Have you ever considered that the loose change jingling in your pocket might contain a small fortune? While most nickels are worth just five cents, there’s a rare variety from 1943 that could be worth thousands—even millions—of dollars.

The 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel overdate error is one of those hidden treasures that most people would overlook, mistaking it for ordinary pocket change.

Yet, this seemingly unremarkable coin sold for an astounding $16,675 at auction in 2008, and similar specimens continue to command impressive prices today.

As we navigate through 2025, the value of rare coins continues to climb, making this the perfect time to check your coin jars and piggy banks.

The hunt for numismatic treasures has never been more exciting, and the 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel stands as one of the most valuable errors you might actually encounter in circulation. Let’s dive into what makes this coin so special and how you can identify one in your own collection.

The Fascinating History of the 1943 Wartime Nickel

To understand why the 1943/2 overdate is so valuable, we first need to appreciate the historical context of Jefferson Nickels produced during World War II. In 1942, the United States faced a critical shortage of nickel, as this strategic metal was desperately needed for the war effort.

The government made a dramatic decision to alter the composition of the five-cent coin, removing nickel entirely and replacing it with an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

These “war nickels,” produced from mid-1942 through 1945, are easily identifiable by the large mint mark positioned above the Monticello building on the reverse side—a feature unique to this period.

For the first time in history, Philadelphia-minted coins received a “P” mint mark, breaking the long tradition of leaving Philadelphia coins unmarked.

The 1943 nickels were particularly significant as they coincided with the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birth. While the U.S. Mint was dealing with wartime constraints, they were simultaneously producing coins that would mark this important bicentennial.

The combination of historical significance, silver content, and limited production period already makes these wartime nickels collectible—but the 1943/2 overdate error takes the value to another level entirely.

Understanding the 1943/2 Overdate Error

What Exactly Is an Overdate?

An overdate occurs when a die used to strike coins is impressed with one date and then re-impressed with another date. In the case of the 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel, the die was initially stamped with “1942” and then restamped with “1943,” but traces of the original “2” remain visible underneath the “3” in the date.

This error wasn’t discovered until years after the coins entered circulation, making it all the more remarkable that any specimens survive in high-grade condition. Experts estimate that over 1,000 of these error coins exist, but finding one in pristine condition is exceedingly rare.

How to Identify the 1943/2 Overdate

Spotting this valuable error requires careful examination and perhaps a magnifying glass. Here’s what to look for:

First, confirm you have a 1943 Jefferson Nickel with the large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse.
Look closely at the date, focusing on the “3” in 1943.
If it’s an overdate, you’ll see remnants of the “2” underneath the “3”—typically visible as an extra curve at the bottom of the “3.”

The error is subtle enough that most people would miss it during everyday transactions, which is why these coins occasionally still turn up in circulation. It’s like finding a diamond mixed in with ordinary pebbles—it takes a trained eye to spot the difference.

Value and Rarity: What Makes This Nickel Worth $16,675

The value of a 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel varies dramatically based on its condition, with prices ranging from about $35 for heavily worn specimens to thousands for those in mint state. The coin that sold for $16,675 in 2008 was graded MS 67 with Full Steps—numismatic terminology indicating an almost perfect coin with complete detail on the steps of Monticello.

Condition Grades and Their Impact on Value

Here’s a breakdown of approximate values based on condition:

Circulated (worn) coins: $35 to $200
Uncirculated coins: $250 to $850
MS 67 grade: $1,300 to $1,600
MS 67 with Full Steps: Up to $16,675 and potentially more in today’s market
MS 68 grade: One specimen sold for $4,300 in 2001

The “Full Steps” designation refers to the complete visibility of the steps on Monticello on the reverse of the coin. Most Jefferson Nickels show wear on these steps first, so finding one with all steps clearly defined significantly increases the value.

Recent Auction Results and Market Trends

While the $16,675 sale in 2008 remains a benchmark, the market for rare coins has generally strengthened since then. In fact, other rare Jefferson Nickels have sold for even more impressive sums. A 1943-P Jefferson Nickel (not the overdate variety) in exceptional condition reportedly sold for around $2 million at a recent Heritage auction, demonstrating the extraordinary potential value of these wartime coins when they’re in perfect condition.

Condition	Approximate Value Range	Notable Sales
Circulated	$35 – $200	Common at coin shows
Uncirculated	$250 – $850	Regularly available at auctions
MS 67	$1,300 – $1,600	Rarely offered for sale
MS 67 Full Steps	$4,800 – $16,675+	$16,675 auction record (2008)
MS 68	$4,300+	$4,300 auction record (2001)

How to Check Your Change for Valuable Nickels

Now that you understand the potential value hiding in your spare change, here are some practical tips for checking your coins:

Tools You’ll Need

A good magnifying glass or coin loupe (5x to 10x magnification)
Adequate lighting (natural daylight works best)
A basic reference guide or coin app
Patience and attention to detail

Step-by-Step Search Process

Start by gathering all your nickels and sorting out any dated 1943. Remember that wartime nickels from 1942-1945 will have the large mint mark above Monticello, so this is an easy first filter. Once you’ve identified your 1943 nickels, examine each date carefully under magnification, looking for signs of the “2” underneath the “3.”

Don’t limit yourself to just the 1943/2 overdate—there are other valuable Jefferson Nickels worth looking for, including:

The 1943-P Double Eye variety (where Jefferson appears to have two eyes)
Any wartime nickels in exceptional condition
The 1945 Philadelphia double die reverse

Remember that condition is crucial to value. Even if you find a 1943/2 overdate, its worth will depend significantly on how well it’s been preserved. Handle any potential treasures carefully, holding them by the edges to avoid adding fingerprints or scratches.

Conclusion

The 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel overdate represents one of those rare opportunities where extraordinary value might be hiding in plain sight. With specimens selling for as much as $16,675 and potentially more in today’s market, these coins are worth searching for. The combination of historical significance from the WWII era, the intrigue of a minting error, and the relative scarcity of high-grade examples all contribute to making this one of the most valuable nickels a collector might reasonably hope to find.

So before you spend that handful of change or cash in that coin jar, take a closer look at your nickels. The few minutes it takes to check could potentially lead to a discovery worth thousands of dollars. Happy hunting, and may you find that elusive 1943/2 overdate hiding among your spare change!

FAQs About the 1943/2 Jefferson Nickel

How can I tell if my 1943 nickel is silver? Wartime nickels (1942-1945) with silver content will have a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above the Monticello building on the reverse. Regular nickels have the mint mark elsewhere or don’t display one at all.
Are all 1943 nickels valuable? All 1943 nickels contain silver and are worth more than face value (typically $1-$6 in circulated condition), but the 1943/2 overdate and other error varieties are significantly more valuable.
Should I clean my 1943 nickel if I think it might be valuable? No! Cleaning coins can significantly reduce their value. Professional collectors prefer coins with original surfaces, even if toned or tarnished.
How rare is the 1943/2 overdate compared to regular 1943 nickels? The Philadelphia Mint produced over 271 million nickels in 1943, but experts estimate only about 1,000 examples of the 1943/2 overdate exist, making it extremely rare by comparison.
Where can I get my 1943/2 nickel authenticated and appraised? Professional coin grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) or NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) can authenticate and grade your coin. Local coin dealers can also provide preliminary assessments before you invest in professional grading.

This 5-Cent Nickel in Your Pocket Could Be Worth $16,675 – Check Your Change Now