Whitman Expo
1938-S Nickel MS FS Values
Details
Mint State coins are easy to find, despite the status of 1938-S having the lowest production of the three mints. Many are struck from tired or overused dies. Weakness is the rule. Some have very lustrous surfaces with an attractive “greasy” luster—as often seen on coins struck from worn dies in other series (e.g., Buffalo nickels and Peace silver dollars). The FS denotes that the striking detail on the steps of the Jefferson memorial building are clearly defined.
Obverse: Felix Schlag's portrait of Jefferson, facing left, with the motto IN GOD WE TRUST on the left periphery, and LIBERTY * [year] on the right side.
Reverse: The Jefferson home is prominently centered with the name MONTICELLO captioned below. The denomination FIVE CENTS is spelled out in half circle underneath and the words E PLURIBUS UNUM and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA appear at the top and bottom periphery.
Source: Q.David Bowers
Mint & Coinage Details
Mint Location:
San Francisco
Mintage:
4,105,000
Coinage Type:
Jefferson nickel
Coinage Years:
1938-
Composition:
75% copper; 25% nickel
Mint Mark:
S
Physical Characteristics
Weight:
5 gr
Weight:
0.1608 oz
Strike Type:
Business
Diameter:
21.2 mm
Coin Shape:
Round
Design Details
Designer:
Felix Schlag
Obverse Lettering:
LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1938
Obverse Designer:
Felix Schlag
Reverse Lettering:
MONTICELLO, FIVE CENTS, E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Reverse Designer:
Felix Schlag
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