1945 D Jefferson Nickel

1945 seems to have been a bad year for the U. S. Mint, as the coins from all three facilities were of lesser quality than usual for the war years. Denver typically was the leader in quality coin production, but even it saw a reduction in the quality of its nickels during 1945. While the certified population reveals plenty of gems, including a high incidence of 5FS and 6FS coins, closer inspection of the actual coins will reveal that they are not equal in luster and strike to earlier wartime nickels from Denver.

A couple of minor doubled-die varieties are found within the Wexler/Ribar book, but these are of very limited interest. James Wiles' book on Jefferson RPM varieties includes a rich assortment for 1945 D, with just a few of these being distinct enough to warrant a second look.