1943 Jefferson Nickel

The U.S. Mint began producing the Jefferson Nickel in 1938. The five cent piece was very popular, and it remains in production today. While one may assume that nickels cannot be valuable beyond their face values, some of these coins can be significantly valuable based on mintage, year, scarcity and condition. The 1943 Jefferson Nickel is a war nickel, and as such it contains a small amount of silver in addition to other alloys. Collectors may desire this coin due to its silver content and historical significance.

For a coin collector, obtaining a Jefferson Nickel may only be worthwhile if the coin is in excellent overall condition. These coins are more visually appealing and are generally worth more money.

Grading the 1943 Jefferson Nickel

When looking at coins as old as the 1943 Jefferson Nickel, you have to take a close look at the coin’s condition. While a coin may be valuable even if in poor condition, collectors generally look for coins in excellent overall condition. Finding coins in excellent condition can prove to be very difficult, however.

When you are inspecting a coin’s condition, you are basically trying to determine how the coin might be graded. Grades are assigned by professional grading companies. You can, however, get a good idea of how your coin may be graded using the guidelines below.

Uncirculated: Collectors love to obtain coins in uncirculated condition. These coins have never been used in circulation, and will appear as if they were just rolled off the mint’s presses. These coins are in near-perfect condition, and are not only beautiful but can be extremely valuable.

Extremely Fine: Just a step below uncirculated grade, collectors also look for coins in extremely fine condition. These coins will, however, have some very minor wear and tear or damage. The coin will normally look pristine, and its imperfections may only be seen under very close inspection.

Fine: A coin that is assigned a grade of fine has been circulated and has damage that may include scratches or even small dents. Despite this damage, however, the coin’s imagery and any text are still easily discerned and in decent overall condition.

Good: The vast majority of Jefferson Nickels that are bought and sold today are in good condition. These coins have exchanged hands many times over throughout the years, and show their age and wear. Collectors most often avoid coins in good condition, looking for coins that are in superior overall condition. The 1943 edition does have some historical significance, in addition to its silver content, and therefore may be more valuable than similar coins in other mint years.

Pricing the 1943 Jefferson Nickel

When trying to determine a price range for the 1943 Jefferson Nickel, you must first ascertain the coin type. Several types of this coin were produced, and their values can vary widely. In addition to the coin type, you must also assess the coin’s overall condition. Coins that are in pristine or extremely fine condition will be more valuable than coins in fine or good condition. The chart below will give you a good idea as to how your coin might be priced.

1943 Jefferson Nickel

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1943 Jefferson Nickel (P)	N/A	N/A	$2.50	$3
1943 Jefferson Nickel (D)	N/A	N/A	$3.50	$4
1943 Jefferson Nickel (S)	N/A	N/A	$2.50	$3
Source: Red Book