00 grams, a diameter of 21.2 mm and a plain edge.

Jefferson Five Cent Pieces were struck in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. (Five cent pieces struck in Philadelphia from 1938 - 1942 and 1946 - 1979 bear no mint mark).

Westward Journey Nickel Series

In commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase, and Lewis and Clark's expedition, the President enacted Public Law 108-15 to modify the Jefferson five-cent coin (nickel) in 2003, 2004 and 2005, to reflect images evocative of their historic expedition into the Louisiana Territory. A depiction of Monticello will return to the nickel in 2006. The obverse will continue to bear the likeness of President Jefferson.

2004-Dated Nickel Series Facts
2005-Westward Journey Nickel Series

Terms and Mint Marks

BU (Brilliant Uncirculated): A strictly uncirculated coin with attractive mint luster but noticeable detracting contact marks or minor blemishes.

D (Denver): The 'D' mint mark, location depends on date of issue, see Paragraph 2 above.

S (San Francisco): The 'S' mint mark, location depends on date of issue, see Paragraph 2 above.

P (Philadelphia): The 'P' mint mark, location depends on date of issue, see Paragraph 2 above.

 

 

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