- Year: 1946
- Mint Mark: No mint mark
- Type: Jefferson Nickel
- Price: $1.50-$75.00+
- Face Value: 0.05 USD
- Produced: 161,116,000
- Edge: Smooth
Notes: A semi toned FS (full steps) 1946 Nickel in high MS say MS66 or even MS67 is the pinnacle for this date. Example above exemplifies quality toning around the edge of the coins obverse, and was graded an MS-67.
Full Steps Monticello
Full steps on the reverse of the nickel leading up to Monticello the famous residence of Thomas Jefferson are one of the most coveted features for a graded specimen.
PCGS calls it FS (full steps), while NGS calls its 4FS, 5FS, or 6FS. See examples below.
Does Your Nickel have Full Steps?
Well first make sure the coin is reverse side up and use a magnifying glass or something similar to magnify the coin. The reverse should have 5 steps clean and sharp. See image below.
PCGS Using FS
Mintages
How much is a 1946 Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Average Circulated (AC) condition it's worth around $1.50, one in certified mint state (MS+) condition could bring as much as $75 at auction. This price does not reference any standard coin grading scale. So when we say Average Circulated, we mean in a similar condition to other coins circulated in 1946, and mint state meaning it is certified MS+ by one of the top coin grading companies. *** [?].
What are your coins really worth?
Use the handy-dandy calculator below to find the real value of any jefferson nickel in your collection.
Specs & Design
This coin has a total mass of 5 g, a diameter of 21.21 mm, and a thickness of 1.95 mm. It's edge is smooth, and the coins are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
Designer: Felix Schlag
Front (Obverse): The front of this coin has the bust of Thomas Jefferson featured front and center. The words IN GOD WE TRUST are on the left most portion, with the word LIBERTY on the right just above the date. If a mint mark is present it will be just below the date.
Back (Reverse): The reverse features the Monticello located in Albemarle County, VA. The Monticello was the long time home of Jefferson. The words E PLUIRIBUS UNUM, meaning out of many one are draped across the top, while the words FIVE CENTS, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are featured on the bottom.
Most Valuable
The most valuable Jefferson Nickel's. Prices listed are for MS-65 certified. Visit the link to learn more about each coin.
| Image | Year | Mint | Worth |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
1940 | $170 | |
 |
1955 | D | $120 |
 |
1963 | D | $102 |
 |
1942 | D | $100 |
 |
1940 | D | $90 |
 |
1944 | S | $85 |
 |
1939 | S | $80 |
 |
1955 | $80 | |
 |
1983 | S | $80 |
 |
1938 | D | $75 |
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| Image | Name | Mint | Worth |
Want more? Click here to see the most valuable coins ever minted.
***Price subject to standard supply and demand laws, dealer premiums, and other market variations. Prices represent past values fetched at online auctions, estate sales, certified coins being sold by dealers, and user submitted values. While we wholeheartedly try to give honest price estimates there are many factors besides appearance, metal content, and rarity that help make up the coins overall value. Call or visit your local coin dealer for more information.
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