Price Guide for 1944 Nickel Variants
This guide presents price ranges for variants from three sources: eBay sales, third-party auctions, and PCGS guides. Values are shown for various conditions, allowing collectors to compare across different market segments. Price estimates may vary between sources, especially for rarer variants.
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $10.00 – $253.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $7,475.00
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eBayCirculated: $5.50 – $135.00Uncirculated: $0.99 – $1,700.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $3.00 – $6.00Uncirculated: $7.00 – $360.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $27.00 – $14,100.00
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eBayUncirculated: $17.01 – $1,899.95
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $10.00 – $18,000.00
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3rd Party PriceCirculated: $7.00 – $39.00Uncirculated: $8.00 – $1,840.00
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eBayCirculated: $12.50 – $21.50Uncirculated: $5.50 – $888.80
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $3.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $215.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $8.00 – $6,168.75
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eBayCirculated: $6.00 – $122.50Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,999.00
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PCGS Price GuideCirculated: $1.00 – $3.00Uncirculated: $6.00 – $1,500.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $18.00 – $9,400.00
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eBayUncirculated: $9.99 – $5,280.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $4,600.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $10.00 – $22,325.00
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eBayUncirculated: $0.99 – $4,960.00
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $8.00 – $6,350.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $31.00 – $305.50
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eBayUncirculated: $70.00 – $742.49
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $25.00 – $650.00
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3rd Party PriceUncirculated: $74.00 – $264.00
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eBayUncirculated: $125.00 – $749.99
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PCGS Price GuideUncirculated: $125.00 – $475.00
Design and Specifications of the 1944 Nickel
The 1944 Jefferson Nickel is part of the wartime silver alloy series produced from 1942 to 1945. This composition change was implemented to conserve nickel for the war effort during World War II. The silver content in these coins gives them a distinctive appearance and historical significance.
The mint mark was moved to a prominent position above Monticello on the reverse, making it larger and more noticeable than in previous years. This change was made to highlight the coin’s silver content and discourage hoarding.
| Weight | 5.0 grams |
|---|---|
| Diameter | 21.2 mm |
| Mint Marks | P, D, S |
| Composition | 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese |
| Obverse Design | Portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left, designed by Felix Schlag |
| Reverse Design | Monticello, Jefferson's home, designed by Felix Schlag |
Rarity Factors and Value Drivers
The condition of 1944 Jefferson Nickels significantly impacts their value. Uncirculated specimens with full luster and minimal contact marks command premium prices. The wartime silver composition can lead to attractive toning, which is desirable to collectors if natural and appealing.
Coins in MS65 and above are considerably scarcer and more valuable. The strike quality is important, with fully struck examples, especially those with sharp steps on Monticello, being highly sought after.
Mintage: 119,150,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 32,309,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Mintage: 21,640,000
Rarity Scale: Common
Circulation Status: Widely Circulated
Preservation Rarity: Scarce in grades MS66 and above
Varieties Errors: None significant
Market Demand: Moderate, higher for well-preserved specimens
Historical significance plays a crucial role in the value of 1944 Nickels. As part of the wartime silver series, they represent a unique period in U.S. coinage history. Original mint luster and attractive toning can significantly enhance value.
While not rare in circulated grades, high-grade examples with strong eye appeal are always in demand. The silver content also gives these coins a slight premium over face value, even in worn condition. Collectors often seek complete sets of wartime nickels, increasing demand for well-preserved 1944 issues.
