United States Wartime Nickels Collector's Set (11 Coins)

This is a comprehensive 11-coin set of United States 'Wartime' Jefferson Nickels, produced between the mid-1942 and 1945. These specific coins are composed of a unique alloy—35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese—rather than the standard copper-nickel mix, necessitated by the prioritization of nickel for military use during World War II. The collection is housed in a vintage cream-colored cardboard holder (No. 9900) protected by a plastic sleeve. The set includes every year and mint mark combination from the wartime era: 1942-P, 1942-S, 1943-P, 1943-D, 1943-S, 1944-P, 1944-D, 1944-S, 1945-P, 1945-D, and 1945-S. Visually, the coins exhibit the classic deep charcoal grey to black patina characteristic of high-silver-content wartime nickels when exposed to circulation and certain storage environments. Most coins show moderate circulation wear with softened details on Jefferson's portrait. A defining feature of these coins is the oversized mint mark (P, D, or S) positioned above the dome of Monticello on the reverse, marking the first time the 'P' mint mark was used on a U.S. coin. The cardboard holder shows minor shelf wear, light creases on the left flap, and slight yellowing consistent with age, but the printed labels remain clear and legible.