Hello,
There are 6 US nickels intentionally minted with the date 1942 ( not counting several varieties )
1. The non silver
1942 and it
has no mint mark and is made of the same metal composition as the 1938 1939 1940 and 1941 nickels. It was minted in Philadelphia.
Sometimes referred to as the 1942 P Type 1, I think it's best to just call it a 1942.
2. The
1942 D which is also of the same composition as the one I mention above and
it has a small D to the right of the Monticello Building on the reverse. This is also one of the
key dates but only usually worth a much greater premium in UNCIRCULATED condition. Minted in Denver.
3. The
1942 P 35% Wartime Silver or
Type 2 which has a
LARGE P on the reverse over the dome of Monticello.
These were produced to save metals that were needed to support our military efforts of World War 2.
Minted in Philadelphia.
4. The
1942 S Same as above ( No 3. ) with a
LARGE S over the dome and minted in San Francisco.
5. The
1942 Proof No mint mark minted in Philadelphia or
Type 1 ProofNon Silver composition.
6. 1942 P 35% Silver Proof or
Type 2 Proof with the Wartime composition.
Minted in Philadelphia.
A general set of 1942 business strikes would be considered complete if you had 4 1942 Jefferson's.
1942 1942-D 1942-P and 1942-S