1943-D Jefferson Nickel. MS-68+ 5FS (NGC). This is an exceptional 1943-D Jefferson nickel that represents the pinnacle of both the date and the historic Wartime Silver Alloy type. It is magnificently toned with vivid pastel colors that deliver outstanding visual appeal. Well struck and essentially perfect beneath a glass.<p>Early in World War II, nickels role as a strategic metal in the war effort meant that an alternative for coinage needed to be found. After several experiments, the Mint came up with a seemingly odd alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese that would work since it had minimal impact on existing vending machines and turnstiles. The present example ranks not only as the single finest certified example of the 1943-D issue known to PCGS and NGC, but is tied with only one other coin (1945-D PCGS MS-68+ FS) as the finest certified in the entire Wartime series of 1942 to 1945. It is a truly exceptional Ultra Gem notable both for its quality and its incredible toning, and it is surely destined for a world-class cabinet of 20th century condition rarities.
