Jefferson Nickel (1938-present)
Mint Mark Information

The US Treasury Department sponsored a public competition in 1938 in search of a new design to replace the Buffalo Nickel. The rules of the contest specified that the obverse was to pay homage to Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse was to feature his Monticello home.

A German immigrant named Felix Schlag was announced on April 24 as the winner of the competition. Schlag earned $1000 for his efforts.

The Jefferson Nickel was composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, as was its predecessors. Throughout its very long production run, this alloy has remained the same, with a brief exception during the World War II years of 1942-1945.

During that time of national emergency, nickel was diverted for military purposes. The wartime Jefferson Nickel was composed of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. A large Mint Mark appeared above the Monticello dome to denote the alloy change. For the first time ever, the “P” Mint Mark to indicate a Philadelphia origin was employed.

Schlag’s design remained mostly intact until 2004, when the Mint began issuing a series of “Westward Journey” nickels, to commemorate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis & Clark expedition. Both events were major accomplishments occurring during the presidency of…. you guessed it, Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson Nickel Obverse
1938-2004

Jefferson Nickel Obverse
2005

Jefferson Nickel Obverse
2006-present

Jefferson Nickel Reverse
1938-2003

Jefferson Nickel Reverse
2004 Peace Medal

Jefferson Nickel Reverse
2004 Keelboat

Jefferson Nickel Reverse
2005 Bison

Jefferson Nickel Reverse
2005 Ocean in View

Jefferson Nickel Reverse
Return to Monticello
2006-presnt

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark from 1938-42 and 1946-64 was located on reverse to right of Monticello. No Mint Marks 1965-67 as all came from Philadelphia Mint.

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark from the WWII years of 1942-1945 above the dome of Monticello.

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark 1968-2004, on obverse to right of Jefferson's hair bow.

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark 2005 on obverse under word "Liberty".

Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark 2006-present on obverse under date.

The following table lists the Mint Marks used on the Jefferson Nickel:

There have been lots of changes with the Jefferson Nickel: Multiple obverses and reverses, Mint Mark "P" and no letter to indicate Philadelphia Mint origin, and changing Mint Mark locations.

Yes, it is a bit confusing, but the table above and photos to the right should help you sort things out. The Jefferson Nickel coin photos were provided courtesy of Goldberg Coins. Artist drawings of the newer nickels came from the US Mint.

There really aren't any Jefferson Nickels that are rare dates poised for lots of price increases down the road.

We list the key date Jefferson Nickels below, in case you're ready to add to your collection right now. Buy the best condition you can afford (this includes Full Steps), because the highest grades will stimulate the most interest from other collectors.

We also list below some of the recognized "goof" Jeffersons (e.g. 1939 Doubled Monticello). These are interesting and of somewhat untested potential. Perhaps someday collectors will start pressuring the existing supply and they're revealed as true scarcities. The fact that so few examples come up for sale on eBay may be a telltale clue of their limited availability.

1938-D Jefferson Nickel

1938-S Jefferson

1939-D Jefferson Nickel

1939-S Jefferson Nickel

1950-D Jefferson Nickel

1939 Doubled Monticello

1942-D/Horz D

1943 Doubled Eye

1946-D/Horz D