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1949

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintPhiladelphia
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 60,652,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition75% Copper, 25% Nickel
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1387

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About this coinHistory

Philadelphia struck 60,652,000 Jefferson nickels in 1949, a modest decline from the late-1940s peak as commercial demand began to stabilize after the immediate post-war expansion. The coin is common in all grades and readily available in Mint State. Strike characteristics are generally strong, and Full Steps examples exist in adequate numbers for specialist demand.

The 1949 Philadelphia is typical of late-1940s Jefferson production and is a straightforward acquisition. 1949 was the year NATO was established, the Soviet Union detonated its first atomic bomb, and Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. The Cold War framework that would dominate international relations for decades was taking shape through all these events.

Collectors building complete Jefferson nickel sets acquire the 1949 without difficulty. The coin fills its slot in the date-and-mint sequence as a typical late-1940s issue. For high-grade specialists, Gem-quality Full Steps examples are readily available through major dealer inventories.

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) $2 $2.50
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1949 Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Uncirculated condition it runs about $2–$2.50. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1949 Jefferson Nickels were minted?
60,652,000 were struck.
What is a 1949 Jefferson Nickel made of?
75% Copper, 25% Nickel, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1949 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 1949 Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.