Numismatic

1946 Jefferson Nickel BU

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In 1946, the United States Mint returned to its traditional nickel composition following the wartime emergency years. This five-cent piece, struck at the Philadelphia Mint, captures a pivotal moment in mid-century American coinage. Preserved in Brilliant Uncirculated condition, the coin retains its original luster and sharp details, offering a clear window into the craftsmanship of the era. The obverse of the coin features a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the nation's third president. Facing left, the depiction is accompanied by the classic American inscriptions of trust and liberty, alongside the 1946 year of issue. This design, created by Felix O. Schlag, established a visual tradition for the five-cent denomination that would endure for decades. On the reverse, Schlag's detailed rendering of Monticello, Jefferson's historic Virginia plantation home, takes center stage. The neoclassical building is depicted with its iconic dome and portico, framed by the traditional Latin motto meaning "Out of Many, One" above, and the denomination and country of origin below. This reverse design celebrates Jefferson's architectural legacy as much as his political contributions.