Silver Nickel Melt Values — 1942-1945 War Nickels
The U.S. Mint struck Jefferson nickels in 35% silver from late 1942 through 1945 to conserve nickel for the World War II war effort. These War Nickels are the only silver U.S. five-cent coins struck for circulation.
Silver spot today: $73.17/oz. A War Nickel is worth approximately $4.12 at melt.
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Silver Nickel Melt Value Calculator
Quick reference — what one War Nickel is worth
| Coin | Years | ASW (troy oz) | Melt value at $73.17/oz |
|---|---|---|---|
| War Nickel | 1942-1945 | 0.0563 | $4.12 |
War Nickel bag math:
- $1 face (20 nickels): 1.126 troy oz silver (melt: $82.39).
- $10 face (200 nickels): 11.26 troy oz silver (melt: $823.89).
- $100 face bag (2,000 nickels): 112.6 troy oz silver (melt: $8238.94).
The 1942-1945 War Nickel
War Nickels used a 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese alloy to preserve vending-machine characteristics while conserving nickel for military production during WWII.
How to Identify a War Nickel
Date alone is not enough because 1942 has both standard and silver compositions. The reliable marker is the large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse.
- Large mint mark above Monticello: War Nickel.
- No mint mark or normal-position mint mark: standard nickel.
- War Nickels are non-magnetic; standard nickels are slightly magnetic.
Why War Nickels Show Up in Pocket Change
They were never demonetized and circulated alongside standard nickels for decades, so they still occasionally appear in rolls and change.
Where to Buy and Sell War Nickels
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Mint put silver in nickels? To conserve nickel for WWII while keeping coins compatible with vending machines.
How can I tell if a 1942 nickel is silver? Look for the large mint mark above Monticello.
Are War Nickels a good investment? They are a niche silver format with decent melt exposure but lower mainstream demand than 90% junk silver.
Related
- All silver coin melt values (master hub)
- Silver Dime Melt Values
- Silver Quarter Melt Values
- Half Dollar Melt Values
- Silver Dollar Melt Values
