1945-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1945-D Jefferson Nickel had a total mintage of over 37 million coins struck at the Denver Mint. This was a pretty average mintage for Denver over the last few years, and allows for plenty of options for collectors of all types. The Jefferson Nickels struck between 1942 and 1945 are often called war nickels because their composition changed during World War II. The United States military required nickel for its ammunition so the nickel was created with copper, silver, and manganese instead.
History of the 1945-D Jefferson Nickel
The 1945-D Jefferson Nickel is a valuable coin with a unique history. As with all the war nickels, these were the only coins in the series that had an enlarged mint mark above the dome of Jefferson’s Monticello home on the reverse of the coin. This coin featured the ‘D’ mint mark. Felix Schlag won a design contest for the design of the Jefferson Nickel and the obverse of the coin features Thomas Jefferson in profile. The coin design has changed somewhat over the years, and is still in production today. Cherrypicking is advised to find a well-struck coin with attractive surfaces. Mint State 1945-D Jefferson Nickels have some beautiful coloring and toning on some of the coins.
1945-D Jefferson Nickel Value
The 1945-D Jefferson Nickel value ranges from around $5,000 to upwards of $20,000 for the highest grades of the coin in Mint State and Full Step. This is a more expensive coin in higher grades than some of the others in the series and would make a valuable investment to complete a Jefferson Nickel series collection. It can be found at much more affordable prices by seeking out lower Mint State coins.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1945-D Jefferson Nickel
Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark: Denver
Total mintage: 37,158,000
Metal content: 56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese
Face value: 5 Cents
Weight: 5.00 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: Felix Schlag
Diameter: 21.20 millimeters