1994-P Jefferson Nickel (United States Cupro-Nickel Five-Cent Coin)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia), founded 1792 by the Coinage Act. The Philadelphia Mint is the primary minting facility of the U.S.
Pattern: Jefferson Nickel (Felix Schlag design), introduced 1938, currently in production with obverse modifications.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia), founded 1792 by the Coinage Act. The Philadelphia Mint is the primary minting facility of the U.S.
Material
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (No silver content). This is a base metal cupro-nickel planchet, not a 'War Nickel' (which contained 35% silver from 1942-1945).
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Thickness: 1.95 mm; Standard Weight: 5.000 grams.
Description
A standard circulating 1994 United States five-cent piece featuring the classic Felix Schlag portrait of Thomas Jefferson. The piece shows common circulation wear including light surface scratches (bag marks) and a typical grey-silver tone characteristic of nickel-plated copper alloys.
Key Features
'P' mint mark located under the date (distinctive to the Philadelphia Mint); 1994 production year; smooth edge; non-magnetic composition.
Material & Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (No silver content). This is a base metal cupro-nickel planchet, not a 'War Nickel' (which contained 35% silver from 1942-1945).
Finish & Decoration
Machine-struck business strike with a satin/matte circulation finish. Features the profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and (presumed) Monticello on the reverse. Style is Neoclassical realism.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse stamps: 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', '1994', and the mint mark 'P' (Philadelphia). No silver purity hallmarks are present as it is not precious metal.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coinage presses; die-struck on a solid homogeneous cupro-nickel planchet with a smooth (plain) edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States with a face value of 5 cents; smooth edge to differentiate from reeded higher-denomination coins.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Circular coin intended for hand-to-hand circulation.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mass-produced industrial strike; high-relief detail on Jefferson’s hair; well-defined rim; machine-centered strike.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font stylization for the 1990s US Mint dies; 'P' mint mark placement is consistent; circulation wear patterns match the hardness of cupro-nickel.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint ('P' mint mark). Manufactured using industrialized minting traditions of the late 20th century.
Era & Period
Modern Era (1994); Late 20th Century American Numismatics.
Age Estimate
Dated 1994; 30 years old at the time of this assessment.
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of American commerce; Thomas Jefferson was chosen for the nickel to celebrate his role as the 3rd U.S. President and the architect of the Declaration of Independence.
Condition Notes
Circulated (G-VF range). Visible surface contact marks, minor tarnish/grime consistent with pocket change, no significant structural damage or environmental corrosion.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.05 USD. In uncirculated (MS65) condition, it may be worth $1.00-$2.00 to a collector.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized care required as it is not precious metal. If collecting, avoid acidic cleaners. Store in a dry environment to prevent 'PVC damage' if using plastic flips.
Similar Pieces
1994-D (Denver Mint), 1994-S (San Francisco Proof - will have mirror finish), and Silver War Nickels (1942-1945, identifiable by a large mint mark above Monticello).
Interesting Facts
The 1994-P Nickel had a high mintage of 722,160,000, making it extremely common. While this coin is not silver, 'Silver Nickels' only existed from 1942-1945 due to wartime nickel shortages.