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1943-D Wartime Silver

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintDenver
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 15,294,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1369

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About this coinHistory

Denver struck 15,294,000 Wartime Silver Jefferson nickels in 1943, the first year Denver joined the Wartime Silver program after producing only copper-nickel nickels in 1942. The 1943-D is the lowest Wartime Silver mintage at Denver across the 1943-1945 period. The coin is available in all grades and accessible in Mint State through major dealer inventories, though Gem-quality Full Steps examples command meaningful premiums.

Strike characteristics are variable, with Denver production showing the typical combination of some strong dies and some softer ones. Full Steps designation requires searching but is achievable on the better strikes. Specialists building high-grade Wartime Silver sets pay premiums for sharp 1943-D examples, particularly those with crisp Monticello step detail.

The coin carries the large reverse mintmark above Monticello that identifies all Wartime Silver Jefferson nickels. For Denver, the 1943 transition marked the first year of silver-composition production for the Jefferson nickel, and the facility would continue producing Wartime Silver coins through 1945 before returning to standard copper-nickel in 1946.

Price guideReference

Reference data only — not an appraisal.

GradeDescriptionLowHigh
G-4 Good (G) $3 $3.50
VG-8 Very Good (VG) $3.50 $4
F-12 Fine (F) $4 $4.50
VF-20 Very Fine (VF) $4.50 $5
EF-40 Extremely Fine (EF) $5.50 $6.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $6.50 $7.50
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $8 $9
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1943-D Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $3–$3.50, rising to roughly $8–$9 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1943-D Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickels were minted?
15,294,000 were struck.
What is a 1943-D Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel made of?
56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1943-D Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel?
Its melt value is its metal content multiplied by the current spot price. See our melt calculator on the metals pages for a live figure.
Is the 1943-D Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel a key date?
It's a more common date overall, though scarcer die varieties may carry a premium — see the varieties list.