1942 Nickel Without Mint Mark: The 1942 Jefferson Nickel has a unique history, with various versions created due to changes in material composition during World War II. As the war effort increased demand for certain metals like nickel, the U.S. Mint had to modify its coin production. This led to the creation of two types of nickels in 1942—those made with nickel and those containing 35% silver, often referred to as “war nickels.” This article will explore the different types of 1942 nickels, their values, and some intriguing facts about their history.
What Was the Only 1942 Nickel With No Mint Mark?
In 1942, the Philadelphia Mint produced both regular nickels (Type 1) and silver “war nickels” (Type 2). The Type 1 nickel, made of the standard nickel composition, was the only 1942 coin without a mint mark. All other war nickels featured large mint marks for easy identification.
Chart of 1942 Nickel Production
| Mint Location | Type 1 “Nickel” Nickel | Type 2 Silver “War Nickel” |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Mint | January–October (No mint mark) | October–December (“P” mint mark) |
| Denver Mint | January–November (“D” mint mark) | n/a |
| San Francisco Mint | n/a | October–December (“S” mint mark) |
The Four 1942 Jefferson Nickels
1. 1942 Type 1 (Nickel) Jefferson Nickel
This is the only 1942 nickel that does not have a mint mark. It was produced in Philadelphia from January to October 1942. Below are the typical values for this nickel based on condition:
| Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| MS-60 | $8 |
| MS-61 | $9 |
| MS-62 | $11 |
| MS-63 | $14 |
| MS-64 | $22 |
| MS-65 | $35 |
| MS-66 | $45 |
| MS-67 | $285 |
2. 1942-P Type 2 (35% Silver) Jefferson Nickel
The Type 2 war nickel, containing 35% silver, was produced from October to December 1942 in Philadelphia. These nickels have a large “P” mint mark above Monticello.
| Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| MS-60 | $6 |
| MS-61 | $6 |
| MS-62 | $6 |
| MS-63 | $12 |
| MS-64 | $20 |
| MS-65 | $28 |
| MS-66 | $38 |
| MS-67 | $130 |
| MS-68 | $3,600 |
3. 1942-D Type 1 Jefferson Nickel
Produced at the Denver Mint, this nickel features a small “D” mint mark. It was minted from January to November 1942.
| Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| MS-60 | $100 |
| MS-61 | $110 |
| MS-62 | $120 |
| MS-63 | $175 |
| MS-64 | $300 |
| MS-65 | $400 |
| MS-66 | $1,000 |
4. 1942-S Type 2 Jefferson Nickel
This is another silver war nickel, produced in San Francisco from October to December 1942. It features a large “S” mint mark.
| Grade | Price |
|---|---|
| MS-60 | $75 |
| MS-61 | $80 |
| MS-62 | $85 |
| MS-63 | $125 |
| MS-64 | $200 |
| MS-65 | $425 |
| MS-66 | $1,000 |
Did You Know?
1942 Nickel Without Mint Mark: The “P” mint mark used in 1942 war nickels was the first time Philadelphia had used a mint mark on U.S. coins. The “P” mint mark would not be used again on circulating coins until the release of the Susan B. Anthony dollar in 1979.
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FAQs
Why did the U.S. Mint use silver in 1942 nickels?
The U.S. Mint switched to using silver in 1942 to save nickel for war production.
How can I tell if my 1942 nickel is silver?
Silver war nickels have a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin.
What is a war nickel?
A war nickel is a 5-cent coin made during World War II, containing 35% silver instead of nickel.
Why do some 1942 nickels have no mint mark?
The Philadelphia Mint produced regular nickels without a mint mark from January to October 1942.
How much is a 1942 silver nickel worth?
The value depends on the condition, but prices range from $6 to over $3,000 for higher grades.