1948 Jefferson Nickel
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel has a total mintage of over 89 million coins struck at the Philadelphia Mint. This coin is a relatively common coin in the series, especially in circulated grades up to about Mint State 65. Above Mint State 65, it becomes much more difficult to find and obtain. The Full Step versions of this coin are difficult to find across all grades, and especially in Mint State 66 or higher. It will likely command a premium in the highest grades, although the 1948 Thomas Jefferson Nickel is still much more affordable in higher grades than some of the other coins in the series.
History of the 1948 Jefferson Nickel
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel is a beautiful coin that is worth the effort to cherrypick for a coin with great overall eye appeal and a good price. It should be very affordable in lower Mint State and circulated grades making it possible to build a collection at minimal cost, but still offering excellent variety for serious collectors. Felix Schlag won a design contest for the design of the Jefferson Nickel, and his originals featured Thomas Jefferson on the obverse of the coin with his Monticello home on the reverse. The Full Step versions featured a fully struck staircase on the Monticello home and typically command higher prices. The Jefferson Nickel is still in production today although the designs have changed somewhat over the years.
1948 Jefferson Nickel Value
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel value ranges from around $1,600 to upwards of $3,700 for the highest grades of the coin in Mint State and Full Step. This is an attractive coin that shouldn’t cause too much difficulty to find in most grades up to about Mint State 65. It’s been located in higher grades, but collectors should be prepared to spend a bit more for the higher grades. The 1948 Jefferson Nickel would make an accessible and attractive addition to any Jefferson Nickel series collection.
Type of coin: Nickel
Year: 1948 Jefferson Nickel
Jefferson Nickel Mint Mark: Philadelphia
Total mintage: 89,348,000
Metal content: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel
Face value: 5 Cents
Weight: 5.00 grams
Edge: Plain
Designer: Felix Schlag
Diameter: 21.20 millimeters