1941 Jefferson Nickel Value Guide

The 1941 Jefferson Nickel is a pre-war classic featuring Felix Schlag's iconic portrait of Thomas Jefferson and his Monticello estate. As one of the final years before the silver 'war nickel' composition change, it remains a staple for collectors completing mid-century sets.

What affects the value of 1941 Jefferson Nickel?

• The presence of 'Full Steps' on the reverse significantly increases value among professional graders.
• Mint marks from Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) typically command a slight premium over Philadelphia strikes.
• Overall preservation, specifically the lack of contact marks and the presence of original mint luster.
• Circulation wear, as most examples found in pocket change are only worth face value or a small premium.

How to Identify 1941 Jefferson Nickel?

• Check the reverse for a small mint mark (D or S) to the right of Monticello; no mark indicates Philadelphia.
• Verify the composition is the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy, as silver was not used until 1942.
• Look for the designer's initials 'FS' which were not added to the base of the bust until much later in the series.
• Examine the steps of Monticello for 'Full Steps' (FS) designation, which indicates a sharp, high-quality strike.

History of 1941 Jefferson Nickel

The Jefferson Nickel was introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. The obverse features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson designed by Felix Schlag. From 1942 to 1945, due to wartime shortages of nickel, the composition was changed to 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. These 'war nickels' are identifiable by a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse. The 1941 nickel is composed of the standard copper-nickel alloy.