How much is a nickel worth?If you have a 1943 nickel, it’s worth more than just five cents. A 1943 nickel is valuable for its metal content and age. Depending on the condition of your coin and other factors like rarity and demand, its value can range quite a bit. Read on to learn more about the 1943 nickel value and how to determine what to add to your collection of rare coins.
The History of the World War II Jefferson Nickel
The 1943 Jefferson nickel is part of the 35th issue of the United States Mint’s five-cent coin series. During World War II, the U.S. Mint made an important substitution to their nickel coins by using an alloy composed of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese instead of pure nickel due to a shortage of metal for use in ammunition.
This alloy produced U.S. coins with a distinctive silver color which earned them the nickname “Wartime Nickels.” Due to their history, 1943 Jefferson nickels are sought after by coin collectors. The value of each individual piece depends on its condition and mint mark.
The Philadelphia Mint produced the majority of nickels in 1943 with a big mint mark. San Francisco and Denver each issued a small number of coins embossed with their respective mint marks “S” and “D.”
The condition of a 1943 nickel determines its value to collectors. Uncirculated coins that show no wear have the highest market values. Worn-circulated pieces have significantly lower values. Coins in average condition may be worth around a few dollars to collectors.
Why Did the U.S. Mint Create the Jefferson Nickel?
The Jefferson nickel was introduced in 1938 as part of a revitalization effort for the five-cent coin. The redesign coincided with the bicentennial celebration of President Thomas Jefferson’s birth and featured his portrait on the front side of each nickel.
On the reverse side, Mint Engraver Felix Schlag portrayed Monticello, Jefferson’s home, as a tribute to the President.
The Jefferson nickel replaced the Buffalo Nickel and has been issued every year since 1938, with minor changes in composition or design.
What Are Jefferson Nickels Made Of?
Jefferson nickels are commonly referred to as the U.S. five-cent coins, which first began circulating in 1938. They were minted until the present day. Each coin is composed of 25% nickel and 75% copper.
But as discussed, from 1942 to 1945, Jefferson nickels were made out of silver-colored alloys, including 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. This type of coin is known as the aforementioned “War Nickel.”
What Makes the 1943 Jefferson Nickel Special?
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.
Collectors typically prefer coinage with either historical value or metal value — the Jefferson nickel from 1943 checks both of these boxes.
But more than that, the 1943 Jefferson nickel is a part of its era’s history. It was minted during World War II when metals were diverted away from coinage to support the war effort. The mere relation to such a significant historical period makes this coin a valuable commodity.
Overall, the 1943 Jefferson nickel stands out from other coins of its time due to its silver composition and connection to a landmark era in our country’s history.
Mint Marks: The 1943-P Jefferson Nickel
The 1943-P Jefferson nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint: This particular mint mark, P, indicates that the coins were made in Philadelphia. The other two varieties of this coin were made at the San Francisco and Denver mints and had different mint marks: S or D.
Many 1943-P Jefferson nickels have been lost or damaged over the years. Still, others belong to collectors who don’t wish to part with the silver coin.
But even then, more nickels with P lettering were made than the other two varieties due to the higher production volume at the Philadelphia Mint.
It’s worth noting that the size of each mintage was huge, producing more than 270 million in 1943 alone; this makes it not quite as rare as other nickels. Still, if you happen to have one of these coins in your possession, it could be worth more than you think. Be sure to get it appraised by a professional numismatist if you’re looking to find out its true value.
Coin Values Explained: Face Value vs. Market Value
The value of a 1943 nickel today depends on its condition, among a few other factors. For non-coin collectors, coins are often valued based on their face value — the amount printed on them to denote their worth.
The 1943 nickel has a face value of five cents, so you can theoretically use it as currency. However, due to its age and collectability, the coin’s market value may be much higher. The market value of a 1943 nickel depends on its condition and rarity.
Coins that are in good condition (known as “uncirculated”) can fetch a premium price, while coins that show signs of wear and tear may not be worth as much. It is also possible to find rare varieties, such as those with an overdate or a double strike, worth significantly more than regular 1943 nickels.
The best way to determine the value of your 1943 nickel is to take it to a reputable coin dealer or have it professionally evaluated. The final price will depend on the condition and rarity of your specific coin, so it’s important to have it assessed by an expert.
How Much Is a 1943 Nickel Coin Worth?
A 1943-P Jefferson nickel is valued at more than its face value due to its rarity and status as a collector’s item.
1943-S Jefferson Nickel Value
The 1943-S Jefferson nickel fetches marginally more than its “P” brethren. In circulated condition, these pieces trade for about the same as the Philadelphia-minted counterparts but start to get a little more expensive in uncirculated condition.
1943-D Nickel Value
The 1943-D Jefferson nickel is the lowest mintage of the three war nickels from 1943. Its value is very similar to that of the 1943-S version of the same piece.
Uncirculated Wartime Nickel Values
Coins of this series that are uncirculated are particularly valuable and can make for a great addition to a collection. Depending on the condition of the coin, an uncirculated 1943 nickel can be worth anywhere from $10-$50. Some can be worth much more in very high grades.
The Jefferson War Nickel: Your Pocket Change Might Be Worth Real Money
Do you want to get top dollar for your 1943 nickel? Many of your nickels could be worth much more than $0.05. At Bullion Shark, we specialize in helping people identify and sell Jefferson war nickels for the best prices.
We understand how to determine the most accurate 1943 nickel values and offer a collection of classic rare nickels for beginner and advanced collectors. Whether you’re selling a few nickels or an entire collection, rely on Bullion Shark.
FAQ
- What is special about the 1943 nickel?The 1943 nickel is part of the "War Nickels" series, minted from 35% silver as nickel was a critical war material during World War II. These nickels also contain copper and manganese.
- How can I identify a 1943 silver nickel?You can identify a 1943 silver nickel by its large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse. The mint mark will be either a "P" (Philadelphia), "D" (Denver), or "S" (San Francisco), and it's larger than in other years to indicate the silver content.
- Are all 1943 nickels made of silver?Yes, all nickels produced in 1943 were part of the wartime production using a 35% silver composition.
- What is the value of a 1943 silver nickel?The value of a 1943 silver nickel can vary depending on its condition and mint mark. Generally, they are worth more than their face value due to their silver content, with values typically ranging from $1.50 to over $10 for coins in extremely fine condition. Rare errors or particularly well-preserved examples can be worth more.
- How much silver is in a 1943 nickel?A 1943 nickel contains 35% silver, with the total weight of silver in each coin being approximately 0.05626 troy ounces.
- What are the mint marks on 1943 nickels and what do they signify?The mint marks on 1943 nickels can be "P" for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, and "S" for San Francisco. The mint mark signifies where the coin was minted and is prominently placed above the Monticello to denote the coin’s silver content during the war years.
- How many 1943 nickels were minted?In 1943, approximately 271 million nickels were minted across all mints: Philadelphia minted about 104 million, Denver about 15 million, and San Francisco about 104 million.
- Are there any rare variations of the 1943 nickel?While the 1943 nickels are not typically rare, coins with double die errors, particularly on the reverse, can be more valuable. The condition of the coin greatly affects its value and collectibility.
- How do I care for and store my 1943 nickel?To care for your 1943 nickel, handle it by the edges to avoid contact with the face and store it in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, use acid-free holders or envelopes and consider a climate-controlled environment for high-grade examples.
- Can a 1943 nickel still be used as legal tender?Yes, 1943 nickels are still legal tender and can be used for their face value of five cents. However, their historical significance and silver content make them more valuable to collectors than their face value.
Sources:
U.S. Mint Philadelphia Facility | United States Mint
US Coins During World War II | American Numismatic Association
Uncirculated Coins and How to Identify Them | The Spruce Crafts
