Expert: Jim Lawniczak - 2/19/2008

Question
Hello. I have a 1943 Jefferson nickle where the mint strike 'S' in located on the back above the monument. Can't say I seen a mint strike in such a place. Any information on such a coin? Thanks.

Answer
Dawn, the mint mark there is normal.  When the mint switched to using a silver alloy for nickels due to the need to preserve nickel for wartime use (years 1942-1945), the mint mark was enlarged and put in the center over the Jefferson Memorial.  Your piece does have some precious metal value due to its silver content (though not all that much).  Go to www.ebay.com and do searches for 1943 nickels and similar searches and you'll see some for sale.  If your piece is in mint condition (as struck, no circulation), then it will have numismatic value, Jim Lawniczak