1942-S Jefferson Nickel Value Guide

The 1942-S Jefferson Nickel is a significant World War II artifact, representing the first year the U.S. Mint altered coin composition to conserve nickel for the war effort. Struck in San Francisco, this 'War Nickel' is highly collectible due to its unique 35% silver alloy and its status as a tangible piece of 1940s resource rationing.

What Is 1942-S Jefferson Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1942-S Jefferson Nickel is $10 - $12 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The current market price of silver, as each coin contains approximately 0.05626 troy ounces of the precious metal.
• The presence of 'Full Steps' on the base of Monticello, which significantly increases value for high-grade specimens.
• Overall strike quality and preservation, with uncirculated Mint State (MS) examples fetching the highest premiums.
• The visibility and clarity of the large San Francisco 'S' mint mark above the dome.

How to Identify 1942-S Jefferson Nickel?

• Look for the large 'S' mint mark located directly above the dome of Monticello on the reverse side.
• Verify the silver-colored appearance which differs slightly in luster from standard pre-1942 cupro-nickel compositions.
• Check for the specific 1942 date on the obverse featuring Thomas Jefferson's portrait.
• Observe for a darker, greenish-grey oxidation or 'tarnish' typical of the manganese and silver alloy used during this era.

History of 1942-S Jefferson Nickel

The Jefferson Nickel was introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. The 1942-S nickel is notable for being part of the 'War Nickel' series (1942-1945), which saw a change in composition due to wartime needs for copper and nickel. These specific coins contain 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese, distinguishable by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above the dome of Monticello on the reverse, a unique feature for US coinage at the time. This specific coin, minted in San Francisco, holds historical significance as a tangible artifact from World War II era rationing and resource allocation.