1943-P 5C (Regular Strike) Jefferson Nickel - PCGS CoinFacts (2024)

FAQs

How much is a 1943 5 cent coin worth? ›

According to the NGC Price Guide, as of June 2024, a Jefferson Nickel from 1943 in circulated condition is worth between $1.25 and $3. However, on the open market 1943 P Nickels in pristine, uncirculated condition sell for as much as $1175.

The 1943-P Nickel is one of the most common of the War-Time "Silver" Nickels. Gem examples abound, with a large population at the MS-66 level, and with a substantial percentage showing Full Steps. Be sure to look for the 1943/2 Overdate or the 1943 Doubled Die Obverse, which can sometimes be found unattributed.

The 1964 SMS remains one of the rarest Jefferson nickels. The extraordinary sharp strike on this matte proof 1964 SMS Jefferson nickel is even more impressive than typical proof coins. It was part of a prototype Special Mint Set that was never released.

This rare 1943 Lincoln cent is only 1 of 15 known in the world. Photograph courtesy of The Money Museum. This rare cent is one of approximately 15 examples found in circulation. Known as error coins, these rare pennies were made using copper instead of zinc, and were never intended to be struck.

A seller said "the Australian 2007 5c piece double-sided obverse coin strike is one of the rarest and most collectible coins since the 1930 Australian penny". Coin collectors are advised to keep an eagle eye because "less than a few hundred are thought to have been circulated".

The 1943 Jefferson nickel is particularly sought after by collectors due to its unique history and silver composition. Whereas coins of today are made of copper and nickel, the 1943 Jefferson nickel was composed of 35% silver.

1943-S 5C, FS (Regular Strike) Jefferson Nickel - PCGS CoinFacts.

$1.6637 is the rounded silver value for the 1942-1945 silver nickel on June 21, 2024. This is usually the value used by coin dealers when selling these coins at melt value.

Average value

According to Gainesville Coins, most circulated 1943 steel pennies trade for around 10 to 25 cents each. Uncirculated examples can be worth $1 to $5, with top-level specimens in Mint State-67 or better sometimes fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars​ (Gainesville Coins)​.

What makes a Jefferson Nickel valuable? ›

For example, a 1939 Jefferson nickel isn't worth much, but one that has a “D” mintmark on the reverse can greatly increase the dollar value. Similarly, those minted between 1942 and 1945 with a large “P,” “D,” or “S” on the reverse contain silver and are rising quickly in price.

The massive 271 million mintage of the Type 2 1943-P silver Jefferson nickel was a record that would stand until 1962, when the Denver Mint would produce 280 million 1962-D Jefferson nickels. The Type 2 silver “war nickels” were made from an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

Normal Appearance. There are a few other clues that can tell you that you should probably check the date and mint mark of your Jefferson nickel. A war nickel looks darker than other nickels and have a greenish cast. That is because the silver in the coins is vulnerable to oxidation.

Heritage offered a 2000-P Jefferson 5-cent piece that was actually struck with two obverse dies. Professional Coin Grading Service gave the two-headed coin a Mint State 65 grade, since it had no wear, but both sides are weakly struck because the two dies were improperly spaced.