To honor the bicentennial of Thomas Jefferson’s birth, the U.S. Mint held a contest to select a new design for the nickel five-cent coin. Artist Felix Schlag won $1,000 for his winning design, which features a striking portrait of America’s founding father and 3rd president. The reverse depicts Jefferson’s home, Monticello. Struck in 75% copper and 25% nickel, the coin has become an affordable collector favorite. During World War II, copper and nickel were in great demand for the war effort. So five-cent pieces minted 1942-1945 were struck in a special 35% silver alloy that contained less copper than previous issues and no nickel. These special wartime issues are easily recognized by their larger mint mark on the reverse above Monticello’s dome – including the first use of the “P” mark of the Philadelphia Mint.
