Back in World War II, the U.S. needed nickel for war supplies like tanks and bullets. To save nickel, the government changed the metal mix of the Jefferson nickel between 1942 and 1945.
Instead of using the usual copper-nickel mix, they used a blend of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. These coins became known as “war nickels.” They didn’t look fancy, but they played a small role in helping win the war.
Nickels Popularity
Recently, collectors and investors have started paying more attention to these old nickels. Why? It’s a mix of history, metal value, and collector interest.
First, silver prices have gone up. Each war nickel has around 0.056 ounces of silver. So, even for the silver alone, they’re worth more than five cents.
Second, people love coins with stories. These nickels are part of America’s wartime history. They even look a bit different—look closely, and you’ll see a big mintmark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the back.
Rare
Millions of war nickels were made, but most were used up or melted for their silver. That means it’s now hard to find ones in great shape.
If you have one that looks brand new, especially with clear lines on the Monticello steps (called “Full Steps”), it could be worth a lot more. Some rare ones, especially with mint errors, have even sold for over $1,000 at auctions.
Nickels Worth
The value of a war nickel depends on its condition and if it has any rare details.
| Condition | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $1.50 to $5 |
| Uncirculated | $10 to $50 |
| Full Steps (graded) | $100+ |
| Rare errors (like 3-over-2 or double die) | $500 to $1,000+ |
So, if you find one in your old coin jar, it might be worth more than you think.
Nickel
Want to check if your Jefferson nickel is one of these special ones? Here’s how:
- Look at the date – Only coins from 1942 to 1945 can be war nickels.
- Check the back – There should be a large P, D, or S above Monticello. Normal nickels have smaller mintmarks to the side.
- Do a magnet test – War nickels don’t stick to magnets because they don’t have nickel.
Should You Keep or Sell
If you’ve got one or more of these coins, you might wonder: hold or sell? If they’re in great condition, think about getting them graded by a professional coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. This could increase the coin’s value.
For those looking to buy, now is still a good time. These coins are rising in value, but prices can change like anything in the collector market.
Piece of History
These nickels are more than old coins. They tell a story of a time when even small things—like the metal in coins—were used to help in a global war.
Owning one is like holding a little piece of history. As more people get interested in World War II collectibles, these coins are finally getting noticed.
Coin
The comeback of the 1942–1945 silver Jefferson nickels shows us something powerful: even simple things can carry deep meaning.
Maybe you found one in an old drawer. Maybe you’re thinking of starting a collection. Either way, these coins are full of stories, and they might just be worth more than you thought.
FAQs
What years have silver Jefferson nickels?
Only nickels from 1942 to 1945 have silver.
How much silver is in a war nickel?
Each war nickel has about 0.056 ounces of silver.
Where is the mintmark on a war nickel?
It’s above Monticello on the back side.
Are war nickels rare?
Yes, especially in top condition.
Should I get my war nickel graded?
Yes, if it looks shiny and perfect.
