The 1948 Jefferson Nickel ANACS MS63 with beautiful vibrant pastel toning is a mid-grade uncirculated coin highly prized for its colorful, original luster and silky surfaces. Struck in a copper-nickel alloy, it weighs 5 grams and measures 21.2 mm in diameter. The obverse, designed by Felix Schlag, features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse highlights Monticello, Jefferson’s historic home, with complex inscriptions surrounding the central image.
In MS63 (Mint State 63), the coin exhibits only minor contact marks and retains full mint luster—especially important for collectors who appreciate visually striking, uncirculated coins. The vibrant pastel toning present on many 1948 Jefferson Nickels is a result of natural oxidation and long-term storage, creating iridescent, eye-catching hues that add desirability and market premium to otherwise common dates.
The 1948 issue was minted in large quantities (over 89 million), primarily at Philadelphia, with additional coins produced at Denver and San Francisco. While most 1948 nickels are relatively affordable, high-quality, attractively toned examples can sell for considerably more than their untoned counterparts, especially when certified by reputable grading agencies such as ANACS.
Collectors seek these nickels for their historic context—reflecting post-WWII optimism—and their distinctive aesthetic, with lustrous fields and color not present on modern coins. The combination of Mint State grade, original pastel toning, and certification makes a 1948 Jefferson Nickel MS63 a standout for both type collectors and those who appreciate unique, visually appealing pieces.
















