1942 (P) Proof Jefferson Nickel - Wartime Silver Alloy - Repunched Mintmark WRPM-017

Description

The 1942-P Proof Jefferson Nickel WRPM-017 is a repunched mintmark variety on the first proof issue of the wartime silver alloy composition — 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese — adopted to conserve nickel for military use during World War II. The 1942-P wartime nickel is historically significant as the first United States coin to bear a P mintmark, placed prominently above Monticello's dome on the reverse rather than in the traditional small position. This large P mintmark was deliberately oversized so the public could distinguish the altered-composition coins from standard nickels. Because the P was a new addition requiring new punches, repunched mintmark varieties on early wartime nickels reflect the Mint's adjustment to this unfamiliar element in the die preparation process. As a proof issue, this coin was struck with specially prepared dies on polished planchets for collectors, producing mirror-like fields that can make mintmark displacement easier to detect under magnification. It is cataloged as Wexler Variety ID 1942-P 5-cent Proof WRPM-017.

Cross References

• Wexler Variety ID: 1942-P 5¢ Pr WRPM-017

External References