Jefferson Nickel (Wartime Silver Alloy)

United States · 1943

A 1943-S US Jefferson nickel featuring a distinct large mint mark above Monticello, composed of wartime silver alloy with a characteristic tarnished silver-gray appearance.

Country: United States
Year: 1943
Denomination: 5 Cents
Metal: 56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 22, 2026More united states coins →

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Overview

A 1943-S US Jefferson nickel featuring a distinct large mint mark above Monticello, composed of wartime silver alloy with a characteristic tarnished silver-gray appearance.

Historical significance

During World War II, nickel was a critical strategic metal needed for armor plating and weaponry. From late 1942 through 1945, the US Mint removed nickel from the five-cent coin entirely, replacing it with a 35% silver alloy to conserve nickel reserves.

Obverse (front)

Left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson with the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' to the left, and 'LIBERTY' followed by the year '1943' and a star to the right. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Reverse (back)

Depiction of Monticello, Jefferson's Virginia home, with the oversized mint mark 'S' positioned directly above the dome. Legends include 'E PLURIBUS UNUM' at the top, 'MONTICELLO', 'FIVE CENTS', and 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' along the bottom rim. Designed by Felix Schlag.

Estimated value

$1.50 to $5.00 in circulated condition (primarily valued for silver melt plus a small numismatic premium), up to $20+ in high uncirculated grades.

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade and surface preservation, silver bullion melt value, and the presence of full steps (FS) on the reverse depiction of Monticello.

Grade assessment

About Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (XF) with moderate circulation wear on the highest points of Jefferson's hair and Monticello's roof, but clear details and legible legends.

Mintage & rarity

18,220,000 minted at San Francisco in 1943. This is a common date and mint mark for wartime nickels.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Wartime silver nickels are easily identified by the very large 'P', 'D', or 'S' mint mark placed prominently above Monticello on the reverse, as well as their characteristic dark tarnishing due to the manganese content.

Notable varieties & errors

Double Die Obverse (DDO) and Double Die Reverse (DDR) varieties exist for 1943 wartime nickels, along with repunched mint mark (RPM) varieties.

Similar coins

Standard copper-nickel Jefferson nickels minted before 1942 and after 1945, which do not contain silver and lack the oversized reverse mint mark.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in inert holders such as mylar flips or coin capsules. Never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning or polishing will permanently destroy its numismatic value.