The value of a 1943 Jefferson nickel, also known as a “War Nickel”, can vary considerably based on its condition, mint mark, and any potential errors.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical value ranges:
- Composition: All 1943 nickels were minted from an alloy containing 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese due to nickel rationing during World War II. This silver content gives them intrinsic value above their face value of five cents.
- Mint Marks: The mint mark (P, D, or S) is located above Monticello on the reverse of the coin.
– 1943-P (Philadelphia): Most common issue with the highest mintage (271,165,000).
– Circulated: $1 – $60.
– Uncirculated: Up to $12,000, with Full Steps (FS) specimens potentially exceeding this value.
– 1943-D (Denver): Rarest issue with the lowest mintage (15,294,000).
– Circulated: $2 – $10.
– Uncirculated: Starting at $20, with high-grade Full Steps (MS 68) examples worth $6,500 or more.
– 1943-S (San Francisco): Second lowest mintage (104,060,000).
– Circulated: $1 – $6.
– Uncirculated: $7 – $80, with a Full Steps (MS 67) specimen once auctioned for $9,000.
- Errors: Certain errors can significantly increase the value of a 1943 nickel.
– Copper planchet errors: Coins mistakenly struck on copper instead of the silver alloy can fetch $10,000+.
– Overdate errors (1943/2-P): A “3” stamped over a “2” can be worth $35 to over $16,000 in high grades.
– Doubled Die Obverse errors (e.g., “Doubled Eye”): These can range from $35 to over $11,500.
– Off-center strikes: Value can range from $100 to $500 depending on the percentage of the misstrike.
– Clipped planchets: Missing a portion of the blank coin can be worth $50 to $300.
In summary, the value of a 1943 five-cent coin can range from a few dollars for a circulated example to tens of thousands for rare error varieties in high grades.
- Professional appraisal: To determine the accurate value of your specific 1943 nickel, it’s recommended to consult with a reputable coin dealer or have it professionally evaluated by a numismatist.
- Coin grading: The condition of the coin is paramount in determining its value. Coins are graded on a scale of 1 to 70, with higher grades indicating less wear and higher values.
- Market fluctuations: Coin values are subject to market trends and can change over time.
- Online Resources: You can find valuable information on pricing and identification through online price guides like the [NGC] Price Guide, the PCGS Price Guide, and online marketplaces like [eBay] or [Heritage Auctions].
Remember, while a 1943 nickel can still be used as legal tender for its face value of five cents, its historical significance and silver content generally make it more valuable to collectors.
