1943 Jefferson Nickel

About This Coin

The 1943 Jefferson Nickel is a United States nickel from the Jefferson Nickels Original Design 1938-2003 series — an early issue, 6th of 66 years in the series. In 1943, coins were struck at the Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco Mints with a combined mintage of 661.7 million. This ranks 35th of 66 years by total mintage, above the series median of 617.5 million. The obverse features Thomas Jefferson facing left and the reverse displays Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia estate. All 1943 nickels are silver alloy (35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese). Struck in 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 245 known die varieties for this date across 6 categories, including bisecting rim to rim die crack, cud, die chip and 3 other types. Produced 7 years before the celebrated 1950 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $5 to $12K depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $17K in MS67 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Felix Schlag.