1943-D 5C, FS MS67+ FS Certification #25659410, PCGS #84020

Type: Jefferson Nickel: Type 2, Silver Alloy (1942-1945) Designer: Felix Schlag Content: 56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese Weight: 5.00 grams Diameter: 21.20 millimeters Edge: Plain Mint: Denver Production Strikes: 5,376,000 General Description: In 1942, Nickel became such a strategically important metal for the war effort, that it could no longer be used to produce five-cent pieces (as it had been since 1866). The replacement alloy consisted of a mixture of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. To denote the change in alloy, a large mintmark was placed in the field above Monticello on the reverse. For the first time, the letter P was used to represent the Philadelphia mint on a U.S. coin. This alloy continued in use until 1945, when Allied victories reduced the war-time need for Nickel. “Silver” nickels were produced from 1942 to 1945, inclusive, and are known popularly as “War nickels”. When new, these five-cent pieces display a lustrous, silver-white appearance; when worn, they take on a greenish cast. They are easily discerned from Nickel five-cent pieces by the prominent mintmark or their distinctive color. Large quantities of this type have been melted down over the years to recover the silver they contain. However, the mintages of all dates was so high that the effect of the melting on coin values has proven to be negligible. (Source: Guth, Ron, CoinFacts) Specific Issue Description: The 1943-D Jefferson Nickel is the most common of all the War-time “Silver” issues. Thus, collectors have thousands of high-grade Mint State examples from which to choose, including hundreds in MS67. The quality of the 1943-D Nickels is excellent. In fact, this is one of the rare instances where the Full Step population exceeds that of the non-Full Steps. The finest examples certified by PCGS (as of May 2014) include 161 MS67 non-Full Steps (including one MS67+) and 3 MS68 Full Steps. (Source: Guth, Ron. PCGS CoinFacts) Exemplar Notes: The silver alloy of this nickel delivers especially frosty and brilliant luster on this Plus-designated Superb Gem, while delicate overlays of pastel rainbow hues emerge from the peripheries. The design elements are sharp, and the surfaces are free of distractions. Acquired 10/2015 via Heritage Auctions (#1225, Lot #4029).

Ron Guth

The 1943-D Jefferson Nickel is the most common of all the War-time "Silver" issues.  Thus, collectors have thousands of high-grade Mint State examples from which to choose, including hundreds in MS-67.  The quality of the 1943-D Nickels is excellent. In fact, this is one of the rare instances where the Full Step population exceeds that of the non-Full Steps.  The finest examples certified by PCGS (as of February 2012) include 137 MS-67 non-Full Steps and 2 MS-68 Full Steps.