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1944-S Wartime Silver

Nickels · Jefferson Nickels · 1938–Present
Regular
Weight5 g
Diameter21.21 mm
MintSan Francisco
StrikeCirculation strike
Mintage 21,640,000
EdgePlain
Alignment↑↓ Coin
Composition56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese
DesignerFelix Schlag
Collector's Key IDCK-1373

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About this coinHistory

San Francisco's 1944 Wartime Silver Jefferson nickel mintage was 21,640,000 coins, a moderate production that places the 1944-S in the mid-range scarcity category for Wartime Silver coins. The coin is available in all grades and accessible in Mint State through major dealer inventories. Strike characteristics are variable, and Full Steps examples command modest premiums for well-struck pieces.

Collectors building complete Wartime Silver sets acquire the 1944-S without extraordinary difficulty. The coin is typical of San Francisco mid-war production and is a straightforward acquisition beyond the standard Jefferson nickel strike quality concerns. The large reverse mintmark above Monticello identifies the silver composition immediately.

1944 marked the continuation of San Francisco's role as the primary Pacific-focused branch mint and military port during the war. The Wartime Silver nickels struck that year circulated through a city that was playing a central role in the Pacific theater of operations, with massive quantities of troops and supplies moving through the port on their way to combat zones across the Pacific.

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 $5.50
AU-50 About Uncirculated (AU) $6 $7
MS-60 Uncirculated (MS) $7 $8
MS-63 Choice Uncirculated (MS)
Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ
How much is a 1944-S Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel worth?
In Good condition it runs about $3–$3.50, rising to roughly $7–$8 in Uncirculated. These are reference values, not an appraisal.
How many 1944-S Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickels were minted?
21,640,000 were struck.
What is a 1944-S Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel made of?
56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese, weighing 5 g.
What is the melt value of a 1944-S 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 1944-S 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.