1943 Nickel Value (Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth)

The 1943 Jefferson nickel features a distinctive wartime composition containing 35% silver, produced as part of metal conservation measures during World War II. Circulated examples generally range from $0.97 in Good condition to approximately $1.50 in About Uncirculated grade, while mint state pieces typically bring $22 to $25. The scarcer 1943/2-P overdate variety commands substantially higher premiums, reaching $560 in mint state condition.

Whether you’re a beginning collector drawn to its affordable entry point or a seasoned numismatist hunting for rare overdate errors, understanding the history, specifications, and types nuances of the 1943 nickel is essential to making informed collecting decisions.

 

1943 Nickel Value By Variety

The 1943 nickel’s value chart reveals that mint mark variations show relatively price differences in circulated grades, but the true premium lies in strike quality and rare varieties. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels Worth Money List (1938-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1943 Nickel Worth Money

The chart reveals a substantial value range among 1943 nickels, with the rare 1943/2-P overdate variety in MS 67 grade commanding the highest price at $16,675, followed closely by standard Philadelphia MS 68 specimens reaching $14,688. The coveted Doubled Die Obverse error ranks third at $11,500, demonstrating strong collector demand for striking anomalies.

San Francisco and Denver mint specimens maintain competitive valuations in higher grades, with MS 64 and MS 68 examples securing positions within the $6,600 to $9,775 range, reflecting their relative scarcity in premium condition.

The market data spanning from 2001 to present shows consistent collector interest across all three mint facilities, though Philadelphia varieties dominate the top tier with six positions in the top ten.

 

History of The 1943 Nickel

The 1943 Jefferson nickel emerged during a pivotal moment in American history when World War II fundamentally altered domestic metal production priorities. As the United States intensified its military engagement in 1942, nickel and copper became critically strategic materials essential for manufacturing ammunition, electrical wiring, and military equipment, prompting Congress to authorize an unprecedented compositional change to the nation’s five-cent piece.

In March 1942, legislation mandated replacing the traditional 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy with a wartime substitute consisting of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. This formula emerged after extensive experimentation to ensure proper weight and compatibility with vending machine detection mechanisms while maximizing conservation of strategic metals.

Production of these distinctive wartime nickels commenced in mid-1942 and continued through December 1945, ultimately saving an estimated 435 tons of nickel and copper for military applications.

To facilitate easy identification of the silver-content pieces, the Mint introduced an enlarged mint mark positioned prominently above Monticello’s dome on the reverse. This temporary composition shift represents the period when American nickels contained silver, creating enduring numismatic interest that transcends mere bullion value.

Also Read: Top 60+ Most Valuable Buffalo Nickels Worth Money

 

Is Your 1943 Nickel Rare?

Engraver and designer Felix Schlag created the coin honoring Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd American President. Besides the metal composition and sizable mint mark placed at an atypical position, the 1943 nickel is almost same as all others in the series.

The Obverse Of The 1943 Nickel

Felix Schlag’s obverse design presents a left-facing profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The composition draws inspiration from Jean-Antoine Houdon’s 1789 bust, capturing Jefferson’s distinguished features with refined relief work.

To the left of Jefferson’s portrait appears the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” arcing clockwise from his chest to his hairline.

The inscription “LIBERTY” follows the curve behind his profile on the right side, separated from the date “1943” by a small five-pointed star. Jefferson’s head nearly touches the upper rim, while a minimal truncation is visible at the bottom where his shoulder meets the coin’s edge.

The Reverse Of The 1943 Nickel

The reverse features a detailed architectural rendering of Monticello, Jefferson’s historic Virginia estate, positioned prominently at the coin’s center.

The national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” (meaning “Out of Many, One”) arcs gracefully across the upper field above the building. Below Monticello, inscriptions appear in descending hierarchy: the building’s name “MONTICELLO” in a straight line directly beneath the structure, the denomination “FIVE CENTS” forming a gentle curve below that, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” running counterclockwise along the bottom rim.

For coins struck at the Denver and San Francisco facilities, a small mint mark (“D” or “S”) appears to the right of Monticello, while Philadelphia-minted pieces bear “P” mint mark.

Other Features Of The 1943 Nickel

Jefferson nickels minted during mid-WWII are five-cent coins made of an atypical metal alloy. It consists of approximately half copper and another half silver and manganese. However, these coins’ dimensions are equal to nickels from other years, so you can expect them to be 0.07677 inches (1.95 mm) thick and 0.83504 inches (21.2 mm) in diameter.

Precisely 35% of their weight of 0.16075 troy ounces (5 g) is silver. It is 0.05625 troy ounces (1.75 g) of this precious metal, which melting value makes even worn-out pieces valuable.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Nickels Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1943 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia’s dominant production of over 271 million pieces dwarfs the output of both Denver and San Francisco combined, with the Denver facility producing the lowest mintage at just 15.3 million coins.

The 1943/2-P overdate variety, while sharing Philadelphia’s massive mintage base, represents an extraordinarily scarce striking error with only 75,000 surviving examples—a survival rate of merely 0.0277% that underscores its exceptional rarity among collectors.

The near-uniform survival rates across standard circulation strikes, hovering between 9.6% and 9.96%, whcih suggest comparable patterns of hoarding, destruction, and natural attrition over eight decades. While approximately 27 million Philadelphia nickels theoretically remain available, the practical reality differs significantly, as most survivors exhibit heavy wear from decades of commerce. 

Also Read: Jefferson Nickel Value (1938-Present)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1943 Nickel Value

Determining your 1943 nickel’s value requires accurate grading, which examines wear on high points like Jefferson’s cheekbone and hair details, as well as Monticello’s steps and columns. Factors like striking sharpness, original luster, and surface preservation all impact the final grade—and even a single grade difference can mean hundreds of dollars in value.

Skip the complexity and guesswork with our CoinValueChecker App, which instantly analyzes your coin’s grade, mint mark, and error varieties using advanced AI technology.

 

1943 Nickel Value Guides

1943 nickels consist of four main types which hinges on precise identification of mint origin and variety classification. Philadelphia’s output dominates the series numerically, yet its rare 1943/2 overdate variety commands exceptional premiums far exceeding standard strikes. Denver’s comparatively modest production and San Francisco’s reputation for superior striking quality create distinct collector segments.

Understanding these mainly four types distinctions enables collectors to differentiate between common circulation finds and premium specimens worthy of professional authentication. Besides, the presence or absence of Full Steps designation on Monticello’s facade introduces additional stratification within each category.

Four Types of 1943 Nickels:

• 1943-P Nickel (Philadelphia) – Massive mintage, “P” mark
• 1943/2-P Nickel (Philadelphia) – Rare overdate variety
• 1943-D Nickel (Denver) – Scarcest production, “D” mark
• 1943-S Nickel (San Francisco) – Superior strikes, “S” mark

 

1943-P Nickel Value

Philadelphia produced 271,165,000 pieces in 1943, representing the one of highest mintage among wartime nickels. Despite this massive production, the variety maintains collector interest due to its silver composition and wartime significance.

With circulated examples trading between $1 and $2 based on silver melt value. Uncirculated specimens range from $3 to $60 depending on preservation quality, while gem examples at the MS-66 level remain readily available due to widespread hoarding by contemporary collectors and speculators.

Meanwhile, Full Steps designations, where Monticello’s architectural details remain sharply defined, command premiums from $10 to $240 in typical grades, escalating dramatically for superior specimens. The auction record stands at $14,688 for an MS-68 Full Steps example sold by Legend Rare Coin Auctions in July 2020.

Recent auction performance demonstrates collector interest across multiple grade levels and certification services.

Market activity reveals trading patterns throughout the year, with particular momentum building during the recent period.

 

1943/2-P Nickel Value

The 1943/2-P represents the only recognized overdate variety in the entire Jefferson nickel series, commanding substantial premiums in most grade levels due to its unique historical significance and relative scarcity.

This variety originated when Philadelphia Mint personnel reused 1942-dated dies, subsequently punching “1943” over the existing numerals and creating distinctive remnants of the “2” visible beneath the “3”—particularly evident as an elongated lower curl or hook extending from the digit’s base.

First discovered in 1948 but not definitively authenticated until 1977 when Delma K. Romines located an uncirculated specimen, the variety has since yielded upwards of 1,000 confirmed examples as original rolls continue to be examined and dispersed.

Despite this discovery rate, the 1943/2-P remains highly sought after, with circulated specimens ranging from $35 to $200 and uncirculated examples commanding $250 to $850 depending on preservation quality.

Auction records for this scarce variety reflect its status as the only overdate in the Jefferson series, commanding premiums at most preservation levels.

Market activity reveals consistent interest throughout the year, with particular momentum building in recent months.

 

1943-D Nickel Value

The 1943-D nickel achieved the lowest mintage among all three wartime facilities with just 15,294,000 pieces struck, making it the scarcest production issue of the year despite remaining readily obtainable in circulated grades.

However, PCGS data reveals this variety as paradoxically abundant in premium mint state condition, with thousands of high-grade examples available including hundreds certified at MS-67 level, defying typical scarcity-value correlations. Circulated specimens range from $2 to $3, while uncirculated examples command $10 to $15 depending on preservation.

The 1943-D exhibits exceptional striking quality, a remarkable characteristic that results in Full Steps populations actually exceeding non-Full Steps examples, representing one of the rare instances where superior striking detail became the norm rather than the exception.

This quality advantage makes Full Steps designation less premium-inducing than other varieties, with typical examples valued between $7 and $110. Collectors pursuing premium examples should target MS-67+ grades where values escalate meaningfully, with the auction record of $6,600 established by a Stack’s Bowers sale in March 2020 for an MS-67+ Full Steps specimen.

The price-to-grade relationship for the 1943-D nickel shows minimal variance through MS 67, with values exploding dramatically at the MS 68 threshold and beyond.

Recent market results highlight the Denver mint’s appeal to collectors over the past several months.

 

1943-S Nickel Value

The San Francisco Mint produced 104,060,000 nickels in 1943, representing a remarkable 68% production increase from the previous year. This massive issuance meant San Francisco struck nearly as many coins in 1943 alone as it produced during 1942, 1944, and 1945 combined, reflecting wartime production demands and the facility’s expanded capacity during the conflict.

San Francisco strikes gained recognition for their superior aesthetic qualities, typically featuring highly polished dies that created attractive, lustrous surfaces. Consequently, the 1943-S remains among the easiest San Francisco wartime nickels to locate in uncirculated condition, with PCGS certifying thousands of mint state examples predominantly graded MS-66.

The auction record stands at $9,775 for an MS-64 specimen sold at Heritage Auctions in August 2006, demonstrating strong collector demand for premium-quality San Francisco wartime production.

Auction performance showcases the variety’s consistent market presence, with premium examples achieving strong results across major selling venues.

Market patterns reveal shifting collector interest among 1943 S nickel designations, reflecting evolving market preferences for superior striking quality.

Also Read: 22 Rare Nickel Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1943 Nickel Error List

Error nickels represent manufacturing anomalies that escaped quality control, creating varieties significantly more collectible and valuable than standard strikes.

The 1943 Jefferson nickel series features three notable error classifications that command substantial premiums among specialists: doubled die obverse characteristics, the unique overdate variety combined with die doubling, and repunched mintmark varieties resulting from hand-punched die preparation processes common during the wartime production era.

1. 1943-P DDO 

The 1943-P Doubled Die Obverse represents one of three major doubled die varieties in the Jefferson nickel series and stands as the only obverse doubling within the entire collection. This variety originated from a misaligned hub during the die creation process, causing the design elements to be impressed twice in slightly offset positions, creating a distinctive doubled appearance on the finished coins.

The doubling manifests most prominently on Jefferson’s left eye, creating the visual impression of two overlapping eyes—a characteristic that earned this variety its popular nickname as the “Doubled Eye” nickel. Additional doubling appears on the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “1943,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” though these secondary characteristics require 5x magnification for clear identification.

While most doubled die obverse and reverse varieties demand microscopic examination, stronger 1943-P DDO specimens display doubling visible to the unaided eye, significantly enhancing their collector appeal value. Circulated specimens command $35 to $800, while Full Steps designations escalate values to $340-$6,500 range.

2. 1943/2-P DDO FS-101

The 1943/2-P DDO FS-101 represents an exceptionally rare confluence of two distinct die varieties, the overdate characteristic combined with doubled die obverse attributes, which creating what specialists designate as a doubling variety.

This complex error originated when Philadelphia Mint personnel employed working hubs from different years during die preparation, subsequently introducing additional misalignment through pivoted hub doubling centered around the 7 o’clock position.

The variety exhibits strong spread toward the center on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with clockwise rotation evident on “WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” The underlying “2” from 1942 remains visible beneath the “3,” while the pivoted hub doubling creates distinctive secondary impressions across multiple design elements. This combination makes FS-101 among the most technically sophisticated varieties in the Jefferson series, requiring expert authentication to distinguish from standard 1943/2-P overdates lacking the doubled die component.

Heritage Auctions achieved $1,939 for an MS-65 FS-101 specimen in 2014 August, reflecting its status among advanced variety collectors.

3. 1943-D/D RPM FS-501

In the early 1940s, mintmarks were individually punched by hand onto working dies, a manual process that occasionally led to misalignment errors when multiple impressions occurred. The 1943-D/D Repunched Mintmark (RPM) FS-501 represents one such fascinating variety where the Denver “D” mintmark was struck more than once in slightly different positions, creating distinctive overlapping or offset impressions visible under magnification.

This repunching phenomenon occurred when the initial mintmark punch was positioned incorrectly—perhaps sideways, upside down, or too faint—prompting the mint worker to correct the placement with a subsequent strike. The resulting doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled mintmark creates a diagnostic characteristic that distinguishes FS-501 from standard Denver strikes.

A 1943-D repunched mintmark nickel variety typically commands $3 to $5, though specimens exhibiting more drastic misalignment—where the secondary impression appears dramatically offset from the primary strike—can achieve $25 or more. 

 

Where to Sell Your 1943 Nickel?

Whether you’re selling a worn wartime silver nickel or a pristine 1943/2-P overdate, choosing the right selling platform can help you get a better price for your 1943 nickel coins.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1943 Nickel Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ about The 1943 Nickel

1. What makes 1943 nickels scarce?

The most valuable 1943 nickels are those with an error. The most popular are overdate pieces and those with a doubled-eye on Jefferson’s face. They can cost hundreds of dollars, while the best-preserved ones quickly reach over ten thousand dollars at auctions.

2. Which 1943 nickels are particularly valuable?

• 1943 P MS 67 nickel (Full Steps, 1943/2 error) auction record was $16,675 at Heritage Auctions on June 26, 2008
• 1943 P MS 68 nickel (Full Steps) auction record was $14,688 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions on July 16, 2020
• 1943 P MS 67 nickel (Full Steps, DDO) auction record was $11,500 at Heritage Auctions on April 1, 2009
• 1943 S MS 64 nickel auction record was $9,775 at Heritage Auctions on August 14, 2006
• 1943 P MS 64 nickel auction record was $9,400 at Heritage Auctions on November 1, 2013
• 1943 S MS 68 nickel (Full Steps) auction record was $9,000 on eBay on February 1, 2017
• 1943 D MS 67+ nickel (Full Steps) auction record was $6,600 at Stack’s Bowers on March 25, 2020
• 1943 P MS 68 nickel (1943/2 error) auction record was 4,300 at Heritage Auctions on May 2, 2001
• 1943 P MS 67 nickel (DDO) auction record was $3,738 at Bowers & Merena on August 16, 2006
• 1943 P MS 66 nickel (DDO) auction record was $1,925 at David Lawrence RC on January 8, 2023
• 1943 D MS 64 nickel auction record was $1,840 at Heritage Auctions on December 4, 2008
• 1943 D MS 67 nickel (RPM, D/D error) auction record was $995 on eBay on October 21, 2021
• 1943 D MS 67 nickel (Full Steps, RPM, D/D error) auction record was $725 on eBay on April 17, 2021
• 1943 P MS 66 nickel (Full Steps, DDO) auction record was $720 at Heritage Auctions on January 15, 2020
• 1943 P MS 66 nickel (DDO) auction record was $650 on eBay on December 17, 2022

3. How much are the 1943 P nickels worth?

You can buy circulated 1943 nickels for $1 to $2 or pay $3 to $60 to get one in the mint state, but some MS 68-ranking coins can cost over $800 at auctions. Most with Full Steps are worth $10 to $240, but experts estimate scarce MS 68-grading specimens at $10,000.

4. Which Jefferson nickels are the most pricey?

• 1954 S MS 67 FS nickel – $35,250
• 1969 D MS 65 FS nickel – $33,600
• 1938 D MS 68+ FS nickel – $33,600
• 1964 SP 68 (SMS, Full Steps) nickel – $32,900
• 1949 D MS 67 (D/S error) nickel – $32,900
• 1940 PR 68 (1940 reverse of 1938 error) nickel – $28,750
• 1939 D MS 68 (1939 D reverse of 1940 error with Full Bands) nickel – $26,400