1942-1945 WWII Jefferson Silver War Nickel Collector Lot – 18 Historic 35% Silver Cents

Designation: United States WWII Wartime Silver Jefferson Nickel Bulk Lot
Mintage Years Included: 1943, 1945, 1946, 1947, 1948, and 1949 (See precious metal composition breakdown below)
Mint Locations Included: Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) Mints
Denomination: Five Cents ($0.05 USD each / $0.90 Total Face Value)
Grade/Condition: Circulated / Very Good to About Uncirculated (Mixed VG–AU Tiers)
Wartime Composition & Numismatic Breakdown:
This 18-piece collector starter group is split across two distinct metallurgical compositions, charting the United States Mint's transition during and immediately following the Second World War:
Wartime Silver Issues (14 Coins): Struck from 1942 to 1945 to conserve critical industrial raw materials for military tank and ammunition production. These special pieces completely eliminated nickel from the alloy, replacing it with an unusual precious metal blend of 35% Silver, 56% Copper, and 9% Manganese. They are easily identified by the oversized mint marks (P, D, or S) positioned directly above the dome of Monticello on the reverse. [1, 2]
Post-War Base Metal Issues (4 Coins): Struck from 1946 to 1949, marking the permanent return to the traditional circulating base metal standard of 75% Copper and 25% Nickel.
Individual Coin Breakdown (By Year & Mint):
1943-P (4 Coins): Heavily to moderately circulated. Showcases classic gray wartime toning with bold, crisp "P" mint marks above the roofline.
1943-S (3 Coins): Features attractive, uniform charcoal patina across Felix Schlag's classic Thomas Jefferson profile.
1945-P (2 Coins): Balanced circulation wear with readable inscriptions and solid rim boundaries.
1945-S (2 Coins): Honest pocket wear; reverse pillars on Monticello are smoothed but fully identifiable.
1946-P (1 Coin): Post-war base-metal strike showing moderate circulation friction.
1947-P (1 Coin): Clear obverse profile with even brown-gray copper-nickel surfaces.
1948-P (2 Coins): Clean fields with light surface marks consistent with brief mid-century circulation.
1949-P (2 Coins): Strong, readable dates and fine geometric definitions remaining on the steps and pillars of the reverse building design.
1949-D (1 Coin): Displays a highly unique, bright golden-amber brassy toning across both faces, adding spectacular eye appeal to this branch-mint issue.