I found this nickle about 40 years ago. I used to set aside counterfeit coins and this was set with them. Never knew if it was for real or some worked coin. It has been in circulation and is worn some. About a fine to VF, grading as we did 40 -50 years ago. I think I had read about a 1943 minted this way, but never heard of a 1944. As close as I can look, with my 78 year old eyes and strongest glass, I can't see where if the "P" mint mark was removed or made that way. The background field above Jefferson's home looks normal as can be. Has anyone else heard of this ?
Howdy Jack - Welcome to the Forum !! The '43 nickel you refer to was not struck by the US Mint but was a counterfeit produced in somewhat large numbers by a man named Henning. They are well known. But I have never heard of a '44. Can you perhaps post a pic - it might help ?
I think maybe the dates were transposed in the answer. The other information is correct, but it is the 1944 Henning that is the famous one (I’ve never heard of a 1943). He did make other years, but because that is the only wartime-date nickel he made (and used a non-wartime reverse), that is the only one that is easily identified. One diagnostic that is commonly mentioned is that on MOST (not all) 1944 Henning counterfeits have a defect in the left leg of the “R” in “E Pluribus Unum” on the reverse. They sell regularly on eBay for anywhere from $10 to $30 (or sometimes more). If you do sell it, describe it carefully, and mention that it is a Henning counterfeit – with a proper identification it will sell with some competitive bidding. I have about 6 or 7 of these. I enjoy noting die varieties, etc. By the way,. Strictly speaking they are illegal to sell, but he feds won’t bother you (unless they want to).
Aint no doubt about it - gotta quit trusting my memory Thanks for the correction JBK - and why weren't you around to post the correct answer before I posted the wrong one ??
