I have 3 1943 war nickels one is a P the other two are S mint marks. The one in question is the middle one in the pictures. It is toned on the obverse and very shiny. Was just wanting your opinion on what cause the toning on the obverse and not on the reverse. I know it has been in circulation and has some damage as the other two do. Just curious about the toning.
All kinds of crazy things cause toning. I've seen hundreds of these pulled from circulation and I can tell you that all the ones you have look normal. Generally, those that still "shine" have been polished.
The bottom one looks cleaned. All 3 are worth melt value. The war nickels have a variety of toning because of the composition, 35% silver 56% copper 9% manganese.