Everything about the 1943 Nickel: Errors, Prices and Silver Content

The 1943 Jefferson Nickel is one of the most interesting coins in American history. They were minted during World War II. Moreover, these coins were made with a unique 35% silver composition. This is distinct from other Jefferson numismatic specimens. 

But what truly makes these coins stand out is their variety of errors and high-grade specimens, some of which can cost thousands of dollars at auction. 

If you have come across a 1943 nickel no mint mark, a rare 1943 nickel P or even an overdate error, you will find this article useful, as it will give you everything you need to know.

But before we start, it is important to understand how you can identify the coins and distinguish them from other ones: 

Historical Background

By 1942, the U.S. was fully engaged in World War II, and the demand for nickel was very high as it was an important material in manufacturing military equipment. To conserve this resource, Congress approved a temporary change in the composition of five-cent coins. So, they replaced nickel with silver and manganese. This led to the creation of what are now known as Wartime Nickels, produced from 1942 to 1945.

The Philadelphia Mint (P) struck the highest number of these coins in 1943, with 271,165,000 ones, followed by the San Francisco Mint (S) at 104,060,000, and finally, the Denver Mint (D), which produced only 15,294,000 (the scarcest ones).

For the first time in U.S. history, a “P” mint mark was added to a coin. It appears above Monticello on the reverse. This distinctive feature helps collectors easily identify wartime coins and distinguish them from earlier compositions.

Other nickels: 1954 Nickel Value.

Design and Composition

Felix Schlag’s winning design for the Jefferson coin was first introduced in 1938. It replaced the Buffalo one, which had been in circulation since 1913.

The obverse of the coin features a left-facing profile of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. Along the left rim, the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST” is displayed, while “LIBERTY” and the year “1943” appear on the right.

The reverse shows Monticello, Jefferson’s beloved estate in Virginia. The inscriptions “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FIVE CENTS” are arranged around the mansion. Above the dome of Monticello, you will see the mint mark, which is larger than usual for easy identification.

If you want to know how much silver is in a 1943 nickel, the answer is 0.05625 troy ounces (1.75 grams). What is a 1943 nickel worth then? Even heavily circulated coins are valuable due to their intrinsic silver content.

The Mint Marks and Their Values

1943 P Nickel Value

The Philadelphia-minted 1943 nickels are the most common. A standard 1943 P nickel value today ranges from $1 to $60, while Full Steps (FS) specimens in high grades can exceed $12,000.

1943 S Nickel Value

The 1943 S nickel value today is slightly higher due to its lower mintage. Circulated pieces are typically worth between $1 and $6, but uncirculated ones range from $7 to $80. A Full Steps 1943 nickel S mint mark in MS 67 grade was once auctioned for $9,000!

1943 D Nickel Value

The Denver Mint produced the lowest number of coins that year, making them rarer. Even circulated pieces command $2 to $10, while uncirculated ones start at $20. A high-grade Full Steps MS 68 specimen can be worth $6,500 or more.

1943 Nickel No Mint Mark

Collectors often ask if a coin with no mint mark exists. However, all 1943 specimens from Philadelphia have a “P” mint mark. If you find one without a mint mark, it has likely been worn down or altered. So, there is no actual 1943 nickel value no mint mark.

Here is a table with the 1943 coin prices:

Disclaimer: The prices are average and may change due to different numismatic market trends.

The Most Valuable 1943 Nickel Error Examples

1943 P Nickel Copper Error

A few coins were mistakenly struck on copper planchets instead of the wartime silver alloy. These rare 1943 P nickel error value sums can fetch $10,000+, depending on condition.

1943/2 P Overdate Error

A famous wartime 1943 P nickel error value comes from an overdate variety where the 3 is stamped over a 2. These can be worth $35 to over $16,000 in high grades.

Doubled Eye Error (1943-P Nickel Very Rare)

This error creates the appearance of a second eye on Jefferson’s face. Depending on grade, these can range from $35 to over $11,500.

Off-Center Strike

Some errors include coins struck off-center, making the design misaligned. These 1943 war nickel value sums can range from $100 to $500 based on the percentage of the misstrike.

Clipped Planchet

A clipped planchet occurs when a portion of the blank coin is missing. How much is a 1943 nickel worth in this case? These errors can be worth $50 to $300.

Is a 1943 Nickel Worth Anything? 

Absolutely! Every coin of this type has value due to its 1943 nickel silver content. As you know now rare errors can even fetch thousands of dollars. You may have a piece from Philadelphia, San Francisco or Denver (it does not matter), it is essential to check for errors that could significantly increase its worth.

If you want to quickly determine your 1943 nickel P value (or any other), consider using the Coin ID Scanner app. This tool allows you to instantly assess your coin’s rarity and potential worth. Try to start with a 1977 quarter coin, for example.

FAQs

1. What is the most valuable 1943 nickel? 

One ever sold was a 1943 P MS 67 Full Steps (overdate error) coin, which was auctioned for $16,675 in 2008.

2. How do I know if my 1943 nickel is valuable? 

Check for Full Steps, overdate errors or doubled-die features. Using a Coin ID Scanner app can help verify its value.

3. Where can I sell my 1943 nickel? 

You can sell your specimen at numismatic auctions, coin dealers or online marketplaces like eBay and Heritage Auctions.

Sources:

1. https://bullionsharks.com/blog/1943-nickel-value

2. https://www.coinstudy.com/1943-nickel-value.html