Jefferson Nickel (United States 5-Cent Coin)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic/Circulation Currency) · United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco branches)
Pattern: Jefferson Nickel, Felix Schlag Design (1938-2003 Original Obverse)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic/Circulation Currency)
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco branches)
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This specific era contains no silver content. Only 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) contain 35% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Weight: 5.000 grams; Thickness: 1.95 mm.
Description
A chronological collection of United States Jefferson Nickels housed in a green numismatic folder. These coins represent the standard five-cent denomination of the mid-20th century, featuring the classic Felix Schlag profile of Thomas Jefferson facing left. The coins show varying degrees of circulation wear consistent with honest daily use in American commerce during the 1950s and 60s.
Key Features
Date and mint mark variations; Schlag’s original obverse design; lack of silver content (distinguishable from 1942-1945 silver alloy nickels by the absence of a large mint mark over the dome of Monticello).
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This specific era contains no silver content. Only 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) contain 35% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with relief portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Reverse features the Monticello estate. Decorative elements include the 'In God We Trust' and 'Liberty' legends.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks: 'D' for Denver; 'S' for San Francisco; Absence of mark indicates Philadelphia. Date stamps visible from 1952 to 1964.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on prepared planchets using high-pressure coining presses at the US Mint.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States; designed with a smooth edge (unreeded).
Handle & Grip Details
No handles; intended for manual handling or storage in numismatic albums as shown.
Craftsmanship Details
High-volume industrial die-striking. Details show the transition from sharp die impressions in the early 1950s to somewhat mushier strikes in the high-volume 1964 production.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styling for the era; genuine Whitman or similar brand coin album; wear patterns consistent with cupro-nickel hardness; correct luster for circulated specimens.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia, PA and Denver, CO minting facilities.
Era & Period
Modern Era (Mid-20th Century United States). Context covers the Post-War economic boom and the end of the silver-standard era (1964).
Age Estimate
Dated 1952 through 1964 (as visible in the specific album slots).
Cultural Significance
Represents the backbone of mid-century American small-change commerce, used for vending machines, payphones, and newspapers during the Cold War era.
Condition Notes
Circulated (Good to Very Fine range). Visible surface scratches, minor toning, and flattened high points on Jefferson's hair and cheekbone. No major environmental damage or 'zinc rot' is visible.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.05) to collector value of $0.10-$0.50 each for common circulated dates. 1955-D and 1958 may carry a slight premium over later dates.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver creams, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free albums (like the one shown) to prevent 'green slime' or chemical corrosion.
Similar Pieces
1942-1945 Silver 'War' Nickels (which contain 35% silver); Buffalo Nickels (preceding design); 2004-2005 Westward Journey series nickels.
Interesting Facts
The 1964 nickel is notable for having a massive mintage (over 2.8 billion) because the Mint continued striking 1964-dated coins into 1966 to alleviate a national coin shortage.