Jefferson Nickel That Paid Tribute : In the quiet world of coin collecting, value is often measured by rarity, mint marks, and condition. Yet, sometimes, a coin’s true worth emerges not from the mint where it was struck, but from the human hands that later altered it, embedding a personal piece of history into its metal. Such is the story behind a particular 1943 Jefferson Nickel that has captivated collectors not for its official design, but for a whispered, private homage to a World War II hero.
The Discovery A Flea Market Find Unveils a Mystery
The journey began not in a vault or an auction house, but at a humble Ohio flea market. A collector, sifting through a roll of old coins, noticed something unusual on a silver wartime nickel. Near the rim, under magnification, a faint inscription appeared: “LT. HAROLD C. — NEVER FORGOTTEN.” This was no mint error; it was a deliberate, hand-engraved addition to a coin that had entered circulation during the height of World War II. Intrigued, the collector shared images online, sparking a collaborative quest within the numismatic community to uncover the story behind the engraving.
Information Table The 1943 Engraved Jefferson Nickel
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coin Type | Jefferson Nickel (Wartime Issue) |
| Mint Year | 1943 |
| Metal Composition | 56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese (Wartime “Silver Alloy”) |
| Standard Motif | Monticello on reverse; Thomas Jefferson profile on obverse. |
| Unique Identifier | Hand-engraved inscription near rim: “LT. HAROLD C. — NEVER FORGOTTEN.” |
| Historical Context | Struck during World War II, when nickel was conserved for the war effort. |
| Person Honored | Lieutenant Harold C. Simmons, U.S. Navy, killed in action in WWII. |
| Origin of Engraving | A private tribute by the fallen officer’s close friend, circa 1940s. |
| Discovery Context | Found in a roll of coins purchased at an Ohio flea market, c. 2020s. |
| Collector Category | Engraved/Personalized Coin; “Emotional Rarity.” |
| Primary Value Drivers | Historical significance, poignant story, wartime composition, and uniqueness of the private memorial. |
Research Reveals the Hero Behind the Inscription
Driven by curiosity, historians and enthusiasts began to piece together the puzzle. Military records pointed to Lieutenant Harold C. Simmons, a U.S. Navy officer who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. While he was honored posthumously through official military channels, no governmental commemorative coin had ever been issued in his name. This gap between public recognition and private grief laid the groundwork for a deeply personal act of remembrance, leaving the community to wonder about the engraver’s identity and motivation.
A Grandson’s Revelation The Story of a Personal Memorial
The mystery deepened until a poignant connection was made. A man came forward, identifying himself as the grandson of the engraver. In a moving account, he explained that his grandfather had been the closest friend of Lt. Harold C. Simmons. Struggling with the loss, the grieving friend sought a unique, enduring way to honor his comrade. He carefully engraved a small batch of 1943 nickels—coins circulating during the war his friend died fighting—and released them back into the economy. His hope was not for fame or collector’s value, but that his friend’s memory would travel anonymously from hand to hand, a quiet, circulating memorial in the everyday life of the nation they served.
Impact on the Collecting World Redefining “Value”
This revelation sent gentle shockwaves through numismatic circles. While the coin is not an official mint variety and falls into the category of “engraved” or “personalized” coins—often overlooked by traditional grading services—its narrative has sparked renewed interest. Collectors are now re-examining their holdings of wartime nickels, looking for similar private tributes. Auction houses note a heightened appreciation for coins with provenance and human stories, a concept some are calling “emotional rarity.” The coin’s value is now a blend of its historic wartime composition, its age, and the powerful, human story it carries—a story that had traveled incognito for over seven decades.
A Lasting Reminder History in Our Pockets
The tale of the Lt. Harold C. nickel is a profound reminder that history is not only found in textbooks or museums. It can circulate silently among us, etched into the ordinary objects we handle daily. This coin transforms from a simple piece of currency into a tiny, mobile monument, challenging collectors and the public alike to look closer. It underscores the idea that the most compelling artifacts are often those that bridge the gap between grand historical events and individual human experience. While only one such nickel has been confirmed, the possibility that others exist continues to inspire a sense of wonder and discovery in pockets and coin jars across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is this 1943 nickel considered a mint error or an official variety?
A1: No. This coin is not a mint error or an official die variety. The inscription was added by a private individual after the coin left the mint. It is categorized as an “engraved” or “personalized” coin.
Q2: What is the monetary value of this specific nickel?
A2: Its value is highly subjective and narrative-driven. While a standard 1943 silver-war nickel in circulated condition might be worth a few dollars, this coin’s worth to collectors is influenced by its unique story, provenance, and emotional impact. It would likely command a significant premium in a specialized auction.
Q3: How can I tell if my old nickels have similar engravings?
A3: Careful examination under good light and magnification is key. Look for any faint, hand-etched letters or symbols near the coin’s rim or in the field (empty space) that are not part of the original design. Patina wear may make them subtle.
Q4: Why would someone engrave a circulating coin instead of keeping it?
A4: As the story suggests, the intent was to create a circulating memorial. By returning the coin to use, the engraver ensured his friend’s memory would travel unpredictably and become a part of the daily life of the nation, making the tribute public yet anonymous.
Q5: Are there legal issues with defacing or engraving U.S. currency?
A5: U.S. law (18 U.S.C. § 331) prohibits defacing currency with the intent to fraudulently alter its value or render it unfit for reissue. However, artistic alteration or engraving without fraudulent intent is generally not prosecuted, especially on coins, which are considered government property but rarely tracked for this purpose.
Q6: Has the U.S. Mint ever issued official coins for individual fallen soldiers?
A6: No, the U.S. Mint does not issue official circulating coinage for individual soldiers. Fallen service members are honored through military awards, memorials, and sometimes through congressional gold medals (extremely rare), but not through mass-produced circulating coins.
Q7: Where is this nickel now?
A7: Based on the article’s narrative, the discoverer still owns the coin. Its story was shared with the collecting community, but its current location or whether it has been sold privately is not publicly disclosed.
