In the mid-1950s Francis LeRoy Henning of Erial, New Jersey minted what is now known as the “Henning” Nickel. He made counterfeit nickels dated 1939, 1944, 1946, 1947 and 1953. The 1944 nickels were quickly spotted since Henning neglected to add the large Mint Mark.
Counterfeit 1944, 5.40 grams. 1944, 4.96 grams, US MintPhiladelphia (P).
- Why the mintage of 1943 D nickels was relatively low is a mystery, but most likely the Denver Mint was directed to focus on other denominations that year. In any case, this issue is plentiful across all but the highest grades. Like most Denver Mint coins of the war years, it is of superior workmanship when compared to those of the other mints.
- Type: Jefferson NickelYear: 1943Mint Mark: PFace Value: 0.05 USDTotal Produced: 271,165,000Silver Content: 35% Silver Weight: 0.0563 oz.Silver Melt: $0.93Val.
- Value of 1943-P Jefferson War Nickel. The mintage for the 1943-P Jefferson War Nickel is the highest out of any produced. Therefore, this coin is common to find in higher grades. However, keep an eye out for the two variations that can be found with this coin, the Double Eye and the Overdate. These silver wartime nickels are 56% Copper and 35%.
The 1944 Henning Nickel is easy to spot because of the missing Mint Mark. But the other dates 1939, 1946, 1947 and 1953 are more difficult. These are identified by a mistake on the die that Henning made that has a void/low spot in the “r” on “pluribus” on the reverse side which gives it a very distinct look but not all reverse die have this mistake. The Counterfeit’s Weight is ~5.4 grams while the Jefferson Nickel is ~5.0 grams.
Image courtesy of Cameron Leonard. Image courtesy of Bob Saylor.
While being interviewed after his arrest Henning claimed to have made six nickel reverse dies and six nickel obverse dies giving the impression there is another Henning dated nickel.
The 1982 book “THE COUNTERFEIT 1944 JEFFERSON NICKEL” written by DWIGHT H. STUCKEY details the events that resulted in the arrest of Mr. Henning.
USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1943-P Jefferson Nickel is Worth $1.93 in Average Condition and can be Worth $6.11 to $22 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition. Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins.
1943 Nickel Value Ebay
If you are an ANA member you can borrow this book from the Dwight N. Manley Library. Located at the ANA’s Colorado Springs headquarters, the staff lends materials to members all over the world – for just the cost of postage and insurance.
Images of the 1939 Henning Nickels in the collection of Cameron Leonard.
1939, 5.42 grams, no die crack with a void/low spot in the “r” on “pluribus” on the reverse side.
1939, 5.40 grams die crack with a void/low spot in the “r” on “pluribus” on the reverse side.
Images of the 1944 Henning Nickels in the collection of Bob Saylor and JC Stevens.
1944, with a void/low spot in the “r” on “pluribus” on the reverse side. Image courtesy of Bob Saylor.
1944, 5.40 grams, die crack with a void/low spot in the “r” on “pluribus” on the reverse side.
1943 Nickel Value No Mint Mark
Note: The reverse die crack has been found on both 1939 & 1944 Henning Nickels.
Images of the 1947 Henning Nickels in the collection of Bob Saylor.
1943 Nickel Value Worth
1947, 5.33 grams, a reverse die that the “r” on “pluribus” is not damaged. Image courtesy of Bob Saylor.