Numismatic

1939-S Jefferson Nickel AU

---

In 1939, the United States Mint was in the second year of issuing the Jefferson Nickel, a series that replaced the long-running Buffalo Nickel. This particular five-cent piece was struck at the San Francisco Mint, as indicated by the small 'S' mint mark located on the reverse side. With a total production of 6,630,000 pieces, this issue represents a relatively low-mintage moment in the early history of the design. The obverse of the coin features a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Surrounding his likeness are the inscriptions 'LIBERTY' and 'IN GOD WE TRUST', alongside the 1939 year of issue. This portrait was created by Felix O. Schlag, whose work won a national competition to grace the new five-cent denomination. On the reverse, Schlag depicted Monticello, the historic Virginia estate of Thomas Jefferson. The building is shown in a detailed front-facing view, with the name 'MONTICELLO' inscribed directly beneath it. The reverse also displays the traditional national mottos and designations, including 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', and the denomination 'FIVE CENTS'. This copper-nickel specimen survives in About Uncirculated condition, preserving the crisp details of Schlag's original mid-century artistry.