Five Mint Mark Positions on Jefferson Nickels

Jefferson Nickels, first introduced in 1938, are one of the longest-running coin series in the United States Mint’s history. They are renowned for their enduring design and are a staple in most coin collections. One unique feature of Jefferson Nickels is the changing location of their mint marks over the years, reflecting significant periods in U.S. Mint history. This article explores the five distinct mint mark positions found on Jefferson Nickels and their significance to numismatics.

1. No Mint Mark (Philadelphia, 1938–1989)

Initially, Jefferson Nickels produced at the Philadelphia Mint bore no mint mark. This was standard practice for coins struck at Philadelphia for much of U.S. Mint history. From 1938 until 1989, collectors could identify Philadelphia-minted nickels by the absence of a mint mark.

The lack of a mint mark may seem unremarkable, but these coins are a key part of the Jefferson Nickel series. For example, the 1939 Jefferson Nickel with no mint mark and reverse of 1940 (known as the “Reverse of 1940”) is a sought-after variety.

2. Large Mint Marks Above Monticello (1942–1945)

During World War II, the United States faced a critical shortage of nickel, a metal essential for wartime production. To conserve resources, the Mint altered the composition of the five-cent coin, replacing nickel with an alloy of copper, silver, and manganese.

To differentiate these “war nickels,” the Mint placed large mint marks above Monticello on the reverse of the coin, just above the dome. For the first time in U.S. coinage history, the Philadelphia Mint used the “P” mint mark. This change applied to all war nickels minted between 1942 and 1945, including coins from Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”).

War nickels are easily identifiable and highly collectible due to their unique silver content and prominent mint mark placement.

3. Small Mint Marks to the Right of Monticello (1938–1942, 1946–2005)

Before and after the war years, mint marks on Jefferson Nickels were placed to the right of Monticello on the reverse. This position was used for coins minted at Denver (“D”) and San Francisco (“S”).

Key dates in this era include the 1938-D and 1938-S Jefferson Nickels, which were the first year of the series and saw relatively low mintages. Another notable example is the 1950-D nickel, a low-mintage coin that is highly prized among collectors.

4. No Mint Mark (Philadelphia, 1965–1967)

Between 1965 and 1967, all U.S. coins were struck without mint marks as part of a federal effort to discourage coin hoarding during a nationwide coin shortage. While these coins have no visible mint mark, they were still produced at multiple facilities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

This brief three-year period adds an intriguing chapter to the Jefferson Nickel series, as collectors must rely on other factors to identify their origin.

5. Mint Marks on the Obverse (2006–Present)

In 2006, the U.S. Mint moved the mint mark to the obverse of the Jefferson Nickel, below the date. This change coincided with the redesign of the coin’s obverse, which now features a forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Jamie Franki.

The obverse placement of mint marks is now standard for all Jefferson Nickels minted at Philadelphia (“P”), Denver (“D”), and San Francisco (“S”). Modern examples are notable for their sharp details and striking design improvements.

Conclusion

The five mint mark positions on Jefferson Nickels reflect changes in U.S. Mint practices, historical events, and design transitions. From the wartime relocation above Monticello to the modern placement on the obverse, each position tells a story of the coin’s evolution.

For collectors, understanding these mint mark changes is crucial for building a comprehensive Jefferson Nickel set. Each variation not only represents a unique time in history but also offers a glimpse into the artistry and practicality of coin production over the decades.

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