I collect Jefferson Nickels Minted from 1938-2003, with a primary focus on 1938-1955. I also am now focusing on errors, re-punched mint marks, special specimens and special finishes.
The design was basically the same from 1938-2003. The only differences were the placement of the mint marks.
In 2004 two new designs were issued and again in 2005. With the new 2006 issue a new design was established for the $0.05 coin
The standard composition of the U.S. Nickel in this series 1938-1942, 1946-present is 75% copper 25% Nickel.
From 1938-1942 the mint mark was located to the right base of Monticello. Nickels were produced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (no mark at all)
Denver, Colorado (D)
And San Fransisco, California (S)
During world war 2 the mint changed the composition of the nickel to 56% copper, 35% SILVER, 9% manganese.
The raw nickel material was needed for the war effort so a silver nickel was created!
A special feature of this transition in 1942 saw a one of a kind production; the first silver nickel and only year with a silver proof nickel! There were regular 1942 nickels minted in Philadelphia and also Proof specimens, There was also a 1942-D (Denver Colorado mint) nickel of the normal composite. A Proof is a special issue that is highly polished before the coin image is stamped into the coin. It looks like a mirror finish.
When the composition was changed in mid 1942, all silver nickels had their mint mark moved to the reverse of the coin above Monticello.
A new silver nickel was made in Philadelphia along with the only ever silver Proof finish nickel. Proof specimens were not made again until 1950.
My collection includes all specimen examples; Business strike (for circulation), Proof (special issue), Matte finish when available, Mint Set issues (come sealed not intended for normal use/circulation), and Special Mint Set issues.
There are essentially 8 types of Jefferson nickels. I say that based on major or obvious die changes. This is my unofficial list
1938-42, 46-64 nickel/copper with reverse mint mark, except Philadelphia
42-45 silver/copper/manganese. Reverse mint mark moved above Monticello
1968-2003 nickel/copper with mint mark on obverse (front of coin) in 1980 Philadelphia began using a P mint mark.
2004 westward journey pictured above with new reverse Louisiana purchase
2004 westward journey pictured about with new reverse keel boat
2005 westward journey pictured above with new "ocean in view" reverse, new obverse
2005 westward journey pictured above with new reverse buffalo/bison nickel design, same new obverse as other 2005 issue
2006-present "return to Monticello" with new obverse off center portrait image and the 1938 reverse design but with flat stronger crisp details. This is my least favorite of all nickels ever with flat surfaces and normal circulation wear makes Thomas look like a zombie. I call them the "zombie nickels"
More to come
The design was basically the same from 1938-2003. The only differences were the placement of the mint marks.
In 2004 two new designs were issued and again in 2005. With the new 2006 issue a new design was established for the $0.05 coin
The standard composition of the U.S. Nickel in this series 1938-1942, 1946-present is 75% copper 25% Nickel.
From 1938-1942 the mint mark was located to the right base of Monticello. Nickels were produced in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (no mark at all)
Denver, Colorado (D)
And San Fransisco, California (S)
During world war 2 the mint changed the composition of the nickel to 56% copper, 35% SILVER, 9% manganese.
The raw nickel material was needed for the war effort so a silver nickel was created!
A special feature of this transition in 1942 saw a one of a kind production; the first silver nickel and only year with a silver proof nickel! There were regular 1942 nickels minted in Philadelphia and also Proof specimens, There was also a 1942-D (Denver Colorado mint) nickel of the normal composite. A Proof is a special issue that is highly polished before the coin image is stamped into the coin. It looks like a mirror finish.
When the composition was changed in mid 1942, all silver nickels had their mint mark moved to the reverse of the coin above Monticello.
My collection includes all specimen examples; Business strike (for circulation), Proof (special issue), Matte finish when available, Mint Set issues (come sealed not intended for normal use/circulation), and Special Mint Set issues.
There are essentially 8 types of Jefferson nickels. I say that based on major or obvious die changes. This is my unofficial list
1938-42, 46-64 nickel/copper with reverse mint mark, except Philadelphia
42-45 silver/copper/manganese. Reverse mint mark moved above Monticello
1968-2003 nickel/copper with mint mark on obverse (front of coin) in 1980 Philadelphia began using a P mint mark.
2004 westward journey pictured above with new reverse Louisiana purchase
2004 westward journey pictured about with new reverse keel boat
2005 westward journey pictured above with new "ocean in view" reverse, new obverse
2005 westward journey pictured above with new reverse buffalo/bison nickel design, same new obverse as other 2005 issue
2006-present "return to Monticello" with new obverse off center portrait image and the 1938 reverse design but with flat stronger crisp details. This is my least favorite of all nickels ever with flat surfaces and normal circulation wear makes Thomas look like a zombie. I call them the "zombie nickels"
More to come
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