1948 Jefferson Nickel Value Guide

The 1948 Jefferson Nickel is a significant post-war issue that marked the return to the standard copper-nickel composition following the silver 'war nickel' era. Designed by Felix Schlag, this coin remains a staple for collectors completing mid-century sets of the long-running Jefferson series.

What affects the value of 1948 Jefferson Nickel?

• Mint state preservation, particularly examples with 'Full Steps' visible on the Monticello reverse.
• The specific mint of origin, with Philadelphia, Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) having different mintage totals.
• Overall luster and the absence of heavy contact marks or environmental spotting on the coin surfaces.
• Presence of die cracks or doubling errors which can occasionally increase collector interest beyond the $0.75 base value.

How to Identify 1948 Jefferson Nickel?

• Verify the 1948 date located on the obverse to the right of Thomas Jefferson's queue.
• Check for the absence of a large mint mark above Monticello, which distinguishes it from wartime silver issues.
• Look for a small 'S' or 'D' mint mark to the right of the building on the reverse, or no mark for Philadelphia.
• Confirm the metallic composition is the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel, lacking the greenish tint of silver alloys.

History of 1948 Jefferson Nickel

The Jefferson Nickel was first minted in 1938, replacing the popular Buffalo Nickel. Designed by Felix Schlag, the obverse features a profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President. The reverse originally depicted Jefferson's home, Monticello. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, nickels were made from a composition of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel for the war effort, identifiable by a large mint mark above Monticello. Post-war production returned to the original copper-nickel composition. This coin, minted in 1948, is part of the standard post-war series.