Numismatic Reference · 1942–1945
WWII Silver War Nickel
Collector value up to $1,000 for top-grade examples
During World War II, nickel was needed for armor plating, so the US Mint temporarily swapped it out of the 5-cent coin and replaced it with silver. The result: the only US nickel ever to carry precious metal.
Specs
- Composition
- 35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese
- Weight
- 5.00 g
- Pure silver content
- 0.0563 troy oz
- Years struck
- 1942–1945
A short history
From partway through 1942 to the end of 1945, US 5-cent pieces were struck in a 35% silver alloy. To make them easy to sort out of circulation later, the Mint moved the mint mark to a huge position above Monticello on the reverse — including a 'P' for Philadelphia, the first time that mint mark appeared on US coinage.
What it's made of
War Nickels weigh 5 grams and contain 35% silver — approximately 0.0563 troy oz of pure silver each. Twenty War Nickels contain roughly 1.125 troy oz of silver.
Key dates & varieties to watch
- 1942-P — first-year Philadelphia issue with the new large mint mark
- 1943/2-P — dramatic overdate variety
- 1945-P Doubled Die Reverse
Values for key dates depend heavily on grade and authentication. Bring your coins in for an in-person look — we evaluate every piece individually.
How to identify it
- Obverse: Thomas Jefferson bust facing left
- Reverse: Monticello with a LARGE mint mark centered above it (P, D, or S)
- Regular Jefferson nickels have small or no mint mark next to Monticello — the giant mint mark above is the war-nickel tell
- Only 1942 with a large mint mark and all 1943, 1944, 1945 nickels are silver
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all 1942 nickels silver?
No. Only 1942 nickels with the LARGE mint mark above Monticello are the silver alloy. Early-1942 nickels with the small mint mark (or none) are the standard copper-nickel composition.
Do you buy full rolls of War Nickels?
Yes. Full or partial rolls, jars, coffee cans — bring them all in for an in-person evaluation.
Related coins we buy
Bring your War Nickels in for a free evaluation
Whether it's a single coin or a full collection, we make competitive offers on the spot. Book online or call — no obligation.