Expert: PAPAJACK - 9/27/2007

Question
Hello
I have an 1944 Nickel with a large P on the Back' I have two 1943 nickels with Large P on the back and One 1942 with large S on the back. Are the coins known as the Silver Nickels? Thanks Cheryl

Answer
Hello Cheryl,                                           

Yes these are known as Silver Nickels or War Nickels. The 1942-P is the first coin ever to have a Philadelphia mint mark.

War Nickels are 35% silver made from 1942 to 1945 and have a large P, D, or S on the reverse above the dome of Monticello.  
The normal metal alloy was not available due to the war so the mint improvised with the silver they had on hand.

Depending on the state of preservation of the coins their retail value to collectors ranges from  about a dollar in grade 12 (Fine) to $4.00 in grade 50 (Almost Uncirculated).  

If the coins are in mint state they sell from $4 to $20 each.  

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Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack