1946 Jefferson Nickel
The 1946 Jefferson Nickel had a total mintage of over 161 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This was the first year of issue after the war nickels so the Jefferson Nickels no longer contain silver and instead revert back to having copper and nickel as their composition. This is a relatively common coin in circulated and lower Mint State grades. As it climbs into MS65 and MS66, it becomes scarcer and more difficult to locate, especially in Full Step versions where the stairs of the Monticello on the reverse of the coin are fully struck.
History of the 1946 Jefferson Nickel
The 1946 Jefferson Nickel has plenty of coins available so cherrypicking is advisable to find the ideal coin for your collection needs. Seek out coins that are well-struck, have excellent toning and coloring, and great overall eye appeal. Felix Schlag designed the original Jefferson Nickel and his designs were chosen during a competition. The obverse of the coin showcases Thomas Jefferson and the reverse depicts his Monticello home. The war nickels of the past few years were the first to have a “P” mint mark on them to represent Philadelphia, but the nickel varieties don’t have the mint mark on them for this location.
1946 Jefferson Nickel Value
The 1946 Jefferson Nickel value ranges from around $1,700 to upwards of around $8,800 for the highest Mint State and Full Step varieties of the coin. Full Step versions typically command a higher price, and this is likely because they are more fully struck than non-Full Step versions. The 1946 Jefferson Nickel would make an excellent and accessible addition to any Jefferson Nickel series collection.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1946 Jefferson Nickel
Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 161,116,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: 5 Cents
Weight: 5.00 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: Felix Schlag
Diameter: 21.20 millimeters