5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait)
United States · 1938–2003 · Base Metal
Specifications
| Years | 1938–2003 |
| Denomination | 5 Cents |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Gross weight | 5 g |
| Fineness | 75.0% base metal |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Thickness | 1.95 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Shape | Round |
| Designer | Felix Schlag |
| Type | Standard circulation coins |
Catalog data via Numista, where photos and mintage details are available.
Design
Obverse
The portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd president of the U.S. from 1801 to 1809.
Reverse
A representation of Monticello, President Thomas Jefferson's Virginia home.
About this coin’s value
This coin is composed of copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel) and weighs 5 g. It carries no precious-metal melt value, so its worth is numismatic — driven by date, mint mark, grade and demand. For copper-era cents, the metal itself can exceed face value — see the copper penny calculator and our copper penny guide.
More 5 Cents coins
- 5 Cents - Civil WarToken - G.R. Meyer (Chicago, Illinois)
- 5 Cents "1792 Half Disme" (Pattern; copper)1792
- 5 Cents "1792 Half Disme" (Pattern; silver)1792
- 5 Cents "Half Disme"1792
- 5 Cents "1794 Half Dime" (Pattern)1794
- 5 Cents "Flowing Hair Half Dime"1794–1795
- ½ Dime "Draped Bust Half Dime" (small eagle)1796–1797
- ½ Dime "Draped Bust Half Dime" (Heraldic eagle)1800–1805
Frequently asked questions
Is the 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait) made of silver or gold?
No — the 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait) is copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel), so it carries no precious-metal melt value. Its worth is numismatic: driven by date, mint mark, grade and collector demand.
What years was the 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait) minted?
The 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait) was issued 1938–2003.
Who designed the 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait)?
The 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait) was designed by Felix Schlag.
How big is a 5 Cents "Jefferson Nickel" (1st portrait)?
It weighs 5 g and measures 21.2 mm across and 1.95 mm thick (copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)).
Educational reference, not an offer to buy or sell. Specifications are catalog data and may vary by variety; verify before any transaction.