The 1948 Jefferson Nickel is a cool coin with a lot of history behind it. Made after World War II, it shows President Thomas Jefferson on the front (obverse) and his home, Monticello, on the back (reverse). The design was created by artist Felix Schlag and has been used on nickels for many years.
These nickels are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, weigh 5 grams, and are 21.2 mm wide. They were struck at three different U.S. Mints: Philadelphia (no mint mark), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S).
Mintage Numbers – How Many Were Made?
Here’s how many 1948 Jefferson Nickels were minted at each location:
| Mint | Mintage | Mint Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 89,348,000 | No mint mark |
| Denver | 44,734,000 | D |
| San Francisco | 11,300,000 | S |
Philadelphia made the most, while San Francisco made the fewest, as it was scaling back production.
Collectibility & Value Today
Most 1948 nickels are pretty common, especially in used (circulated) condition. But if you find one in excellent shape—especially with Full Steps—it could be worth much more.
What Are Full Steps?
That’s when you can clearly see all the lines on the steps of Monticello on the back of the coin. It shows the coin was struck really well and makes it more valuable.
Philadelphia (No Mint Mark)
- Circulated: Around $0.50 to $1
- MS63 (Uncirculated): Around $4
- MS65: Up to $30
- MS67 with Full Steps: Can go over $1,600
Denver (D Mint Mark)
- Circulated: $0.60 to $2
- MS63: Around $4
- MS65: Up to $30
- MS67 Full Steps: $200 or more
San Francisco (S Mint Mark)
- Circulated: Under $1
- MS63: $4 to $5
- MS65 Full Steps: Under $30
- MS67 Full Steps: Close to $1,000
What Makes a 1948 Nickel Special?
- Full Steps (FS): Clean, sharp Monticello steps = more value
- Strike Quality: Look for coins with clear details and nice surfaces
- High Grades: MS66 and MS67 coins, especially with Full Steps, are rare and prized
A Bit of History
During World War II (1942–1945), nickels were made with silver to save copper and nickel for the war. In 1948, the U.S. Mint had gone back to the regular copper-nickel mix. This nickel marks the start of the post-war economy and a return to normal coin production.
Conclusion
The 1948 Jefferson Nickel is an affordable coin that mixes history, design, and collectibility. Whether you’re just starting out or have been collecting for years, this nickel offers a fun challenge—especially if you’re hunting for those sharp Full Steps versions!
FAQ’s
Q1: What is a 1948 nickel made of?
It’s made of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Q2: What does Full Steps mean?
It means the steps on the Monticello building are clearly separated—this shows a well-struck coin.
Q3: Is a 1948 nickel rare?
Not really, but high-grade ones with Full Steps can be rare and valuable.
