The History of the 1942 Nickel
During World War II, there was a shortage of nickel due to its use in the war effort. As a result, the U.S. Mint was forced to change the composition of the nickel from 75% copper and 25% nickel to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. This change in composition is what makes the 1942 nickel unique in appearance compared to previous and subsequent years.
Identifying a 1942 Nickel
The first step in identifying a 1942 nickel is to look at the date on the coin. If the coin was minted in Philadelphia, there will not be a mint mark. However, if the coin was minted in Denver or San Francisco, there will be a mint mark located above the Monticello building on the reverse side of the coin.
Denver Mint Mark
The Denver mint mark is a small “D” located just above the Monticello building. The “D” is fairly small and can be difficult to see without magnification. If you have trouble finding the mint mark, try using a magnifying glass or loupe to get a closer look.
San Francisco Mint Mark
The San Francisco mint mark is a small “S” located just above the Monticello building. Like the Denver mint mark, the “S” is small and can be difficult to see without magnification.
Why is the Mint Mark Important?
The mint mark is important because it tells you where the coin was minted. Depending on the rarity of the mint mark, the coin can be worth more than its face value to collectors. For example, a 1942 nickel with a San Francisco mint mark in good condition can be worth up to $200.
Conclusion
The 1942 nickel is a unique coin due to its composition and the fact that it was minted during World War II. If you come across a 1942 nickel, be sure to check for a mint mark to determine where it was minted. With a little bit of luck, you may come across a rare San Francisco minted coin that could be worth a pretty penny to collectors.