United States · 1942–1945
US war nickel (35% silver)
During the Second World War, nickel was needed for the war effort, so from October 1942 through 1945 US five-cent pieces were made from an alloy of copper, silver and manganese with 35% silver.
Melt value
— each
0.0563 troy oz silver × — spot
Total —
Metal content
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Years | 1942–1945 |
| Face value | 5 cents |
| Metal | silver |
| Purity | .350 (35% silver) |
| Total weight | 5.000 g (0.1608 troy oz) |
| Pure silver | 0.0563 troy oz (1.750 g) |
Silver war nickels have a large mint mark (P, D or S) above Monticello on the back. The 1942 silver ones are P and S only; a 1942-D, or any 1942 nickel without the large mark, is regular nickel with no silver.
Worth more than melt?
- Most trade at melt; well-struck coins with full steps on Monticello carry a premium.
Typical selling price
Not listed yet. We only show a selling price when we have reliable, recent sales to base it on, and then always as a range with the date it was checked. Melt value is a floor for the metal itself: dealers usually pay somewhat less than melt for common coins, while collectors may pay more for scarce dates and coins in great condition.
Sources
Melt value is an estimate based on the current spot price and the coin's official metal content. Worn coins can weigh slightly less. This is not financial advice.