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1948-S

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 11,300,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1386

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco's 1948 Jefferson nickel mintage was 11,300,000 coins, a moderate production that places the 1948-S in the mid-range scarcity category. The coin is common in circulated grades and available in Mint State through specialist channels at modest premiums. Strike characteristics are variable, and Full Steps examples command meaningful premiums for well-struck pieces.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1948-S without extraordinary difficulty. The coin is one of the later San Francisco Jefferson nickels produced in significant quantity before the facility wound down its circulation-strike Jefferson production in the early 1950s. For high-grade specialists, finding sharp Full Steps examples requires searching but is achievable.

The 1948-S is among the San Francisco dates that specialists particularly prize when found with full strike detail, because San Francisco strike quality for this period tended to be uneven. A well-struck Gem 1948-S with Full Steps represents meaningful specialist achievement, and such coins command premium prices at major auctions over typical strike examples at the same technical grade.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G)
VG-8 Very Good (VG)
F-12 Fine (F)
VF-20 Very Fine (VF)
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF)
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU)
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $1 $1.50
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1948-S Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Uncirculated condition it runs about $1–$1.50. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1948-S Jefferson Nickels were minted?
11,300,000 were struck.
What is a 1948-S Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1948-S Jefferson Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1948-S Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.