1944-D Jefferson Nickel

The 1944-D Jefferson Nickel total mintage more than doubled from the previous year, with over 32 million coins struck at the Denver Mint. This is another unique coin from the wartime nickels that had a different composition compared to all of the other coins in the series. Between 1942 and 1945, the military needed nickel to help produce ammunition, so the Jefferson Nickels continued production but weren’t made of nickel during those years. Instead they contained copper, silver, and manganese. Due to its silver content, these coins aren’t in circulation anymore, and are often set aside by collectors. They are easy to identify due to being the only coins in the long series that have an enlarged mint mark above the dome of the Monticello on the reverse of the coin.

History of the 1944-D Jefferson Nickel

The 1944-D Jefferson Nickel can be found in Mint State and Full Step varieties up to almost perfect grades. In Full Step, this coin has been documented at MS68, although it is likely difficult to find at this high of a grade and would require some careful searching. Felix Schlag one the original design competition for the Thomas Jefferson Nickel and his images feature Thomas Jefferson in profile on the obverse of the coin, and his popular Monticello home on the reverse, along with the enlarged ‘D’ mint mark. The designs will shift over the years, but the coin is still in production today.