1942 Proof

Philadelphia struck 29,600 proof Jefferson nickels in 1942 with the standard copper-nickel composition, the highest proof mintage of the pre-1950 period. The coin was produced early in the year before the mid-year composition change, and all 1942 copper-nickel proofs are therefore from the first portion of the year. The 1942 proof was the final pre-war proof issue; proof set production would cease after 1942 and not resume until 1950.

Strike quality is typically sharp, with the mature Jefferson design producing crisp detail on mirror fields with frosted devices. Cameo designation commands meaningful premiums for 1942 proofs with strong device frosting, and Deep Cameo examples are particularly prized. PR65 through PR67 examples are available through specialist channels.

The 1942 proof represents the terminal piece of the first Jefferson nickel proof sub-series (1938-1942). The eight-year gap that followed (no proofs from 1943-1949) was the longest pause in Jefferson nickel proof production. When proofs resumed in 1950, the format and collector market had changed significantly, and the pre-war proofs occupy a distinct historical category in Jefferson nickel proof collecting.