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The 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel is one of the most celebrated and dramatic overdate varieties in 20th-century U.S. coinage. This variety was produced at the Philadelphia Mint and is the result of a working die initially intended for 1942 coinage being repunched with a “3” to accommodate the following year’s production. The remnants of the underlying “2” are visible beneath the “3,” creating a clear and distinctive overdate. Even in well-circulated grades like Good, this coin retains its status as a key variety in the Jefferson nickel series, prized for its historical significance, silver content, and scarcity. Its discovery further highlights the transitional period of wartime coin production and die reusage at the U.S. Mint.
The obverse of the 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel features the familiar portrait of Thomas Jefferson, designed by Felix Schlag. Jefferson faces left, with the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” on the left periphery and “LIBERTY” and the date “1943” to the right. In Good condition, the portrait is heavily worn and flattened, with Jefferson’s hair, jawline, and cheek lacking most original detail. However, the major design elements and inscriptions remain visible. The overdate itself—while less distinct than in higher grades—can still often be confirmed with magnification, especially by detecting traces of the underlying “2” beneath the curve of the “3” in the date.
The reverse features a depiction of Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia home, with the building’s name beneath it and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “FIVE CENTS” curving along the rim. The motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears above the dome. The reverse also bears a large “P” mintmark above Monticello’s dome—a distinctive feature of wartime nickels struck from 1942 to 1945, when the Philadelphia Mint began using its own mintmark for the first time. In Good condition, the Monticello building appears smooth and lacks architectural detail. Nevertheless, the bold mintmark and the essential inscriptions remain legible, maintaining the coin’s identity and collectible appeal.
This overdate occurred during a unique period in American coinage history when the Mint altered nickel composition to preserve critical war materials. Starting in late 1942 and continuing through 1945, Jefferson nickels were struck in an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These coins are often referred to as “war nickels.” Because of the silver content and the large mintmark above Monticello, these coins are immediately distinguishable from earlier and later base-metal nickels. The 1943/2 overdate likely resulted from the Mint’s decision to re-use an existing 1942 die, repunching it for use in 1943 due to die shortages or time constraints, a common wartime practice.
Among overdates, the 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel is especially popular because the underlying numeral “2” is relatively bold and noticeable compared to more subtle RPMs or minor die varieties. It was first widely recognized in the late 20th century and has since become a fixture in the *Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties*, ensuring its demand and recognition across the numismatic community. Despite heavy wear, examples in Good condition can still show the anomaly with proper lighting and magnification, which keeps these lower-grade coins in demand among budget-conscious collectors and variety enthusiasts alike.
While the total mintage for all 1943-P nickels was over 271 million, only a small portion were struck with the overdate die. The exact number of surviving 1943/2 coins is unknown, but the variety is considerably scarcer than its regular-issue counterpart. It is significantly less common in Mint State and higher circulated grades, which has elevated the appeal of even Good to Fine examples. Collectors are often willing to pay a premium for lower-grade specimens that clearly exhibit the overdate, especially when authenticated and attributed by a major grading service.
In Good condition, the 1943/2 nickel shows extensive circulation wear. On the obverse, Jefferson’s hair and cheek are almost fully smoothed, and his collar may merge with the background. The date remains legible, and the overdate—while faint—can be discerned using a 5x or 10x loupe. On the reverse, Monticello’s columns and steps are nearly indistinct, but the mintmark, denomination, and country name remain clear. The coin may also exhibit light rim wear or minor surface nicks, all typical of coins in this grade. Despite these signs of age, the overall coin structure and essential features remain intact, preserving its historical and collectible value.
One of the coin’s underlying strengths is its silver content. Like all wartime nickels, the 1943/2 is composed of 35% silver and contains approximately 0.0563 troy ounces of silver. While this gives it a modest intrinsic bullion value, the overdate premium far exceeds its melt value. The presence of silver also adds historical interest, as these nickels mark a rare departure from the traditional copper-nickel composition. The “P” mintmark above Monticello was an unprecedented move at the time, further connecting the coin to the unique circumstances of its creation during World War II.
The 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel appeals to a wide range of collectors—from those building full-date Jefferson sets, to specialists in die varieties, to error coin collectors. It’s also a key variety in the wartime silver nickel subgroup. In any condition, the overdate is a recognized rarity, and in Good grade, it provides an affordable opportunity to own one of the major die varieties of the 20th century. As numismatics continues to emphasize variety collecting and historical context, coins like the 1943/2 have enjoyed sustained popularity in price guides, registry sets, and collector wish lists.
In summary, the 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel in Good condition may be well-worn, but it remains a prized and significant coin due to its bold overdate, historical origin, silver content, and importance within the Jefferson series. Despite the flattened detail and signs of age, this coin continues to captivate collectors for its rarity and the dramatic circumstances of its creation during a pivotal era in American history. For variety collectors or those assembling a wartime nickel set, this coin represents a key acquisition and an enduring link to the ingenuity and urgency of wartime U.S. Mint operations.