Hobbies And Interests
Identification
The words "In God We Trust" and "Liberty" surround the portrait of Jefferson on the front, along with the date. Jefferson's home of Monticello is depicted on the reverse, along with "E Pluribus Unum," "Five Cents" and "United States of America."
Composition
For most of its history, the Jefferson nickel has been composed of 75 percent copper and 25 percent silver.
Mintage
The coin has been struck at U.S. Mints in Denver, Philadelphia and San Francisco. Nearly a billion nickels have been minted each year since the 1970s.
Grades
Common grades for the Jefferson nickel among collectors range from very good (VG-8) to choice uncirculated (MS-65). The pillars of Monticello can barely be seen due to wear for a coin graded VG-8, while a copy in MS-65 condition has no sign of wear and almost no blemishes.
Wartime Alloy
During World War II, nickel was an important material for manufacturing and the five-cent coin was composed of a silver alloy between 1942 and 1945. The Jefferson nickel during these years was 56 percent copper, 35 percent silver and 9 percent manganese.