Coin collectors have an immense passion for collecting coins from different centuries and finding their value. The value of coins varies considerably based on their age, availability, and demand. The 1946 nickel value is determined by its demand to the collectors, high quality, and catchy examples.
Finding the worth of the coins is quite a difficult task. Based on different factors and conditions 1946 nickel value have different price range from $0.05- $1.22. Here are some steps and factors may help to determine their worth and suitability to collect.
Table of Contents
History of 1946 Jefferson Nickel
The US Mint produces the 1946 Jefferson nickels still these days after replacing them with Buffalo nickels in 1938. We can see a few changes in the designs. These nickels don’t have great collectible value, but many coin collectors search for a specific type in the mint state.
In 1946, three mints introduced different coins with different prices, quality, and designs. As a result, the 1946 nickel value is pretty low, and the look is ordinary.
Current 1946 Jefferson Nickel VALUE
It’s been more than 75 years old Jefferson nickel, yet, its prevalence is quite understandable. It is of the highest grade, but the values became significantly low. Many of you may wonder what can affect the value of Jefferson’s nickel.
In most cases, the mint mark affects the value of nickels. However, the differences in values are not too extensive. The 1946 Nickel’s significance is mirrored in the President’s image. It was made of copper and nickel before the war happened.
During the war, the US mint included silver with the previous composition. MONTICELLO and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA are the denomination and inscriptions traced on the bottom.
Related: How Much is 1941 Nickel Value?
Different Types of 1946 Nickel value
Three types of 1946 nickels are located in Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Denver. First, look at some information about these standard nickel and their values.
1946 Jefferson Nickel Value Updated Chart 2022
| Date | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Mint State |
| 1946 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $1.52 |
| 1946 D | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $1.50 |
| 1946 S | $0.05 | $0.05 | $0.05 | $1.22 |
1946 Proof Jefferson Nickel
Philadelphia is the main Mint among the three common 1946 nickels with no mintmark. The production of this main mint required around 161,116,000 nickels to fulfill the meet of commerce in 1946. The amount of coin production is the highest of the three mints for which they still survived in a significant number.
The absence of a mintmark is the indicator for you to understand that this 1946 Jefferson nickel was introduced in Philly. After the war, the budget of the mint was reduced. So, the quality of the nickels minted in Philadelphia went considerably down.
This variety struck 161,116,000 nickels in 1946, and 10-20% of them are still available to find for coin collectors. These factors foster the collectors to collect a coin- the coin’s condition, date, and mint variety.
1946 S Jefferson Nickel
The San Francisco mint produced the lowest mintage of 13,560,000 coins in 1946. They are usually cheap, but the coins with mint marks are high-rated. Rare Full Steps Nickels are worth nearly $7,500. You can find the MS 67 Full Steps Nickels at $7,800 at auction. You can identify San Francisco mint production by locating the small “S” mintmark on Monticello.
1946 D Jefferson Nickel
The branch of mint Denver is located in Colorado. The mint stuck nearly 44.7 million Jefferson nickel in the midst of the 1940s. The supplier previously produced a massive amount of coins, for which many of these varieties are still available. They survived in a significant number today, and the coins’ condition is worth adding to the store.
1946 D Jefferson nickel’s branch mint coins are affordable and prevalent with nickel collector enthusiasts. The average conditioned 1946 D Jefferson nickel is worth 10 cents, but one in mint state values around $45. We can find it with an excellent luster and appearance, but sometimes these coins can’t seem significant due to their different die pairs.
Since the 1946 D Jefferson Nickel contains 75% copper, the metal value of this coin is almost absent. However, some of these coins have silver content, which is worth a little more.
FAQs
Why do people collect nickels?
Some Americans have suggested that hoarding nickels can be an excellent investment. This is because nickels can protect against inflation as they have value outside the production of coins.
How to identify silver war nickels?
To place a silver war nickel, you need to look at the reverse of your silver nickel. You will see there is a “P,” “D,” or “S” studded above Monticello, Jefferson’s home. These are the identification mark of silver war nickels.
What Jefferson nickels have a composition of silver?
United States Mint struck the Jefferson silver nickel or the wartime nickel from 1942 to 1945. These Jefferson nickels are formed with a composition of 35% silver.
When did nickels stop being silver?
In 1946, the post-war year, the nickels stopped being silver. From that year, the nickels returned to 25% nickel and 75% copper, which is still marked as a standard composition.
Bottom Line
The Jefferson Nickel, is still iconic and the highest-survived coin even after 80 years of mintage. Many coin collectors like to purchase the 1946 Nickel coins for their face value. However, if the coin is rare or has a better date, you may get the best purchase offer. You should follow the step-by-step processes to identify the coin’s worth. The date and mintmark, grading condition, and other unique qualities determine the worth of 1946 nickel. You can take help from this content as well as any expert to find you a rare 1946 nickel coin and determine its worth correctly.
