1942 Jefferson Nickel

About This Coin

The 1942 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left, while the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. Designed by Felix Schlag. Wartime silver alloy introduced mid-year. Large mintmark above Monticello distinguishes silver from standard issues. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced at the Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco Mints. Felix Schlag won the 1938 public design competition for the Jefferson Nickel, defeating nearly 400 entries. His original obverse was modified by the Mint to provide a more realistic likeness. From 1942 to 1945, the composition changed to 35% silver to conserve nickel for the war effort, and a large mintmark was placed above Monticello to distinguish these wartime issues. Wartime silver nickels (1942-P, 1942-S, 1943-1945 P/D/S) are collected for their silver content. Key dates include the 1939-D, 1950-D, and Full Steps (FS) designation specimens.