1943 Nickel Value Checker: Errors List, “D”, “S” & “P” Mint Mark Worth

1943 Nickel value ranges from $0.05 face value to $16,675. That record sale was a Grade 67 overdate example sold through Heritage Auctions in June 2008. Got one to check? Upload a photo of yours below for a quick value range, then scroll down to browse recent eBay sales and see what 1943 Nickels are actually selling for today.

 

1943 Nickel Value By Variety

Mint mark differences barely matter in circulated grades. The real money is in Full Steps (FS) coins and rare die varieties. Full Steps means Monticello’s entrance steps on the reverse are sharply defined with no lines merging together.

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

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1943 Nickel Worth Money

The king of 1943 nickels is the 1943/2-P overdate in MS-67 Full Steps. It sold for $16,675 at Heritage Auctions in June 2008, from the Compradore Collection. That coin combined the only overdate in the Jefferson series with a razor-sharp strike — a combination that’s basically impossible to duplicate.

A standard Philadelphia MS-68 Full Steps coin came in second at $14,688 from Legend Rare Coin Auctions in July 2020. The 1943-P Doubled Die Obverse in MS-67 Full Steps hit $11,500 at Heritage in April 2009. Philadelphia varieties claim six of the top ten spots, driven by error variety premiums and sheer collector demand. San Francisco and Denver round out the list, with MS-64 through MS-68+ examples bringing $6,600 to $9,775.

 

History of The 1943 Nickel

By 1943, the U.S. military needed every scrap of nickel it could get. The metal went into P-51 Mustangs, B-29 Superfortresses, anti-corrosion coatings for Navy ships, and amphibious landing craft. Something had to give, and it was the five-cent coin.

Congress authorized the change through Title XII, Section 642 of the Second War Powers Act on October 8, 1942. The original plan called for a 50/50 silver-copper alloy, but the Mint had leeway to adjust. After extensive testing — mainly to keep vending machines happy — the final formula landed at 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

These wartime nickels ran from mid-1942 through December 1945. The program saved an estimated 4,900 tons of copper and 300 tons of nickel across all four production years. Here’s a fun detail: 1943 was the only year two different U.S. denominations were struck on emergency compositions at the same time. Nickels got the silver-manganese alloy while Lincoln cents were punched on zinc-coated steel. To make these wartime nickels easy to pull from circulation later, the Mint slapped an oversized “P,” “D,” or “S” above Monticello’s dome — marking the first time a “P” mint mark ever appeared on any U.S. coin.

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

 

Is Your 1943 Nickel Rare?

Felix Oscar Schlag designed the Jefferson nickel in 1938 after winning a public competition to replace the Buffalo nickel. Beyond the wartime silver-manganese alloy and the oversized mint mark above Monticello, the 1943 nickel shares the same physical dimensions as every other Jefferson nickel.

The Obverse Of The 1943 Nickel

Schlag’s obverse shows a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, based on Jean-Antoine Houdon’s famous 1789 bust. The relief work captures Jefferson’s features cleanly without being overly fussy.

“IN GOD WE TRUST” arcs clockwise to the left of Jefferson’s portrait, running from his chest up to his hairline. “LIBERTY” curves behind his profile on the right side, with “1943” separated from it by a small five-pointed star. Jefferson’s head nearly touches the upper rim, and a minimal truncation shows where his shoulder meets the coin’s edge.

If you’re hunting for the 1943-P DDO variety, focus on Jefferson’s left eye and the inscriptions. That’s where the doubling shows up strongest.

The Reverse Of The 1943 Nickel

Flip it over and you’ll see Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, centered on the coin. “E PLURIBUS UNUM” arcs across the top above the building.

Below Monticello, the inscriptions stack up: “MONTICELLO” right under the building, “FIVE CENTS” curving beneath that, and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” running along the bottom rim. The critical area for graders is Monticello’s entrance staircase — PCGS requires at least five completely separated steps for the Full Steps (FS) designation. NGC uses both “5FS” and the premium “6FS” standard introduced in 2004.

Denver and San Francisco coins show a “D” or “S” to the right of Monticello. Philadelphia issues carry that big “P” above the dome — a historic first for U.S. coinage.

Other Features Of The 1943 Nickel

Despite the name, these five-cent coins contain zero nickel. The wartime alloy — 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese — means even beat-up examples carry silver melt value regardless of grade.

Dimensions are standard Jefferson: 0.83504 inches (21.2 mm) diameter, 0.07677 inches (1.95 mm) thick, and 5 grams total weight. Exactly 35% of that weight — 0.05625 troy ounces (1.75 grams) — is pure silver.

One thing to watch for: the wartime alloy sometimes produced coins with lamination defects and irregular surface oxidation from uneven blending. Visible flaking or pitting kills value fast, so check carefully when building a high-end set.

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

 

1943 Nickel Mintage & Survival Data

Philadelphia cranked out over 271 million pieces — more than both branch mints combined. Denver made just 15,294,000, less than 6% of Philly’s total. Yet Denver’s strike quality was so good that certified high-grade examples are surprisingly easy to find.

The 1943/2-P overdate shares Philadelphia’s massive mintage base on paper, but only around 75,000 examples survive. That’s a survival rate of roughly 0.0277% — a completely different kind of rare compared to standard strikes.

Across all three mints, survival rates hover between 9.6% and 9.96%. About 27 million Philadelphia nickels theoretically still exist, but most are heavily worn from decades of pocket change duty. Silver melting, wartime recovery programs, and plain old attrition wiped out roughly 90% of the original production.

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 means examining wear on high points like Jefferson’s cheekbone and hair details, as well as Monticello’s steps and columns. Even a single grade difference can mean hundreds of dollars in value for premium specimens.

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

 

1943 Nickel Value Guides

Four main types exist based on mint origin and variety. Each one attracts a different buyer — from hobbyists wanting an affordable silver coin to variety specialists chasing pristine overdates.

The Full Steps (FS) designation hits each mint differently. It adds modest value for Philadelphia coins since they’re readily available. For Denver, FS barely matters because sharp strikes actually outnumber weak ones. But for San Francisco? Expect a 30%–500%+ premium because well-struck examples are genuinely scarce.

Four Types of 1943 Nickels:

• 1943-P Nickel (Philadelphia) – Highest mintage, “P” mark above Monticello dome
• 1943/2-P Nickel (Philadelphia) – Only recognized overdate in the entire Jefferson series
• 1943-D Nickel (Denver) – Lowest production by mintage, “D” mark, exceptional strike quality
• 1943-S Nickel (San Francisco) – Second highest production, “S” mark, superior die polish, scarce Full Steps

 

1943-P Nickel Value

That big “P” above Monticello’s dome was a first for U.S. coinage — and Philadelphia made 271,165,000 of them in 1943, the single highest mintage of any wartime nickel year across all three mints. Despite the massive output, collectors still chase these for the silver content, wartime history, and that landmark mint mark.

Circulated examples trade between $1 and $2, basically at silver melt. Uncirculated coins run $3 to $60 depending on preservation, and gem MS-66 pieces are surprisingly available thanks to contemporary hoarding.

PCGS CoinFacts confirms Philadelphia produced gems in abundance, with a large population at MS-66 and a solid percentage showing Full Steps. The FS designation adds real money: typical FS examples bring $10–$240, jumping sharply for the finest known.

The all-time record is $14,688 for an MS-68 Full Steps coin sold by Legend Rare Coin Auctions in July 2020. More recently, an NGC MS-68 brought $4,050 in March 2025, showing the top-tier Philly strikes still have strong demand.

Recent auction results show steady collector interest across multiple grade levels and certification services.

Here’s how market activity has trended over recent months.

 

1943/2-P Nickel Value

How much would you pay for a typo on a coin? If it’s the only overdate in the entire Jefferson nickel series, the answer is up to $16,675. The 1943/2-P was created when Philadelphia workers reused 1942-dated dies, punching “1943” over the existing date. Look for the telltale remnant of the “2” — an elongated lower curl or hook visible beneath the “3.”

Researcher Walter Breen noted this variety was first spotted in 1948 but not confirmed until 1977, when Delma K. Romines found an uncirculated example. Since then, over 1,000 coins have surfaced as original rolls keep getting broken open and searched.

PCGS had certified over 500 examples as of early data reports, with about 20% earning Full Steps. The finest PCGS-graded coins include three MS-67 non-Full Steps and two MS-67 Full Steps pieces. Circulated specimens bring $35–$200, while uncirculated examples command $250–$850.

That $16,675 record was set at Heritage Auctions in June 2008 for a PCGS MS-67 Full Steps coin from the Compradore Collection. I think it’s still the most exciting wartime Jefferson nickel sale on record.

Auction records for this variety reflect its unique status as the only Jefferson overdate, pulling premiums at most grade levels.

Collector interest stays consistent throughout the year, with momentum building in recent months.

 

1943-D Nickel Value

Here’s a common misconception: lowest mintage means rarest coin. Not with the 1943-D. Denver struck just 15,294,000 pieces — less than 6% of Philadelphia’s output — yet this is actually the most common wartime silver nickel in certified high-grade condition. Thousands of Mint State examples exist, including hundreds at MS-67.

The reason? Denver’s quality control was exceptional. Full Steps examples actually outnumber non-Full Steps examples in certified populations — one of the very few times that happens anywhere in the Jefferson series. PCGS recorded 137 MS-67 non-Full Steps and 2 MS-68 Full Steps coins among the finest certified.

Because FS coins are so plentiful from Denver, the designation adds almost nothing until you hit the highest grades. Circulated pieces bring $2–$3, uncirculated $10–$15, and typical FS coins $7–$110. The auction record is $6,600, set by Stack’s Bowers in March 2020 for an MS-67+ Full Steps specimen.

Values stay flat through MS-67, then explode at the MS-68 threshold.

Here’s how Denver mint activity has looked over recent months.

 

1943-S Nickel Value

If you want a 1943 nickel where Full Steps actually matters, San Francisco is your mint. The facility produced 104,060,000 nickels in 1943 — a 68% jump over 1942. PCGS CoinFacts points out that San Francisco struck nearly as many coins in 1943 alone (92.23%) as it produced across 1942, 1944, and 1945 combined.

Among PCGS-certified examples, non-Full Steps coins outnumber Full Steps by roughly 2.77:1 — the exact opposite of Denver’s ratio. That genuine scarcity of well-struck pieces means FS adds 30% in lower Mint State grades and 500%+ in MS-68 territory. We think the San Francisco FS coins are the sleeper play in this series.

MS-66 is the most common certified grade for 1943-S nickels, with or without FS. MS-67 examples sold in the $216–$336 range during 2022–2024 auctions. The all-time record stands at $9,775 for an MS-64 sold at Heritage Auctions in August 2006.

Worth knowing: a 1943-S nickel struck on a steel cent planchet — graded MS-66 Six Full Steps by NGC — sold at Heritage for $4,800. Only about six of these off-metal errors exist.

Auction results show consistent demand, with FS examples pulling the strongest prices.

Here’s how collector interest has shifted among 1943-S designations recently.

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

 

Rare 1943 Nickel Error List

Error coins happen when something goes wrong at the Mint during die-making or striking — and the mistake slips past quality control. That’s what makes them collectible. The weirder the mistake, the more collectors want it.

The 1943 series has four notable error types: the Doubled Die Obverse (DDO), the combined Overdate-plus-DDO variety (FS-101), the Repunched Mint Mark (RPM), and the extremely rare off-metal strikes on steel cent planchets. Premiums vary wildly between them.

1. 1943-P DDO (Doubled Die Obverse)

A DDO occurs when the die receives two misaligned impressions from the master hub during manufacture. Every coin struck by that die shows the same doubling. The 1943-P DDO is one of three major doubled die varieties in the entire Jefferson series and the only one with obverse doubling.

Look at Jefferson’s left eye first. You’ll see what looks like two overlapping eyes — that’s why collectors call it the “Doubled Eye” nickel. Additional doubling shows on “LIBERTY,” “1943,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST,” though you’ll usually need 5× magnification to spot those.

PCGS CoinFacts lists this as one of the three major doubled die coins in the Jefferson series. Stronger examples show doubling visible to the naked eye, which boosts value considerably. Circulated specimens bring $35–$800, while Full Steps examples range from $340 to $6,500.

2. 1943/2-P DDO FS-101

This is the two-for-one special. The 1943/2-P DDO FS-101 combines overdate characteristics with doubled die obverse attributes on the same coin. It takes expert examination to separate this from a standard 1943/2-P that lacks the DDO component.

Look for strong spread toward the center on “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with clockwise rotation on “WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY.” The underlying “2” from 1942 is still visible beneath the “3,” and pivoted hub doubling centered around the 7 o’clock position creates secondary impressions across multiple design elements.

Heritage Auctions got $1,939 for an MS-65 FS-101 in August 2014. If you’re cherrypicking rolls, this is the variety that’ll make your day.

3. 1943-D/D RPM FS-501

Back in the early 1940s, mint marks were hand-punched onto each working die. Sometimes the punch landed wrong, and the worker had to take another swing. That’s exactly what happened with the 1943-D/D RPM FS-501 — the Denver “D” got struck more than once in slightly different positions, leaving overlapping or offset impressions.

Grab a loupe and look for a doubled or offset “D” above Monticello. That’s your diagnostic marker. A typical 1943-D RPM brings $3–$5, but dramatic misalignment can push that to $25 or more. An MS-67 Full Steps example sold on eBay for $725 in April 2021.

4. 1943-S Nickel Struck on Steel Cent Planchet (Off-Metal Error)

This one’s a showstopper. In 1943 — the only year Lincoln cents were zinc-coated steel — a handful of nickel dies accidentally struck steel cent planchets instead of the correct silver-alloy blanks.

Only about six examples are known. Most show corrosion on the steel surface. One MS-65 example graded by NGC sold for $3,760 at a Heritage Long Beach Expo auction. A separate MS-66 Six Full Steps specimen from the “New England Collection” brought $4,800 at Heritage — among the finest known.

Here’s the easy test: these coins weigh around 2.75–2.9 grams versus the normal 5 grams, and they stick to a magnet. If you’ve got a 1943 nickel that’s magnetic, you might be holding something special.

 

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 Value

1. What is a 1943 nickel worth today in circulated condition?

Even a heavily worn 1943 nickel has silver melt value of roughly $2.66–$2.71 based on 0.05625 troy ounces of silver at current prices. Standard Philadelphia and San Francisco examples in graded circulated condition (Good through AU) typically sell for $1–$2, while Denver pieces bring $2–$3 thanks to lower mintage. No 1943 nickel is worth less than its silver content.

2. How do I identify a 1943 nickel versus a regular Jefferson nickel?

Check the reverse above Monticello’s dome. If you see a large “P,” “D,” or “S” up there, you’ve got a wartime silver nickel. Pre-war Jeffersons had no “P” mint mark, and the “D” or “S” sat to the right of Monticello instead of above the dome. The wartime alloy also gives these coins a duller silver-gray look compared to copper-nickel issues from other years.

3. How much are the most valuable 1943 nickels worth?

• 1943-P MS-67 FS (1943/2 overdate) — $16,675 at Heritage Auctions, June 2008
• 1943-P MS-68 FS — $14,688 at Legend Rare Coin Auctions, July 2020
• 1943-P MS-67 FS (DDO) — $11,500 at Heritage Auctions, April 2009
• 1943-S MS-64 — $9,775 at Heritage Auctions, August 2006
• 1943-P MS-64 — $9,400 at Heritage Auctions, November 2013
• 1943-S MS-68 FS — $9,000 on eBay, February 2017
• 1943-D MS-67+ FS — $6,600 at Stack’s Bowers, March 2020
• 1943-P MS-68 (1943/2 error) — $4,300 at Heritage Auctions, May 2001
• 1943-P MS-67 (DDO) — $3,738 at Bowers & Merena, August 2006
• 1943-P MS-66 (DDO) — $1,925 at David Lawrence RC, January 2023

4. What does Full Steps (FS) mean and why does it matter for 1943 nickel value?

Full Steps means Monticello’s entrance staircase shows at least five completely separated, uninterrupted steps with no lines merging. PCGS requires five full steps minimum; NGC uses “5FS” and the premium “6FS” standard introduced in 2004. The price difference is huge — an MS-65 without Full Steps might sell for $20, while an MS-65 with six Full Steps can hit $200–$400. That’s a 10–20× premium.

5. Is there a 1943 nickel with no mint mark?

No. Every 1943 Jefferson nickel carries a mint mark — “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. If you find one with no visible mint mark, it’s either worn smooth from heavy circulation or has been altered.

6. How much silver is in a 1943 nickel and what is the melt value?

Every 1943 nickel contains exactly 35% silver by weight — 0.05625 troy ounces (1.75 grams) of pure silver. At roughly $47.25 per troy ounce (late 2025 prices), melt value runs about $2.66–$2.71 per coin. That number moves daily with silver spot prices and acts as an absolute price floor. No 1943 nickel should trade below melt.

7. What is the rarest 1943 nickel error and how do I identify it?

The 1943/2-P overdate. The “3” was punched over a “2” from a reused 1942 die. Look for a distinctive elongated curl or hook extending from the lower-right base of the “3” — best seen under 5–10× magnification. The bottom of the digit looks thicker and more complex than a normal “3.” PCGS had certified over 500 examples, and the record price is $16,675.

8. Which Jefferson nickels are the most expensive ever sold?

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

9. Can a 1943 nickel be struck on the wrong metal, and what is that worth?

Yes. Since 1943 was the only year Lincoln cents used zinc-coated steel planchets, a few nickel dies accidentally struck those steel blanks. Only about six examples are known, and most show steel corrosion. A 1943-S graded PCGS AU-55 sold for $3,760 at Heritage, while a gem MS-66 Six Full Steps specimen brought $4,800. These coins weigh around 2.75–2.9 grams (versus the normal 5 grams) and stick to a magnet.

10. Should I clean my 1943 nickel before selling it?

Never. Cleaning destroys the coin’s natural patina and can cut value by 50% or more overnight. PCGS and NGC will slap a “Details” grade on any cleaned coin, permanently marking it as impaired. Even a dirty, brown-toned coin is worth far more in original condition. If you want to check your coin’s condition safely, use the Coin Identifier and Value App before handling it further.