Posted 03/19/2008 12:37 pm
The large mint mark above Montecello on the reverse means it's a WWII era silver nickel. The S itself means it was minted at the San Francisco mint. During WWII only silver nickels were produced. In fact, over 100 million 1943S nickels were produced which is not significantly different from any other year around 1943. Collectors have taken more out of circulation in the subsequent years so they have become less likely to come up in your pocket change then a 1941 nickel, for example. The silver content also makes the coin more valuable as well. Depending on condition, your nickel is worth between $0.50 cents and $13. Hope this helps.
