United States Jefferson Nickel (Five-Cent Coin)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Bureau of the Treasury). The U.S. Mint has been the primary manufacturer of circulating coinage in America since 1792.
Pattern: Jefferson Nickel (Felix Schlag design). This specific coin features the 'Return to Monticello' reverse used from 2006 to the present.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Bureau of the Treasury). The U.S. Mint has been the primary manufacturer of circulating coinage in America since 1792.
Material
Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is not silver; although often referred to as 'silver' in color, standard Jefferson nickels (excepting 1942-1945 'War Nickels') contain no actual silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm (0.835 in); Thickness: 1.95 mm; Weight: 5.000 grams.
Description
A standard circulating United States five-cent piece. This coin features the modernized facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Such coins are the workhorse of American commerce, designed for durability and mass production rather than artistic precious metal value.
Key Features
Facing portrait of Jefferson (facing right/front), nickel-grey color, smooth edge, and specific 5g weight.
Material & Composition
Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is not silver; although often referred to as 'silver' in color, standard Jefferson nickels (excepting 1942-1945 'War Nickels') contain no actual silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with a matte grey patina. The obverse features the 2005-present profile of Thomas Jefferson (based on Rembrandt Peale's 1800 portrait). The edge is plain (smooth).
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'P', 'D', or 'S' mint mark is located on the obverse (front) below the year. Includes the inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and the mintage year.
Construction Details
Machine-struck; die-struck from planchets (metal discs) using high-pressure industrial presses at a U.S. Mint facility.
Functional Features
Standard legal tender currency. It lacks a reeded edge (unlike quarters or dimes), which is a diagnostic feature of the 5-cent denomination.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numbismatic/Currency object).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial coinage. The strike is even, but the artistic detail is simplified to allow for high-speed production and long-term durability in pockets and vending machines.
Authentication Indicators
Standard die markers, correct diameter relative to the container lid in the background, and typical wear patterns for cupronickel coinage.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; minted for circulation in Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), or San Francisco (S).
Era & Period
Modern Era (specifically the 21st Century 'Return to Monticello' series).
Age Estimate
Estimated 2006–2023. The specific year is obscured in the image but the portrait style confirms post-2005 production.
Cultural Significance
Representing the third President of the U.S. and the primary unit of fractional currency for small transactions in North America.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. The surface shows moderate wear, light scratches, and typical environmental toning from handling in commerce. Not a mint-state or proof specimen.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.05 USD. Unless it is a rare error or specific high-grade mint state, its value is its denominational worth.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with silver polish as it contains no silver. If collecting for numismatic value, store in an acid-free holder; however, circulating nickels generally require no maintenance.
Similar Pieces
1942-1945 War Nickels (contain 35% silver, identified by a large mint mark above Monticello); Canadian 5-cent pieces (nickel-plated steel/multi-ply).
Interesting Facts
The nickel is the only U.S. coin named after its metal content, even though it is mostly copper. During WWII, nickels were made of 35% silver to save nickel for the war effort, but this modern specimen contains none.