How to Identify the 1943/2-P Jefferson Nickel Overdate
A wartime silver Jefferson Nickel struck in Philadelphia where remnants of an underlying 2 are visible beneath the 3 in the date, the result of a die re-punched with a new year.
Read the full 1943/2-P Jefferson Nickel Overdate encyclopedia entry →
What It Is
During World War II, from mid-1942 through 1945, the U.S. Mint changed the nickel's composition to save nickel metal for the war effort, using a silver-copper-manganese alloy instead. The 1943/2 overdate occurred when a leftover 1942-dated working die was re-punched with a 1943 date, leaving faint traces of the old "2" peeking out beneath the new "3."
Obverse Design and Inscriptions
The obverse shows Thomas Jefferson facing left, with "LIBERTY" and a small five-pointed star to the left of his portrait, "IN GOD WE TRUST" along the lower rim, and the date at the right. On this variety, examine the last digit of the date closely: a doubled or ghosted curve should be visible within or around the "3," representing the remnant of the old "2."
Reverse Design and Inscriptions
The reverse depicts Jefferson's home, Monticello, with "MONTICELLO" below it, "FIVE CENTS" beneath that, and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arcing above. "E PLURIBUS UNUM" appears in small letters just above the roofline of the building.
Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge
Wartime nickels measure 21.2 mm in diameter and weigh 5.0 grams, the same as standard nickels, but the composition changed to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. The edge is plain. Because of the silver content, these coins often show a duller, slightly grayish tone compared to the brighter copper-nickel issues.
Mint Marks and Where to Find Them
Wartime nickels are the only Jefferson Nickels with a large mint mark placed above the dome of Monticello on the reverse, rather than beside the building. A "P" for Philadelphia was used for the first time in U.S. coinage history on this series, alongside "D" for Denver and "S" for San Francisco. Confirm the coin shows a large "P" above Monticello for this specific overdate.
Telling It Apart From Similar Coins
Compare the coin to a normal 1943-P nickel: on the overdate, the "3" appears slightly thicker or shows a curved line inside its loop that does not belong to a standard "3." Also confirm the silver-alloy composition and large mint mark placement, since a copper-nickel 1943 nickel without these features would not be a genuine wartime issue.
Judging Condition at a Glance
Because wartime nickel dies wore down quickly, well-struck full steps on Monticello (six distinct horizontal lines visible on the building's steps) are relatively scarce and desirable. On the obverse, check Jefferson's hair and jawline for wear; a sharp part in the hair and clear eye detail indicate higher grade.
Authenticity Red Flags
Overdates are sometimes faked by artificially altering a normal date with a tool, so look for unnatural gouges, disturbed metal, or an inconsistent finish around the digit rather than a smooth, integrated doubling. Also verify the coin's weight and slightly dull silver-gray color, since a copper-colored "wartime" nickel is likely a later-date coin misattributed or altered.
Frequently asked questions
Why do 1943 nickels look different in color from other nickels?
Wartime nickels from mid-1942 to 1945 were struck in a silver-copper-manganese alloy instead of copper-nickel, giving them a duller, slightly gray appearance.
Where is the mint mark on a 1943 nickel?
It is a large letter placed above Monticello's dome on the reverse, unlike standard nickels where the mint mark sits beside the building.
How do I spot the overdate feature?
Look closely at the final digit of the date for a faint extra curve or thickened area within the 3, which is the remnant of an underlying 2 from the reused die.
Is every 1943-P nickel an overdate?
No. The overdate is a specific die variety found on only some 1943-P nickels; most 1943-P nickels show a normal, single-impression date.