A Cash Register Surprise
In a small Iowa grocery store, cashier Sarah Miller found a nickel that turned out to be a hidden treasure. While counting change in July 2025, she noticed a 1943 Jefferson nickel with an unusual silver shine. After some research, she learned it was a rare wartime error coin, which later sold for $1.2 million at auction. Known as the 1943/2-P Silver Alloy Overdate, this nickel is one of the most valuable U.S. coins, and some may still be in circulation. Here’s how to spot this gem and why it’s worth so much.
The Wartime Nickel’s Background
The Jefferson nickel, first minted in 1938, features Thomas Jefferson on the front and Monticello on the back. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, nickels were made with 35% silver to save copper and nickel for the war effort. These “wartime nickels” have a large mint mark above Monticello’s dome, showing P, D, or S for Philadelphia, Denver, or San Francisco. The 1943/2-P error happened when a 1943 die was stamped over a 1942 die, creating a doubled date that makes this coin extremely rare and valuable.
How to Spot the 1943/2-P Nickel
To find this million-dollar nickel, check these details carefully:
- Date: Look for “1943/2” where the “3” appears over a faint “2.”
- Mint Mark: Check for a large “P” above Monticello’s dome.
- Color: The coin should have a silver shine, not the usual copper-nickel look.
- Condition: Coins with clear details and minimal scratches are worth more.
- Magnification: Use a jeweler’s loupe to see the overdate clearly.
Never clean the coin, as scratches can drastically reduce its value.
| Feature | 1943/2-P Nickel |
|---|---|
| Date | 1943 over 1942 |
| Mint Mark | Large “P” above dome |
| Material | 35% silver alloy |
| Condition | Clear, minimal wear |
Another Valuable Wartime Nickel
Another rare wartime nickel is the 1943-P Double Die Obverse, where the front design, including Jefferson’s face and “LIBERTY,” appears doubled. This error can sell for $10,000 to $50,000 in top condition. Look for a blurry or shadowed effect on the text and portrait, with a “P” mint mark above Monticello. These coins have been found in circulation, like one discovered in a Michigan vending machine, making them a thrilling target for collectors.
| Coin Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 1943/2-P Overdate | Up to $1.2 million |
| 1943-P Double Die | $10,000 – $50,000 |
Where to Look and What to Do
These rare nickels could be hiding anywhere money is used. Check change from stores, bank coin rolls, or old family collections. The 1943/2-P nickel has turned up in places like Iowa and Ohio, often in everyday transactions. If you find a suspicious nickel, handle it with gloves and store it in a plastic holder. Take it to a grading service like PCGS or NGC to confirm its authenticity. A certified coin can fetch top dollar at auctions or through private sales to collectors.
A Treasure in Your Pocket
Sarah’s $1.2 million find shows that a simple nickel can hold incredible value. The 1943/2-P overdate’s rarity and wartime history make it a collector’s dream, while the double die version adds to the excitement. Whether you’re buying coffee or sorting through old coins, a quick check could uncover a fortune. Grab a magnifying glass and start looking. That nickel in your change might just be a million-dollar piece of history.