What appears to be a normal 1943 Jefferson nickel has stunned collectors and experts alike. A tiny die crack along Thomas Jefferson’s jawline, along with faint doubling in the motto, has elevated this coin to breathtaking status.
Now considered one of the most sought-after Jefferson nickels, this subtle flaw can mean serious value for anyone who finds one.
The Flaw That Launched the Hunt
- A fine die crack runs through Jefferson’s jaw—a detail visible only under magnification.
- Small, faint doubling appears in the motto text, further indicating a slip during the die engagement process.
- Initially overlooked, this minor imperfection has now drawn attention as a rare mint error variety
Why This Nickel Stands Out
- Rarity: Only a handful of known examples feature the jawline die crack and doubling.
- Market Interest: Coin enthusiasts now actively search for this specific error in older circulation and dealer rolls.
- Collector Demand: The combination of historical era (1943 war nickel) plus mistake gives it cachet.
- Recent Prices: While major similar nickels like 1938-D Full Steps have sold for $33,600, this crack variety is trending toward high‑performance collectible status
Key Details
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year / Type | 1943 Jefferson nickel (wartime alloy, large mint mark above Monticello) |
| Flaw Type | Die crack along jawline, slight doubling in motto |
| Visual Marks | Tiny hairline crack visible near jaw; doubled letters in motto slightly blurry |
| Known Variety Rarity | Very few examples confirmed to date |
| Collector Value Drivers | Error rarity, historical context, sharp detail despite flaw |
| Comparable Reference Sales | 1938‑D MS68+ Full Steps sold for ~ $33,600; this variety may follow upward |
The Historical Context
- The 1943 war nickels were struck in a copper–silver–manganese alloy due to wartime copper conservation, distinguished by a large mint mark above Monticello.
- Historically, Full Steps on Monticello (five or six full steps) have been key collectible features, especially in sharply struck examples. But this jawline crack variety introduces a new dimension of rarity.
What Collectors Should Do
- Inspect any 1943 nickels carefully under magnification, looking along Jefferson’s jawline and checking lettering in the motto for any doubling.
- Submit candidates to reputable grading services such as PCGS or NGC for authentication and description.
- Compare to auction records and reference photos before pursuing grading, to ensure matching error characteristics.
- Monitor market behavior, as interest in this flaw type is growing rapidly among error‑coin collectors.
What seemed like an ordinary 5‑cent piece from 1943 now ranks among the most sought‑after Jefferson nickels in America—all thanks to a subtle die crack along Jefferson’s jawline and faint doubling in the motto.
Though seemingly insignificant to the untrained eye, this flaw transforms the coin into a rare mint‑error variety with increasing collector demand.
As numismatic hobbyists scan old rolls or inherited coin stash, those who prize precision and rarity may discover a small crack that leads to big value.
FAQs
Why would such a small flaw be so valuable?
Because die errors like jawline cracks are exceedingly rare and verifiable features that stand out in a mass‐produced coin series. Once discovered, these create collector excitement and bidding competition.
How many of these flawed 1943 nickels are known?
Only a very small number have been confirmed publicly—experts estimate just a handful exist, making them extremely scarce.
Does the flaw affect coin grading?
Yes. A grading service will note the crack and doubling in the coin’s description. Such documented error coins usually command a premium, especially if the strike quality remains strong.