1942-S Wartime Silver

San Francisco struck 32,900,000 Wartime Silver Jefferson nickels in 1942, all with the new 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese composition and the large reverse mintmark above Monticello. The 1942-S was the first San Francisco Wartime Silver nickel and part of the inaugural production of the new composition alongside the 1942-P from Philadelphia.

The coin is common in all grades and readily available in Mint State. Strike characteristics are generally adequate, with Full Steps designation achievable on well-preserved examples. The silver content gives the coin a slightly different appearance from standard copper-nickel Jefferson issues, particularly after toning, and specialists can often identify the sub-type visually without checking the mintmark placement.

San Francisco's role in Wartime Silver production complemented Philadelphia's output. Denver would join the program in 1943, making 1942 the only year with two-mint Wartime Silver production (Philadelphia and San Francisco) and the only year with any Jefferson nickels in both the original copper-nickel and the new Wartime Silver compositions. Collectors building comprehensive wartime sets acquire all 11 Wartime Silver issues (1942-P, 1942-S, and the 1943-1945 issues from all three mints).