Preserving Your Jefferson Nickel: Expert Conservation Tips for Long-Term Protection
February 26, 2026Smart Buying Guide: How to Buy Rare Coins Without Getting Ripped Off
February 26, 2026
Introduction: Not Every Coin Makes a Good Ring
As a coin ring artisan, I’m often asked about which coins make the best jewelry pieces. Today, we’re examining a 1948-D Jefferson Nickel graded MS-66 by PCGS – a coin that has sparked some interesting discussion among collectors. Before we dive into its crafting potential, let’s look at the metal composition and durability of this piece for jewelry making.
Metal Composition and Hardness Analysis
The Jefferson Nickel series, minted from 1938 to present, has an interesting composition history. From 1938 to 1942, and then again from 1946 to 1962, these coins were made of 75% copper and 25% nickel – a copper-nickel alloy that creates the distinctive silver-gray appearance.
For jewelry crafting purposes, this copper-nickel composition offers several advantages:
- Moderate hardness: The alloy has a Rockwell hardness of approximately 50-60, making it workable but not too soft
- Corrosion resistance: The nickel content provides excellent resistance to tarnishing
- Work hardening properties: The metal becomes stronger as it’s worked, ideal for ring formation
Compared to pure silver coins (which have a hardness of around 40-50), the Jefferson Nickel’s alloy composition makes it more durable for everyday wear as a ring.
Design Details and Aesthetic Appeal
The 1948-D Jefferson Nickel features Felix Schlag’s iconic design with Thomas Jefferson’s portrait on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse. For ring crafting, several design elements make this coin particularly appealing:
Obverse Considerations
The obverse features Jefferson’s profile with clear,
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