What Years are War Nickels?
The War Nickels, also known as the Jesse Helm Nickels, are a series of 35-milligram, 75% copper and 25% nickel coins minted by the United States Mint from 1942 to 1945. These coins were produced during World War II, and their composition was changed to free up copper for the war effort. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and mintages of the War Nickels.
History of the War Nickels
In 1942, the United States Mint faced a shortage of copper, a key component in the production of coins. The War Production Board, a government agency responsible for managing the country’s resources during the war, ordered the reduction of copper usage in the production of coins. The Mint responded by replacing the traditional copper composition of the nickel with a 75% copper and 25% nickel alloy.
The new composition was designed to reduce the demand for copper and conserve the metal for other uses, such as military equipment and infrastructure. The War Nickels were produced from 1942 to 1945, and their mintage was significant, with over 1.4 billion coins produced during this period.
Design of the War Nickels
The War Nickels feature a similar design to the pre-1942 nickels, with a Thomas Rogers Kimball-designed obverse (front) and Frank Gasparro-designed reverse (back). The obverse features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, while the reverse features a fencepost with three stalks of wheat on either side.
Mintage of the War Nickels
The War Nickels were produced at the Philadelphia Mint, Denver Mint, and San Francisco Mint. Here is a breakdown of the mintage by year:
| Year | Philadelphia Mint | Denver Mint | San Francisco Mint | Total Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942 | 265,000,000 | 40,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 325,000,000 |
| 1943 | 250,000,000 | 40,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 310,000,000 |
| 1944 | 170,000,000 | 30,000,000 | 15,000,000 | 215,000,000 |
| 1945 | 120,000,000 | 20,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 150,000,000 |
Variations and Errors
During the production of the War Nickels, several variations and errors occurred. These include:
- War Nickels with a silver-colored toning: Due to the high nickel content, some War Nickels developed a silver-colored toning over time.
- War Nickels with a copper-colored toning: Some War Nickels developed a copper-colored toning due to exposure to air and moisture.
- War Nickels with errors in the mint marks: Some War Nickels feature errors in the mint marks, such as missing or misaligned mint marks.
- War Nickels with errors in the dies: Some War Nickels feature errors in the dies, such as misaligned or worn dies.
Collecting War Nickels
War Nickels are popular among collectors due to their unique composition and historical significance. Here are some tips for collecting War Nickels:
- Look for coins with good toning: War Nickels with good toning can add value to the coin.
- Look for coins with errors: War Nickels with errors can be rare and valuable.
- Look for coins with high mintages: War Nickels with high mintages are less rare and less valuable than those with lower mintages.
- Consider the condition: The condition of the coin can affect its value. Coins in better condition are generally more valuable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the War Nickels are a unique and historical series of coins that played an important role in the United States during World War II. With their significant mintage and variations, War Nickels are popular among collectors and can add value to any collection. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, War Nickels are a great addition to any coin collection.
