I was going through my latest box of nickels and came across a strange one, at least to me. I found a 1942 with no mint mark. I know the war years nickels started with 1942 and they were all supposed to have mint marks over the dome on the reverse. Do any of you mint experts know when the silver war nickels started being minted in 1942? Is there someplace that might have a mintage figure for a 1942 plain, i.e. no mint mark. I have a couple dozen war year nickels and I can see the difference in the appearance of the silver nickels. This one looks like any other Jeff nickel in appearance. Thanks for your help. GTeachman
There are two types of nickels produced in 1942, type 1 and silver alloy type 2. If I remember correctly, the type 2 was produced starting in October.
The 42-D (non silver) is more desirable than the 42-P (non Ag). This one is about a dime. In good condition. There are no silver 42-D's. And there are no nickel 42 S's. The Phillys came in both types. The silver are 1942 large P and 1942 large S. There is a very valuable and rare variety on the 42-D "horizontal D". Never seen one in hand.
Guys, thanks for all the quick and informative replies. I learned a lot about the 1942 nickel, all just by asking the right folks! Thanks, GTeachman
Mr. GT, get a red book. It'll answer the questions you asked in this thread and many many more. https://www.whitman.com/store/Inventory/Browse/2019-Red-Books