1945-D Silver Wartime Jefferson Nickel BU

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During the height of the Second World War, the composition of the United States five cent piece underwent a temporary transformation. To conserve nickel for the war effort, the government altered the alloy, creating what are now known as wartime nickels. This 1945 specimen from the Denver Mint represents the final year of this historic metallic shift, boasting a composition that includes 0.056 troy ounces of silver. The obverse of the coin displays a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the nation's third president, accompanied by the classic inscription of liberty. On the reverse, viewers can admire a detailed depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's famous Virginia estate. Positioned prominently above the dome of the home is the letter D, indicating its origin at the Denver Mint. This placement of a large mint mark above the building was a distinctive feature of the wartime series, designed to make these silver-alloy coins easily distinguishable from standard pre-war nickels. This particular coin survives in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, preserving the crisp details of the original engraving. With a total mintage of 37,158,000, this issue serves as a fascinating tangible connection to the domestic resourcefulness of the mid-twentieth century.