Introduction to the Jefferson Nickel Series
The Jefferson Nickel, first minted in 1938, replaced the beloved but sometimes controversial Buffalo Nickel. Designed by Felix Schlag, this series has been a cornerstone of American coinage for decades, offering an accessible and rewarding collecting experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Schlag's design features a profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his iconic Monticello estate on the reverse. This enduring series ran largely unchanged for over six decades before undergoing significant design modifications in the early 2000s, reflecting important moments in American history.
Design and Evolution Over the Years
The Original Design (1938–2003)
For the majority of its run, the Jefferson Nickel maintained its original design. The obverse showcased a left-facing bust of Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse depicted Monticello. Mint marks ("D" for Denver, "S" for San Francisco) were initially on the reverse, to the right of Monticello, and later moved to the right of Jefferson's ponytail in 1968 (except for the wartime silver nickels).
Wartime Silver Nickels (1942–1945)
A unique chapter in the Jefferson Nickel's history occurred during World War II. Due to strategic metal shortages, the nickel's composition was temporarily changed from its standard 75% copper, 25% nickel alloy to 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. These "Wartime Silver Nickels" are easily identifiable by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) placed prominently above Monticello on the reverse. The "P" mint mark for Philadelphia appeared for the first time on a U.S. coin.
The Westward Journey Nickels (2004–2005)
In celebration of the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the U.S. Mint introduced a series of commemorative reverses for the Jefferson Nickel:
- 2004: "Peace Medal" Reverse – Depicting a reproduction of the Indian Peace Medal, presented by Lewis and Clark to Native American chiefs.
- 2004: "Keelboat" Reverse – Featuring a keelboat similar to those used by the expedition on the Missouri River.
- 2005: "American Bison" Reverse – Showcasing a majestic American bison, symbolizing the wildlife encountered on the journey.
- 2005: "Ocean in View" Reverse – An image of the Pacific Ocean and an inscription from William Clark's journal, "Ocian in view! O! The Joy!"
The obverse also saw a temporary change in 2005, featuring a new portrait of Jefferson designed by Joe Fitzgerald, known as the "Liberty Profile" design.
Return to Tradition and New Obverse (2006–2016)
Starting in 2006, the Monticello reverse design returned, but the obverse was permanently updated with a new depiction of Jefferson. This "Return to Monticello" obverse, designed by Jamie Franki, features a forward-facing portrait of Jefferson based on a 1800 Rembrandt Peale painting, with "Liberty" inscribed in his handwriting. This design continued until the series ended in 2016.
Key Dates, Varieties, and Errors to Look For
While many Jefferson Nickels are common, several dates and varieties stand out:
- 1938-D and 1939-D/S: These early issues had lower mintages and are scarcer, especially in higher grades.
- 1942-P and 1943-P Doubled Die Obverse (DDO): Notable errors where elements of the design appear doubled.
- 1949-D/S Overmint Mark: A fascinating error where an "S" mint mark was punched over a "D" mint mark.
- 1950-D: The lowest mintage regular-issue Jefferson Nickel, making it a key date.
- Full Steps (FS) Designation: For collectors seeking premium examples, coins exhibiting all five or six steps of Monticello clearly struck on the reverse are highly prized and receive the "FS" designation from grading services.
"Always examine the steps of Monticello for the 'Full Steps' designation. A well-struck reverse showing all the steps can significantly increase a coin's value, transforming a common date into a true treasure."
Collecting Strategies
Collecting Jefferson Nickels can be approached in various ways:
- Date and Mint Mark Set: A popular goal is to collect one of each date and mint mark combination throughout the series.
- Type Set: Focus on acquiring one example of each major design type (Original, Wartime Silver, Westward Journey reverses, new 2005/2006 obverses).
- Full Steps Focus: Challenge yourself to find high-grade examples with the desirable "Full Steps" designation.
- Error and Variety Hunting: Dive into the world of doubled dies, repunched mint marks, and other interesting anomalies.
Start with readily available issues to get a feel for the series, then gradually pursue the scarcer dates and varieties. Consider investing in a good coin album or folder to protect your growing collection.
Conclusion
The Jefferson Nickel series offers a rich tapestry of American history and numismatic interest. From its humble beginnings to its wartime transformation and commemorative redesigns, it provides endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, the Jefferson Nickel is a rewarding and accessible series that promises years of enjoyment.
