US · Five Cents · 1938–present

Jefferson Nickel (1938–present)

Replaced the Buffalo nickel after a public design competition won by Felix Schlag. Wartime issues (1942–1945) shifted to a silver-manganese alloy and carry a large mintmark above Monticello — the only US coins to display a P mintmark prior to 1980. Full Steps (FS) designation on the Monticello reverse is the premium attribute.

i.

Specifications

DesignerFelix Schlag (1938–2004 obverse); Jamie Franki (2006–present obverse)
Composition75% copper / 25% nickel (1938–1942, 1946–present); 56% copper / 35% silver / 9% manganese (1942–1945 wartime)
Weight5 g
Diameter21.2 mm
EdgePlain
SeriesJefferson Nickel
Years issued1938–present
ii.

Key dates & varieties

YearMintmarkVarietyMintageRarity
1939D—3.5Msemi-key
1939S—6.6Msemi-key
1942DD over horizontal D—key
1950D—2.6Mkey
iii.

All varieties

YearMintmarkVarietyMintageRarity
1939D—3.5Msemi-key
1939S—6.6Msemi-key
1942DD over horizontal D—key
1942PWartime silver alloy57.9Mcommon
1950D—2.6Mkey