1945 Jefferson Nickel

1945 was the last year that Jefferson nickels were struck in the 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese composition that was first used in 1942. With the war ending in 1945 and the urgent need for nickel no longer present, the United States would wrap up use of the special five-cent coin composition at the end of the year. While most 1945 Jefferson nickels are unremarkable in terms of overall rarity (more than 200 million were made) there was a doubled-die variety made that year.

Here’s a look at mintage figures and values for 1945 Jefferson nickels: 

• 1945-P, 119,408,100 minted; $2.75

• 1945-P Doubled die reverse, mintage unknown; $25

• 1945-D, 37,158,000; $2.75

• 1945-S, 58,939,000; $2.75

 *Values are for coins in Very Fine-20 condition.

1945 Jefferson nickels are generally common in all grades, up to the mid-level uncirculated arena, and are quite inexpensive even in the Mint State-65 grade range, with examples costing around $20 each in that condition. The 1945 doubled-die reverse five-cent coin is not essential when completing a basic date-and-mintmark set of Jefferson nickels, but is a more popular variety among Jefferson aficionados. As is the case when you’re buying any wartime nickels, do your best to avoid selecting pieces that exhibit streaking, which is a somewhat common issue with wartime nickels due to their alloy.