1939 Jefferson Nickel, United States Five-Cent Coin
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch)
Pattern: Jefferson Nickel (Felix Schlag Design), 1938-Present
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia Branch)
Material
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (No actual silver content). Note: Often confused with 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) which do contain 35% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Weight: 5.00 grams; Thickness: 1.95 mm.
Description
This is a second-year-of-issue Jefferson Nickel. While it lacks the silver content found in later 1942-1945 issues, it is a classic piece of American numismatic history. The obverse features the left-facing profile of the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson, designed by Felix Schlag, whose initials 'FS' do not appear on this early date. The nickel displays significant circulation wear, softening the details of the hair and the high points of the face.
Key Features
Second year of series; Philadelphia strike; Cupro-nickel composition; lack of mint mark on reverse (standard for 1939 Philly).
Material & Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (No actual silver content). Note: Often confused with 'War Nickels' (1942-1945) which do contain 35% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with relief portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Features 'IN GOD WE TRUST', 'LIBERTY', and '1939' on the obverse. Reverse features Monticello.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No mint mark (Philadelphia origin). The date '1939' is clearly struck on the obverse right-hand side.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure coinage presses; die-struck design on a planchet (metal disc).
Functional Features
Planchet with smooth edge (unreeded). Designed as legal tender for circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial coinage. The strike shows standard mid-century die-to-planchet pressure without proof-like qualities.
Authentication Indicators
Correct typeface for 1939 date; smooth edge; composition consistent with non-silver US nickels of the era; wear patterns consistent with naturally circulated coinage.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint (indicated by lack of mint mark).
Era & Period
Modern Era / Pre-WWII United States (1939).
Age Estimate
Produced in the year 1939.
Cultural Significance
Represents the shift in American coinage toward honoring founding fathers during the mid-20th century. Part of a design series that has remained largely unchanged for over 65 years.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (likely 'Good' to 'Very Good' grade). Visible surface scratches, minor rim dings, and flattened relief. Darkening in recesses suggest heavy handling.
Value Estimate
$0.05 to $2.00 (Current market value is primarily face value or a small premium for age/collector interest; uncirculated specimens or rare varieties would be significantly higher).
Care & Maintenance
For circulated coins, avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or acid-free paper envelope to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1939-D and 1939-S nickels (rarer mint marks); 1942-1945 Silver War Nickels (detectable by large mint marks over Monticello and distinct 'soapy' luster).
Interesting Facts
The 1939 Jefferson nickel is notable for the 'Doubled Monticello' and 'Reverse of 1938 vs 1940' varieties, though this specimen appears to be a standard strike. This design replaced the Buffalo Nickel in 1938.