NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1938 To Date, Jefferson

Description

Here we see the introduction of the modern day design of our "Nickel." The composition of the coin remained the same throughout the production run, except for coins made during the wartime period. Wartime coins were dated 1942-1945. The design came as a result of a contest held in which 390 different designers competed for designer acclaim and a $1,000 prize.

This motif pictured Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and a corner view of Jefferson's home, Monticello, on the reverse. Interestingly, the contest-winning design was changed slightly for purposes of production. In the final production design, the profile of Monticello was changed to a front view. The finished product depicted a head and shoulders portrait of Jefferson facing left, with IN GOD WE TRUST to the left and LIBERTY and the date to the right. The reverse depicted Monticello at the center, E PLURIBUS UN-UM above, and inscriptions of MONTICELLO, FIVE CENTS, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA below.

Jefferson nickels, currently being produced, are readily available in all grades. Business strikes with sharply-struck steps on the Monticello building are scarce for certain issues, but searching for these is in the realm of the Jefferson nickel specialist need not concern the collector seeking a single specimen for type.

Valuation

In 1966 the initials of the designer, FS, were added to the obverse edge beneath the shoulder, However, collectors have not considered this addition to represent a major type.

COIN NAME
NICKEL FIVE-CENT PIECE 1938 To Date, Jefferson: DESIGNED BY
Felix 0. Schlag: ISSUE DATE
1938 to date: COMPOSITION
0.75 part copper, 0.25 part nickel: DIAMETER
21.2 mm: WEIGHT
76.16 grains (5 grams): EDGE
Plain: BUS MINT
21,158,380,137 through 1985: PROOF MINT
78,735,299 through 1985

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