Numismatic

1938 Jefferson Nickel Avg Circ

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In 1938, the United States Mint introduced a new design for its five-cent piece, honoring the nation's third president. This inaugural year of the Jefferson nickel marked a significant shift in American coinage, replacing the long-running Buffalo nickel with a classic portrait that would endure for generations. The obverse of this coin features a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson. Positioned along the rim are the familiar inscriptions of national identity and faith, including the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the year of issue, 1938. The design presents a clean, dignified representation of the statesman. On the reverse, the coin showcases Monticello, Jefferson's famous neoclassical Virginia home. The building is rendered in detailed perspective, anchored by the legends "E PLURIBUS UNUM" above and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" below. The denomination is clearly marked as "FIVE CENTS" directly beneath the image of the estate, completing a design created by Felix O. Schlag.