1943 Jefferson Nickel Errors: Value Guide & Rare Varieties
Complete 1943 Jefferson War Nickel error and variety guide. Identify the 1943/2-P Overdate (up to $16,675), Doubled Eye DDO FS-105 ($705+ MS65), Wrong Planchet errors ($3,300+), and Repunched Mintmarks. Silver melt floor explained. Updated January 2026.
All 1943 War Nickels contain real silver and are worth $1.50–$35 at baseline — but the right variety can reach $16,675, and a magnetic wrong-planchet error starts at $3,300.
- 🥇 1943/2-P Overdate (FS-101): $65 in XF → $16,675 at MS67 — look for a "fishhook" hook of a 2 beneath the 3
- 🥈 Doubled Eye DDO (FS-105): $50 in XF → $705+ at MS65 — secondary raised ridge around Jefferson's eye
- 🧲 Wrong Planchet (Steel Cent): $3,300+ in AU50 — sticks to a magnet AND weighs ~2.7g instead of 5.0g
- 💰 Silver melt floor: 0.05626 troy oz per coin — worth ~$1.69 at $30/oz silver, ~$5.63 at $100/oz
⚠️ Biggest trap: Machine doubling (flat, shelf-like blurring) is everywhere on War Nickels and has zero numismatic premium. Any 1943 nickel with no mintmark — or a small mintmark to the right of Monticello — is almost certainly counterfeit.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Errors Error Checker
Check your coin for valuable errors and varieties
Values shown are typical retail estimates as of 2026-01.
Circulated War Nickel values are heavily dependent on the current silver spot price. Each coin contains 0.05626 troy oz of silver. Check current silver prices for accurate melt values.
Error coin values vary significantly based on grade, eye appeal, and market conditions.
Professional authentication (PCGS/NGC) is recommended for all suspected varieties, especially the 1943/2-P Overdate, Doubled Eye DDO, and Wrong Planchet errors.
Machine Doubling (flat, shelf-like displacement) is extremely common on War Nickels and has NO numismatic value. Do not confuse it with true Doubled Die varieties.
A 1943 nickel with NO mintmark or a small mintmark to the right of Monticello is almost certainly a counterfeit or altered coin. All genuine 1943 nickels have a large P, D, or S above the dome of Monticello.
Dark or black toning on War Nickels is normal environmental damage caused by manganese content and does not indicate a valuable error or 'Black Beauty' variety.
Gold-plated or platinum-plated War Nickels are novelty items with no numismatic value and are considered damaged coins.
In 1943, America's five-cent coin went to war. Congress authorized a radical composition change — replacing the standard copper-nickel alloy with a 35% silver mixture — to free strategic nickel for tank armor and artillery shells. The result was the "War Nickel," the only U.S. five-cent piece to ever contain silver. Every 1943 nickel carries real precious metal inside, giving even heavily worn examples a value floor that tracks the silver market. But the series is also home to some of the most dramatic varieties in all of Jefferson Nickel collecting: an overdate visible to the naked eye, a "double vision" portrait error, and steel-planchet mistakes that set off magnets. See our full 1943 Jefferson Nickel value guide → Use the checks below to find out exactly what yours is worth.
1943 Jefferson Nickel: Specs, Mintage & Baseline Values
The 1943 War Nickel was struck at all three active U.S. Mint facilities — Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). No proof coins were issued in 1943. The distinctive large mintmark appears above the dome of Monticello on the reverse — a deliberate design change to distinguish the silver-alloy coins from pre-war standard nickels.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Composition | 56% Copper / 35% Silver / 9% Manganese |
| Weight | 5.00g (tolerance ±0.19g) |
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Silver Content | 0.05626 troy oz per coin |
| Mintmark Location | Large P, D, or S above Monticello dome (reverse) |
| Proof Issues | None |
All three 1943 War Nickels show a large P, D, or S mintmark above Monticello's dome — not to the right of it.
Mintage & Baseline Values by Mint
| Mint | Mintage | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia (P) | 271,165,000 | ~$1.50–$2.50 | $8–$18 |
| Denver (D) ★ Scarcer | 15,294,000 | ~$3.50–$5.00 | $20–$35 |
| San Francisco (S) | 104,060,000 | ~$1.50–$2.50 | $10–$25 |
💡 Silver Melt Floor
Circulated War Nickel values are directly tied to the silver spot price. At $30/oz silver, melt value ≈ $1.69. At $100/oz (seen in some 2026 market data), melt value ≈ $5.63. Always check the current spot price before selling a circulated example. The Denver issue's low mintage (15.3M vs. 271M for Philadelphia) commands a consistent premium of roughly 2–3× in circulated grades.
→ See our full value guide for MS66 Full Steps and high-grade variety premiums
1943 Jefferson Nickel Quick Checks: Do You Have Something Valuable?
Run through these six checks with a 10x loupe (a magnifying glass that makes things look 10 times bigger). The first five identify genuine premium varieties; the last one is a warning about the most common false alarm. You only need one match to potentially have a coin worth submitting for professional grading.
Check 1 — 1943/2-P Overdate: The Fishhook Under the 3 (P Mint Only)
The date on the obverse (front), specifically at the bottom of the digit 3.
A sharp, curved "fishhook" — the bottom hook of an underlying 2 peeking out beneath the 3. The underlying digit is slightly offset. In higher grades, this is often visible without magnification.
Die deterioration or mushy metal flow lines. The hook must be a distinct, sharp remnant of the numeral 2 — not a die gouge or flow mark. Rough surfaces near the date from die wear do not qualify.
Check 2 — Doubled Eye DDO (FS-105): The Alligator Eye (P Mint Only)
Jefferson's eye on the obverse portrait.
A distinct secondary eye outline — a raised ridge running alongside the primary eye, giving Jefferson a "double-vision" or "alligator eye" appearance. The secondary image is rounded and raised, not flat.
Machine doubling (flat, shelf-like smear) or die polish lines. True DDO (Doubled Die Obverse) doubling is raised and rounded with distinct notches. Machine doubling is flat and steals width from the primary feature rather than adding a secondary raised image.
Check 3 — Wrong Planchet (Steel Cent): The Magnetic Test (All Mints)
Overall coin: color, size, weight, and magnetism. The coin will appear smaller than a normal nickel with the design cut off at the edges.
All three tests must pass: (1) Sticks firmly to a magnet. (2) Weighs approximately 2.7g — not the normal 5.0g. (3) Design is truncated at the edges due to the smaller cent planchet diameter.
Darkly toned War Nickels (black or grey toning from manganese is normal), gold-plated novelty coins, or counterfeits. Always weigh the coin — it is the definitive tie-breaker. A counterfeit usually fails the weight test.
Check 4 — 1943-D Repunched Mintmark D/D West (FS-501): Denver Mint Only
The large D mintmark above Monticello's dome on the reverse.
A clear secondary D visible to the west (left) of the primary D, showing a distinct separate punch impression from the hand-punching process used in this era.
General mushiness or spreading from die wear around the mintmark. True Repunched Mintmarks (RPMs) show a distinct, separate impression with clear outlines — not general deterioration.
Check 5 — 1943-S Repunched Mintmark S/S (FS-501): San Francisco Mint Only
The large S mintmark above Monticello's dome on the reverse.
A clear secondary S visible offset from the primary S, showing a distinct separate punch impression.
Die deterioration or machine doubling around the mintmark. True RPMs show distinct outlines of a separate impression — not general spread or mushiness.
⚠️ Trap Check — Machine Doubling: The War Nickel's Most Common False Alarm (All Mints)
Blurry or doubled-looking lettering and portrait details all across the coin — especially on the date, IN GOD WE TRUST, and Jefferson's features.
Machine Doubling (MD) is everywhere on War Nickels. The hard manganese alloy caused dies to wear rapidly, making them loose in the press. The bouncing die creates flat, shelf-like displacement — not a true doubled die.
Machine doubling is flat — it takes width away from the primary letter or feature, like a shadow shelf. True DDO varieties (like FS-105) have rounded, raised secondary images with full relief and distinct notches. If it looks like the design is just smeared sideways, it's MD.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Errors & Varieties: Master Value Table
The table below covers all recognized varieties and error types for the 1943 Jefferson Nickel series. All 1943 nickels contain 0.05626 troy oz of silver — that melt value is the absolute floor for any genuine example. Varieties in amber have detailed coverage in the Jackpots section below. Values are retail estimates as of January 2026.
| Error / Variety Type | Designation | Mint | Rarity | Value Range | Auction Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1943/2 Overdate | FS-101 | P | Moderate | XF: $65 | MS65: $780 | $16,675 (MS67) |
| Doubled Eye DDO | FS-105 | P | Scarce | XF: $50 | MS65: $705 | $2,314 (MS67) |
| Wrong Planchet (Steel Cent) | — | P/D/S | Ultra Rare | AU50: $3,300+ | $3,360 (AU50) |
| RPM D/D West | FS-501 | D | Uncommon | MS65: $120 | MS68: $158 | $158 (MS68) |
| RPM S/S | FS-501 | S | Uncommon | AU50: $25+ | MS66: $120 | $120 (MS66) |
| DDO FS-106 (Die 6) | FS-106 | P | Scarce | MS66: $200+ | Limited data |
| Transitional (Copper-Nickel Planchet) | — | P | Unique/Near-Unique | $10,000+ (est.) | Unknown |
| Minor Lamination | — | All | Common | $5–$15 | — |
| Major Lamination / Split Planchet | — | All | Scarce | $20–$75+ | Split: $65+ | — |
| Minor Clipped Planchet | — | All | Uncommon | $10–$20 | — |
| Major / Straight Clipped Planchet | — | All | Scarce | $30–$50+ | — |
| Machine Doubling | — | All | Extremely Common | Melt only | — |
⚠️ A Note on Planchet Errors
Minor laminations — where small flakes or patches peel from the surface — are so frequent on 1943 War Nickels that they are sometimes considered an authenticity marker rather than a premium error. The unstable 56% Cu / 35% Ag / 9% Mn alloy was difficult to cast uniformly, leading to gas bubbles and poorly bonded metal layers. Only dramatic laminations (large peeling strips crossing the portrait) or true split planchets command meaningful premiums. For all planchet errors, the date and mintmark must be clearly identifiable to achieve the values listed above.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Rare Varieties & Errors: Detailed Guides
The 1943 War Nickel series was produced under wartime urgency with a chemically difficult new alloy. The result is a series fertile with errors and varieties. The seven entries below represent confirmed, catalogued premium varieties. Each section includes full diagnostics so you can identify — or definitively rule out — each one.
1943/2-P Overdate (FS-101) — The King of Jefferson Nickels
Left: Clean 1943 date. Right: FS-101 Overdate — the fishhook of the underlying 2 is visible at the bottom of the 3.
Origin & Background
This is arguably the most significant variety in the entire Jefferson Nickel series. During die production, a working die that had been hubbed with a 1942 date was subsequently re-hubbed with a 1943 hub. The result is a Class III Design Hub Doubling — a true overdate where the geometry of the underlying 2 physically clashes with the 3. The variety is catalogued as FS-101 / VP-001 in the Cherrypickers' Guide and recognized by all major grading services.
How to Identify
- Look at the bottom of the 3 in the date under 10x magnification
- The tell-tale diagnostic is a sharp, curved "fishhook" shape — the physical remnant of the bottom hook of the underlying 2
- The underlying digit's axis is slightly offset from the 3, making the hook appear to jut out at an angle
- In MS65 and higher grades, the overdate is often visible to the naked eye — making it a classic "cherrypicker's" find at coin shows
- Compare to verified images at PCGS Auction Prices for the 1943/2-P
False Positives to Avoid
Die deterioration is the chief imposter. As the hard manganese alloy wore the 1943 dies rapidly, metal flow lines and die gouges can create spurious marks near the date. The key distinction: the genuine overdate hook is sharp, curved, and geometrically consistent with the lower loop of the numeral 2. Random die gouges are irregular in shape and lack this characteristic curve.
Market Values
- XF40: ~$65
- MS65: ~$780
- MS66+ Full Steps: significantly above MS65 price — consult current population reports
Auction Record
$16,675 for MS67 (Heritage Auctions, 2008). The immense auction record reflects the extreme scarcity of top-tier specimens — MS67 examples are very rare in any census.
1943-P Doubled Eye DDO (FS-105) — The Alligator Eye
Left: Normal Jefferson eye. Right: FS-105 Doubled Eye — a raised secondary ridge outlines the primary eye, creating the "alligator eye" appearance.
Origin & Background
A Doubled Die Obverse (DDO) is created when the die itself is misaligned during the hubbing process — the mechanical step where the design is pressed into the die. This is fundamentally different from machine doubling, which happens during striking. The FS-105 shows intense, localized doubling centered on Jefferson's eye. Collectors call it the "Alligator Eye" variety because the secondary ridge creates an outline that resembles an alligator's distinctive eye shape.
How to Identify
- Examine Jefferson's eye under 10x–20x magnification
- Look for a distinct secondary eye appearing as a raised ridge running alongside the primary eye
- The secondary image has rounded, bulbous relief mimicking the primary eye — it is raised, not flat
- There are distinct notches between the primary and secondary eye images
- Variety is catalogued as FS-105 / VP-001 — compare to reference images at PCGS CoinFacts #4174
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling is the primary imposter and is extremely common on all 1943 nickels. The rule is simple: flat = machine doubling (worthless); raised = DDO (valuable). On a machine-doubled coin, the secondary eye image would look like a flat shelf or shadow stepping down from the primary eye. On the FS-105, the secondary eye stands up with full relief. Die polish lines running through the eye area also do not qualify.
Market Values
- XF40: ~$50
- MS65: ~$705
Auction Record
$2,314 for MS67 (GreatCollections). The market for this variety is robust and active.
1943 Nickel Struck on Steel Cent Planchet — The Magnetic Error
A genuine wrong-planchet error is noticeably smaller than a standard nickel, with design elements cut off at the edges, and weighs ~2.7g instead of 5.0g.
Origin & Background
The year 1943 was uniquely chaotic inside the Mint. Nickel composition had just changed to the 35% silver War Nickel alloy, and simultaneously, the Lincoln cent was being struck on zinc-coated steel blanks (to save copper for ammunition casings). With two different planchet types in active production, "tote bin" mix-ups were an accident waiting to happen. When a steel cent blank (intended for the penny press) ended up in the nickel press, a 1943 Nickel struck on a Steel Cent planchet was produced. These errors passed quality control and entered circulation.
How to Identify
- Test 1 — Magnet: The coin sticks firmly to a standard magnet. Genuine War Nickels (35% silver) are not magnetic.
- Test 2 — Weight: The coin weighs approximately 2.7g, not the standard 5.0g. This is because the steel cent planchet is much smaller and lighter. A digital scale with 0.01g resolution is essential.
- Test 3 — Design Truncation: The design is cut off at the edges of the coin, because the cent planchet's smaller diameter cannot fully contain the nickel's design.
- All three tests must pass. If the coin is magnetic but weighs 5.0g, it is likely a counterfeit or plated novelty — not a genuine error.
- See Coin World's analysis of this error type for additional context.
False Positives to Avoid
Gold-plated or nickel-plated novelty coins are the most common imposter. These are standard War Nickels that have been plated after leaving the Mint — they have no numismatic value and are considered damaged. They will typically fail the weight test. Darkly toned War Nickels that appear grey-black due to manganese oxidation are also frequently misidentified — they are not magnetic. The digital scale is the definitive tie-breaker.
Market Values
- AU50: $3,300+
- Higher grades: significantly more. Professional authentication by PCGS or NGC is absolutely mandatory before attempting to sell.
Auction Record
$3,360 for AU50 (2013, PCGS Auction Records). These errors are rare enough that each authenticated example generates significant collector interest.
1943-D Repunched Mintmark D/D West (FS-501)
Left: Normal D mintmark. Right: FS-501 D/D West RPM — a secondary D punch impression is visible to the left (west) of the primary D.
Origin & Background
In the 1940s, mintmarks were individually hand-punched into each working die using a steel punch and hammer. This manual process inevitably produced errors where the punch landed, was judged to be misaligned, and was struck again at a corrected position. The result is a die with two overlapping mintmark impressions — and every coin struck from that die shows the Repunched Mintmark (RPM). The FS-501 for the Denver mint shows the primary D with a secondary D displaced to the west (left).
How to Identify
- Examine the large D mintmark above Monticello's dome under 10x–20x magnification
- Look for a clear secondary D partially visible to the left (west) of the primary mintmark
- The secondary impression should show distinct outlines — a clear second D, not just general spreading
- Reference: Variety Vista 1943-D RPM diagnostics
False Positives to Avoid
General die wear and deterioration can spread the mintmark outlines, creating vague mushy areas around the D. This is not an RPM. True RPMs show a distinct, separate impression with recognizable D letterform — not just spreading or general softness around the primary mintmark.
Market Values
- MS65: ~$120
- MS67: ~$132
- MS68: ~$158
Auction Record
$158 for MS68 (PriceCharting). A recognized variety adding a legitimate collector premium, though a smaller one than the major die varieties.
1943-S Repunched Mintmark S/S (FS-501)
1943-S FS-501 RPM — the secondary S impression is visible offset from the primary mintmark.
Origin & How to Identify
Same hand-punching mechanism as the D/D RPM above. On the San Francisco issue, look for a clear secondary S visible offset from the primary S above Monticello's dome. The secondary impression should show distinct S letterform outlines. Compare to established FS-501 diagnostics. As with all RPMs, the key is a clearly separate impression — not general die-wear mushiness around the mintmark.
Market Values
- AU50: ~$25+
- MS66: ~$120
Auction Record
$120 for MS66 (PriceCharting). A legitimate specialist variety, though premiums are modest compared to the Overdate and Doubled Eye.
1943-P Doubled Die Obverse (FS-106, Die 6)
Background & Identification
The FS-106 (Die 6) is a separate doubled die obverse variety from the more famous FS-105 Doubled Eye. It was produced from a distinct die pair and shows different doubling characteristics on the obverse devices and lettering. Importantly, the FS-106 must not be confused with the more valuable FS-105 — both are true DDO varieties but command different premiums and require comparison against their specific die markers. Auction data for this variety is limited; the MS66 value of $200+ represents available market data. Always compare against confirmed FS-106 reference images before attributing this variety.
False Positives to Avoid
Machine doubling remains the chief false alarm. The doubling on FS-106 must match specific documented die markers — any coin attributed solely to general obverse doubling without matching FS-106 diagnostics should not command a premium for this specific designation.
1943-P Transitional Error (Copper-Nickel Planchet)
Background & Identification
A 1943 nickel struck on a standard pre-war copper-nickel planchet (75% Cu / 25% Ni) rather than the silver-manganese War Nickel blank. Unlike the Steel Cent error, this coin would not be magnetic and would weigh the standard 5.0g — but its color would be distinctly different from the characteristic silver-grey of the War Nickel alloy, instead appearing as a warmer copper-nickel tone. This variety is believed to be unique or near-unique. Professional authentication is absolutely mandatory — do not assume this variety without expert confirmation. The estimated $10,000+ value reflects market estimates; no confirmed recent public auction record exists in the research data.
False Positives to Avoid
Cleaned War Nickels can appear lighter or more coppery in color. Gold-plated or tone-altered War Nickels also create false color cues. Any coin suspected of being this variety must be submitted to a major TPG immediately — do not attempt self-attribution.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Common Traps: Don't Be Fooled
The 1943 War Nickel generates more collector disappointment than almost any other common date. The alloy's unique properties create genuine-looking anomalies that are actually worth nothing extra. Learn these four traps before spending money on a loupe.
Machine doubling (left) is flat and takes width from the primary design — compare to the raised, rounded secondary image of a true doubled die (right).
⚠️ Trap 1: Machine Doubling — The War Nickel Epidemic
A blurry, doubled appearance on the date, lettering (IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY), and Jefferson's portrait. It can appear almost everywhere on the coin at once.
The hard 9% manganese alloy wore out 1943 dies far faster than pre-war copper-nickel. Worn, loose dies bounce or slide slightly on impact, smearing the design. This is entirely mechanical — not a hub error.
- The doubled image is flat — like a shadow shelf stepping down from the primary design element
- It takes width away from the primary letter or feature rather than adding a full secondary image alongside it
- True doubled dies (like the FS-105 Doubled Eye) have rounded, raised secondary images with full relief and clear separation
- If in doubt: flat = worthless, rounded = possibly valuable
Value: Silver melt only. No numismatic premium.
Genuine 1943 War Nickels have a large mintmark above Monticello's dome (right). A small mintmark to the right of Monticello is a counterfeit warning (left).
⚠️ Trap 2: No Mintmark or Wrong Mintmark Position — Almost Certainly Counterfeit
A 1943 nickel with no mintmark at all, or a small mintmark positioned to the right of Monticello rather than above the dome.
Pre-war nickels had small mintmarks to the right of Monticello. Counterfeiters and date-alterers often used older genuine coins as a starting point. The Henning Counterfeits (1950s) also exist in this series.
- All genuine 1943 nickels have a large P, D, or S above Monticello's dome — not to the right, not missing
- Check the letter R in PLURIBUS on the reverse for a "looped" hole — a known diagnostic of Henning Counterfeits
- Weigh the coin: Henning nickels often weigh approximately 5.4g (heavier than the standard 5.0g)
- A no-mintmark 1943 nickel should be treated as hostile until professionally authenticated
Value: Likely face value or bullion only — possibly counterfeit with no value.
Minor lamination flakes (left) add little premium. Large peeling strips or clamshell splits (right) can reach $20–$75+.
⚠️ Trap 3: Common Lamination — Not the "Error" You Think It Is
Rough patches, flaking, or peeling on the coin surface — like the metal is separating in layers.
The 56% Cu / 35% Ag / 9% Mn alloy was chemically unstable. Imperfect ingot mixing left gas bubbles and slag inclusions in the metal strips. When struck, the metal separates. Minor laminations are so common on 1943 nickels they are almost an authenticity marker.
- Minor laminations (small flakes not obscuring major devices): $5–$15 — minimal premium over melt
- Major laminations (large strip crossing portrait or Monticello, "clamshell" splits): $20–$75+
- True split planchets (coin splits into two layers, weighs significantly less than 5.0g): $65+
- The date and mintmark must be clearly identifiable to achieve any premium
Value: Minor examples: minimal premium. Major examples: modest premium as listed.
⚠️ Trap 4: Black or Dark Toning — Normal Manganese Oxidation
A 1943 nickel that has turned dark grey, charcoal, or nearly black.
Manganese in the alloy naturally oxidizes over time, producing dark toning. This is standard environmental chemistry for War Nickels — not a rare color error or special variety.
- Dark toning on 1943 nickels is extremely common and expected
- It does not indicate a "Black Beauty" error (a specific sintering error associated with later Jefferson nickels, not this series)
- Gold-plated or platinum-plated War Nickels are novelty items sold in gift sets — they are considered damaged coins with no numismatic value
Value: Silver melt only.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Grading: How Condition Affects Value
Coins are graded on the Sheldon scale from 1 (barely identifiable) to 70 (perfect). For the 1943 Jefferson Nickel, three grade thresholds matter most:
- Circulated (G-4 to AU-58): Any visible wear on Jefferson's cheekbone and the highest points of his hair, or on Monticello's steps and pillars, places a coin in the circulated category. Values track closely with silver melt price, with the Denver issue carrying a ~2–3× premium over P and S.
- Mint State (MS-60 to MS-70): No wear — coin retains full original luster. The 1943-P ranges from $8–$18 at typical MS grades; the 1943-D commands $20–$35.
- Full Steps (FS) Designation: On Jefferson Nickels, the steps of Monticello on the reverse must show complete, uninterrupted step lines across all six steps to earn the Full Steps designation from PCGS or NGC. FS examples command dramatic premiums — particularly for the 1943/2-P Overdate in MS66 FS or higher, where values rise steeply above the standard MS65 price.
💡 War Nickel Grading Note
Dark or black toning from manganese oxidation does not by itself downgrade a coin — focus on wear, not color. However, heavy environmental damage or cleaning always reduces value. Never clean a War Nickel.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Authentication: When to Get It Certified
Essential Tools
- 10x–20x Loupe: Non-negotiable. The fishhook on the 1943/2-P overdate and the doubled eye on FS-105 are minute — a standard magnifying glass is insufficient.
- Digital Scale (0.01g resolution): The primary defense against counterfeit "wrong planchet" errors. A genuine 1943 nickel weighs 5.00g (±0.19g). A genuine steel cent planchet error weighs ~2.7g.
- Magnet: Genuine War Nickels (35% silver) are NOT magnetic. If a 1943 nickel sticks to a magnet, immediately weigh it. If it weighs ~2.7g, it may be a genuine wrong-planchet error worth thousands. If it weighs ~5.0g, it is likely a counterfeit or plated novelty.
GO / STOP Thresholds for Professional Grading
Third-party grading (TPG) fees from PCGS, NGC, or ANACS typically run $30–$60+ per coin including shipping and insurance. Apply this filter before submitting:
| Submit (GO) | Do Not Submit (STOP) |
|---|---|
| 1943/2-P Overdate — any condition | Minor laminations |
| 1943-P Doubled Eye DDO — AU50 or higher | Machine doubling of any kind |
| Wrong planchet errors — any condition | Circulated common dates |
| High-grade regular issues — MS66 Full Steps or higher | Minor RPMs in circulated grades |
| Any suspected transitional or wrong-planchet error | Dark toning (not an error) |
⚠️ The Large Mintmark Rule — Instant Authentication Check
Before anything else: flip the coin over and look at the mintmark. All genuine 1943 War Nickels have a large P, D, or S positioned above the dome of Monticello. If the mintmark is small, positioned to the right of Monticello (pre-war style), or absent entirely — stop immediately. That coin is almost certainly counterfeit or an altered date and should be submitted only if you want professional confirmation of its nature, not its value.
Dealer network and buying resources: information not available in current data — consult PCGS or NGC dealer directories for authorized dealer referrals.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Errors: Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a 1943 nickel a "War Nickel" and why does it contain silver?
Congress authorized the temporary alloy change in 1942 to redirect strategic nickel — needed for tank armor and artillery — to the war effort. The replacement alloy (56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese) was chosen partly because it mimicked the electrical resistance of the pre-war nickel alloy, ensuring the new coins would still work in vending machines. The 9% manganese is why these coins often tone to dark grey or black. All 1943 nickels, from all three mints, use this formula.
How do I calculate the melt value of my 1943 War Nickel?
Each coin contains exactly 0.05626 troy ounces of silver. Multiply 0.05626 by the current silver spot price (in dollars per troy ounce) to get today's melt value. At $30/oz silver, that's ~$1.69. At $100/oz silver (seen in some 2026 market data), that's ~$5.63. Check a live silver price feed (such as APMEX) before pricing a circulated example.
What is the most valuable 1943 nickel error?
The 1943/2-P Overdate (FS-101) holds the series auction record at $16,675 for an MS67 example sold in 2008. For sheer rarity, the steel cent planchet wrong-planchet error and the estimated-unique copper-nickel transitional error may be rarer, but the overdate has the deepest pool of buyer demand and verified sales data at every grade level.
My 1943 nickel has no mintmark — is it a rare "No P" variety?
No. Unlike cents of this era (where a genuine Philadelphia coin had no mintmark), all genuine 1943 War Nickels are required to show a large P, D, or S above Monticello's dome. A 1943 nickel with no mintmark is almost certainly a counterfeit or an altered date. Check the R in PLURIBUS — if it has a looped hole, it may be a Henning Counterfeit. Also weigh the coin: Henning nickels often weigh ~5.4g, heavier than a genuine 5.0g coin. Treat any no-mintmark 1943 nickel as suspect until professionally authenticated.
Why does machine doubling have no value when doubled die varieties are worth hundreds?
They are fundamentally different manufacturing events. A doubled die occurs during die preparation — a misalignment during hubbing produces a die with two offset impressions permanently etched into it. Every coin struck from that die shows the same raised, rounded secondary image. A machine doubling occurs during striking — a worn, loose die bounces slightly on impact, smearing the design with a flat, shelf-like second image. Machine doubling produces nothing valuable or intentional; doubled die varieties are genuine minting errors with collector demand.
My 1943 nickel is very dark / almost black. Is it damaged or rare?
Dark grey or black toning is entirely normal for 1943 War Nickels and results from the 9% manganese in the alloy reacting with oxygen over time. It is not a "Black Beauty" error, it is not a rare variety, and it does not add or subtract numismatic value by itself. Focus on the coin's surface preservation (wear, scratches, cleaning) rather than its color when evaluating condition.
My 1943 nickel sticks to a magnet. What do I do?
Do not clean it. Do not bend or scratch it. Weigh it immediately on a digital scale: if it weighs approximately 2.7g, you may have a genuine 1943 nickel struck on a steel cent planchet — an error worth $3,300+ in AU50. If it weighs approximately 5.0g or more, it is likely a plated novelty or counterfeit. Either way, take it to a professional numismatist or submit it directly to PCGS or NGC for authentication before making any decisions.
Which mint produced the scarcest 1943 War Nickel?
The Denver Mint (D) by a large margin. Philadelphia struck 271,165,000 examples; San Francisco struck 104,060,000; Denver struck only 15,294,000. This lower mintage translates to a meaningful premium in all grades — circulated 1943-D nickels typically trade at $3.50–$5.00 versus $1.50–$2.50 for P and S coins, and uncirculated examples command $20–$35 compared to $8–$18 for Philadelphia.
1943 Jefferson Nickel Research Methodology & Sources
Values and diagnostics in this guide are based on verified auction records and major numismatic reference sources as of January 2026. Circulated baseline values are explicitly silver-spot-dependent and will change with the metal market.
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1943-P DDO FS-105 (#4174)
- PCGS Auction Prices — 1943/2-P Overdate
- PCGS CoinFacts — 1943-D (#84020)
- NGC VarietyPlus — Jefferson Five Cents Varieties
- NGC Coin Explorer — 1943-P MS
- GreatCollections — 1943-P Doubled Die Obverse Auction Archive
- Variety Vista — 1943-D RPM Diagnostics
- Coin World — Jefferson Nickel Struck on Steel Planchet Analysis
- PriceCharting — 1943-D FS-501 RPM Price History
- APMEX — 1943-P Doubled Die Obverse Value Guide
A note on images: To help illustrate coin diagnostics and rare varieties — especially complex errors that are difficult to describe in text alone — this guide uses AI-generated images. All written values, diagnostics, and variety attributions have been manually reviewed against the cited sources above. While our editorial team works to ensure every image is accurate and helpful, AI-generated illustrations may occasionally misrepresent fine details. If you spot any discrepancy between an image and its written description, please contact us or leave a comment below — we review all feedback and correct errors promptly. Numismatic knowledge is a community effort, and your input helps us build a more accurate resource for everyone.
