War Time Nickels 1942-1945

The U.S. 5 cent coin has traditionally been made from, well, nickel. Actually it is a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel. But during a short period from the latter part of 1942 to 1945 when nickel was essential to the war effort during WWII nickels were composed of 56% copper, 9% manganese and 35% silver. These have become known as the silver War Nickels and contain 0.0563 troy ounces of silver in each coin. From the latter part of 1942 to 1945 is the only time the nickel coin has had silver content. Identifying these silver nickels is very easy because of the very large mint mark on the reverse above the depiction of Monticello. The silver War Nickel was minted in Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.

War Time Nickels 1942-1945 Mintage

	Philadelphia	Denver	San Francisco
1942	57,873,000		32,900,000
1943	271,165,000	15,294,000	104,060,000
1944	119,150,000	32,309,000	21,640,000
1945	119,408,100	37,158,000	58,939,000

The silver Nickels are very collectible in Mint State condition and affordable. There are some scarce varieties like the 1943 Double Die Obverse, 1943/2 and the 1945 Double Die Reverse that are prized by collectors of the great nickels. See a silver Nickel that interests you? Click on that listing to see all of the information. Nearly all mint marks and conditions are just a click away. We've powered our search routines to bring you the most sought after searches easily and quickly.