If you have some old coins, look closely—they might be valuable ‘War Nickels.’
Now is the time to take a more in-depth look at any antique coins that can be found around your house in a container or an antique wallet. Coin collectors these days are especially inquisitive about the Jefferson Nickels made between 1942 and 1945, regularly known as “War Nickels,” and their price is increasing steadily.
These coins are not most part, composed of real silver; however, they also have ancient significance. Once well worth the simplest five cents, a coin can now be well worth many greenbacks, or even extra so if it’s far in a proper situation or has an extraordinary mistake.
In this article, we will be telling you why these War Nickels are so unique, why their value is rising, and how you can determine if you have such a coin or not.
What are the Silver Jefferson Nickels of 1942–1945?
In World War II, America badly needed nickel metal for weapons and other purposes. For this motive, between 1942 and 1945, the United States government altered the metal content of the five-cent coin.
Normally those coins contained 75% copper and 25% nickel, but the War Nickels of these years contained 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese.
The obverse aspect of those coins’ capabilities is an image of Thomas Jefferson as usual, and the reverse side features his domestic Monticello. However, one special variation was that a big mint mark (P, D, or S) was stamped on top of Monticello. This mark informs us that this coin is a War Nickel made of silver.
Why are War Nickels getting more expensive?
- Presence of silver: These coins hold around 0.05626 troy ounces of silver. Their price is hence also a function of the value of silver in the market.
- Historical importance: These coins fall in the era when America fought a great war. Their historical importance enhances them further, particularly for people with an interest in history and those who are into collecting coins.
- Limited quantities minted: These coins were produced exclusively from the years 1942 to 1945. Now, since these coins get lost or melted down with time, their quantity is further dwindling.
- Demand among collectors: Since the quantity of coin collectors is growing, the demand for these War Nickels is also growing, and with it so is their price.
What is unique in the design and style?
The War Nickels’ design is the same as other Jefferson Nickels—Thomas Jefferson in front and Monticello on the back.
But they share a unique identification—a large mint mark that is above the image of Monticello.
These mint marks are like this:
- P – Philadelphia (First time “P” was used on a US coin)
- D – Denver
- S – San Francisco
How to determine if you have a War Nickel
- Check the date.
If the coin is dated 1942, 1943, 1944 or 1945, then there is a chance. But remember that only the second half of the 1942 coins contained silver. - Mark above Monticello.
If there is a large “P,” “D,” or “S” printed above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin, then it can be a War Nickel. - Color and Texture
These coins are usually a little dull, light brown in appearance, and slightly different in texture compared to regular nickel coins. - Test the Sound
If you gently strike this coin against a metal surface, it will produce a loud tinkling sound, whereas a regular coin will produce a dull, heavy sound.
How War Nickels Are Priced
Their worth relies on their condition and whether they possess any rare imperfections or not.
Here’s an approximate price range:
- Circulated—around $1.50 to $2
- Fine to Very Fine—around $2 to $5
- Uncirculated—around $10 to $30 or more
- Misprinted rare coins—worth many times more
If the coin has the Monticello steps fully visible, or if the coin has never been in circulation (Proof Coin), the value will be even higher.
War Nickels aren’t only old money —they’re history. If you’ve got one, it could be worth a lot of money, not only 5 cents.
The next time you look at old money, notice it. Perhaps you have a valuable and unique War Nickel tucked away in your pocket like a treasure.
Would you like me to share some real photographs or examples of War Nickels with you?
FAQs
What are War Nickels and why were they made?
War Nickels are 1942–1945 Jefferson Nickels made with silver to save nickel for weapons during World War II.
How can I tell if my nickel is a silver War Nickel?
Check for a large “P,” “D,” or “S” mint mark above Monticello on coins dated 1942–1945.
What metals are in War Nickels?
They contain 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese — different from the standard nickel-copper mix.
