1944 Nickel Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?

Do you have a 1944 nickel in your coin collection? If so, you might be wondering how much it’s worth. There are several factors to consider when trying to determine the value of this particular coin.

From its condition and mint mark to its rarity and historical significance, there is a lot that goes into determining the 1944 nickel value. In this blog post, we will explain all these elements and provide an estimated range of values for different types of nickels from this year. So if you’re curious about what your 1944 nickel might be worth, read on for more details!

1944 Nickel Value Chart
Mint Mark	Good	Fine	Extremely Fine	Uncirculated
1944 P Nickel Value	$0.76	$2.93	$3.98	$8.67 – $36
1944 D Nickel Value	$1.75	$2.72	$3.97	$8.66 – $36
1944 S Nickel Value	$1.75	$2.92	$3.97	$7.40 – $25

Value by Mint Mark

The Jefferson nickel, first designed in 1938 by German immigrant Felix Schlag, is a five-cent coin that took its turn in the limelight after the Buffalo nickel had its run. This coin was first issued to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, America’s third president. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson based on a Gilbert Stuart painting, while the reverse features an image of Monticello (Jefferson’s home for many years).

Throughout its history, the nickel has seen numerous design changes, including additions and removals of mintmarks and major and minor alterations to the obverse and reverse designs – one of the most major being a new obverse portrait of Thomas Jefferson in 2004 and then again in 2005, which is the design we see today.

Today, the nickel remains one of America’s most iconic coins. Its simple yet timeless design has made it a favorite among collectors and non-collectors alike. While its purchasing power may have diminished over time with inflation, its historical significance and value as a keepsake remain undiminished.

The 1944 nickel is special in that it is a wartime nickel, produced during World War II. Instead of the usual metal composition of copper and nickel, this coin had a makeup of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese, making its weight 5 grams. This was done because the U.S. government needed to conserve nickel for strategic uses in the war effort, so nickels were produced from alternative metals until 1945.

The dimensions stayed the same, however, measuring at 21.21 millimeters (0.835 inches) in diameter and 1.95 millimeters thick with a plain edge, just like any other Jefferson nickel.

The 1944 nickel can be found with three different mint marks, depending on where it was made: “P” for Philadelphia, “D” for Denver, or “S” for San Francisco. Mint marks were used to differentiate between coins produced by the three different mint locations.

Let’s look at each mint mark and value by condition:

1944 P Nickel Value

Mint marks on the 1944 nickel are very important when determining its value. In 1944, the Jefferson nickel featured a large mintmark (a “P”) for the Philadelphia Mint above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin.

Up to this point in history, Philadelphia generally went without a mint mark. However, due to the fact that this was a wartime nickel with a different metal composition, it featured one. This “P” mint mark is a good indication that your coin was made during World War II, which affects its value.

The 1944 P nickel values range from approximately $0.76 in “Good” (G-4) condition, to $2.93 in “Fine” (F-12) condition, to $3.98 in “Extremely Fine” (EF-30) condition in circulated coins. In other words, virtually every 1944 nickel is worth more than its face value!

In “Uncirculated” condition, the value jumps to $8.67 (MS-60) up to around $36 (MS-65+). While these are the typical valuations of “Uncirculated” 1944 P nickels, one with an extremely high grade (MS-68+) with “Full Steps” sold at an auction for a super impressive $9 thousand!

If you are not familiar with the “Full Steps” feature in nickels, it is when the lines in Monticello’s dome steps are well-defined and full – a rare and very attractive feature on coins!

1944 D Nickel Value

The 1944 D nickel, produced at the Denver Mint, is a bit more valuable than its Philadelphia cousin. It also features a large “D” mint mark above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin, to let us know that it was made in Denver and contains the wartime composition.

In circulated condition, the value for this coin is very similar to its Philadelphia counterpart. It ranges from approximately $1.75 in “Good” (G-4) condition, to around $2.72 in “Fine” (F-12) condition, to $3.97 in “Extremely Fine” (EF-30) condition.

Again, similar to the nickels from Philadelphia, those in “Uncirculated” condition range between $8.66 and $36, depending on the condition and rarity of that coin in that condition. As always, the higher grade in which the coins have been preserved, the better.

Now, don’t think it stops there! One of these 1944 D nickels with a grade of MS68 (which is nearly perfect) sold at an auction for a whopping $10 thousand! Can you believe it?

1944 S Nickel Value

Lastly, we come to the 1944 S nickel. These coins were produced at the San Francisco Mint and feature a large “S” mint mark above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin.

In circulated condition, these nickels range from approximately $1.75 in “Good” (G-4) condition, to $2.92 in “Fine” (F-12) condition, and up to around $3.97 in “Extremely Fine” (EF-30) condition. Again, as with other Jefferson nickels, those in “Uncirculated” grades range between $7.40 and $25 depending on its rarity and grade.

However, one such “Uncirculated” coin from San Francisco – with a grade of MS-68+ and with the “Full Steps” feature – sold for an amazing $14 thousand! All that for a little war time nickel!

1944 Nickel Grading

Grading a 1944 nickel is an important part of determining its value. A well preserved coin will have more appeal to collectors and therefore be worth more money than one in lower condition. To grade a nickel, the first thing to look for is the overall wear and tear on the coin. This includes things like scratches, spots, discoloration, or any other signs of damage that may have occurred over time.

The next step in grading a 1944 nickel is to look at the details on the design itself. It should be easy to make out all the features; such as Jefferson’s face and Monticello. If these details are worn down or not easily visible, then it would indicate that the coin has been circulated more than one that has retained its sharp luster.

Another aspect to consider when grading a 1944 nickel is how much toning can be seen on it. Toning can range from light golden hues to dark blues or greens and even browns in extreme cases. Toning adds character to coins and can also increase their value if done tastefully with minimal signs of damage or over-toning present.

Finally, look for any die varieties or errors present on your particular 1944 nickel as this could significantly boost its value as certain ones are rarer than others. All in all, grading a 1944 nickel is an intricate process that requires close attention paid to detail if you want an accurate assessment of its condition and potential worth.

1944 Nickel Error Coins List

Occasionally, errors can be found on 1944 nickels that were produced at any or all three of the US Mint locations. If you are not sure what an error coin is, it is simply a coin that has some sort of defect in its production. These defects can range from slight die variations to major misprints.

These are often highly coveted pieces by coin collectors as they are quite rare and valuable due to their unique characteristics.

Here is a list of some error nickels from 1944:

1944 D Nickel – Repunched Mint Mark Error

One error that was found on some 1944 D nickels is a repunched mint mark error. This means that the Denver Mint’s “D” mint mark was stamped twice on some of their coins, resulting in an overlapping “D”. These errors are very small, as they are on the tiny mint mark, so they are best found with the use of a coin microscope.

One of these coins (which also had a very high grade) actually sold at an auction a few years ago for over $300! Not too shabby for a nickel.

1944 P Nickel – 10% Off Center Strike Error

Another error that was found on some 1944 nickels, this time on the Philadelphia mint mark coins, is a 10% off center strike. As the name suggests, this coin was struck 10% off center, resulting in an uneven rim and an offset design. These errors are easy to spot as they look quite different from regular nickels and can often be seen with the naked eye.

One of these coins sold at an auction for over $380!

1944 Nickel Frequently Asked Questions

Now that we have discussed the value and collecting potential of 1944 nickels, let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions that people have about these historical coins.

How Much is a 1944 Nickel Worth?

The value of a 1944 nickel depends on its condition and grade. In circulated grades, they are typically only worth face value, but in higher grades they can be worth well over $36 – and that’s only if they aren’t extremely high grades (like MS-68), have errors, or have some sort of bidding war at an auction. With just the right circumstances, your 1944 nickel could be worth well into the several thousand!

Where Do I Find 1944 Nickels for Sale?

You can find 1944 nickels for sale online at reputable coin dealers or auction sites such as eBay. You can even find them at online marketplaces like Etsy. Local coin shops may also have them available for purchase, though it is less likely to find one locally.

Are There Any Rare Error Coins in the Series?

Yes, there are some rare errors that were found in the series, such as repunched mint mark errors and 15% off center strike errors. These are quite rare and valuable pieces, as many error coins are considered “one of a kind”, and they can be worth hundreds of dollars in higher grades.

How Can I Tell if I Have a 1944 Nickel Error Coin?

Error coins can often be identified by their unique characteristics, such as an uneven rim or an offset design on the coin. If you believe you have one of these coins, it’s best to have it graded by a professional third-party grading service in order to determine its authenticity and value.

Some professional third-party grading services include PCGS and NGC. These services will grade your coin for a fee, provide you with the official designation of its condition and grade, and then provide you with a certificate of authenticity.

Should I Clean My 1944 Nickel?

When it comes to cleaning your coins, the general rule of thumb is to never do so. Cleaning a coin can actually damage its surface and lower its value as it removes part of its original patina. For this reason, it’s best to leave any cleaning or restoring up to the professionals if you are looking to maximize your coin’s value.

Conclusion

There you have it! All the details about nickels from 1944!

The 1944 nickel is an interesting and unique coin option with a lot of potential for both beginning and experienced coin collectors alike. From common circulated coins to rare error coins, these 1944 war time nickels offer something for everyone. Be sure to keep an eye out for these coins as they can be found in circulation and are always popular with collectors.

Whether you are looking to collect them or just want to know what they’re worth, hopefully this blog post helped you get started on your journey. Good luck and happy hunting!

Have you ever seen or collected a 1944 nickel before? Let us know in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.