35% Silver War Nickels were produced by the United States Mint between 1942 and 1945 during WWII. The government needed the nickel metal for the production of military supplies, so the mint replaced. War Nickels History War Nickels tell an important history of America during the great World War II efforts. This was a time when global communities were working together for a unified effort. Shared hardship was common, and for a war this big- the metal, nickel, was in great demand. For the US Mint, this became a problem. The only 1942 Nickel that has a 'P' on it would be the silver composition type - the mint mark is on the reverse above Monticello's dome. The cupro nickel composition nickel would have a mint mark on the obverse, but only if it were from Denver or San Francisco. Philadelphia minted cupro nickel nickels did not have mint marks until 1980.
- Silver War Nickels. Silver war nickels are only 35% silver. Yet it has one of the highest, if not the highest, return on value of silver content for face value. The figures as of late 2011 have this little silver coin.
- The War Nickel Melt Value Calculator, displayed below, will help you in finding the total silver value and total silver content of one or more U.S. 35% silver wartime issue nickels. Calculate by quantity, rolls of war nickels, face value, or weight. The war nickel calculator will only show you what the silver in your wartime nickels.
During the War Years in the United States, the Jefferson War Nickels were manufactured with a small percentage of silver as to conserve the nickel supply. Nickel was used strategically for military purposes. So, in 1942, the nickel content of the coins was eliminated. These coins were produced up until 1945. Most coin operated machines had detectors within them that could tell if a coin was authentic. The Mint had to carefully compose the alloy of silver and copper so that the machines would still accept the coins. That is one of the main reasons that the coin was not 90% silver like many of its counterparts. To help distinguish the new coins, the mintmark was moved to above the Monticello on the reverse.
Most of these coins will be extremely dirty, worn down, and dark. These coins will bring a small premium, but not nearly as much as an uncirculated, full step coin. If you find a gem that looks clean, preserve that coin. If you are interested in learning more about Jefferson War Nickels or would like to have an expert look at your special nickel, please contact us. In high grades, we will be able to make a competitive offer.
Why Does My Graded Nickel Say 'FS'?
The Jefferson Nickels have two distinct designations. The letters FS stand for Full Steps. This is the grading company's way of showing that this coin has an exceptional strike. Sometimes, FS may be preceded by a 5 or 6, showing how many steps are visible.
Above, on the left, is a coin with a standard strike. This standard strike is good but weak around the steps area. This coin would not receive the FS designation because the horizontal lines that make up the steps do not extend across the entire staircase. It is important that the lines extend the entire length of the staircase without being impeded for the coin to receive the FS.
Why Does My Graded Nickel Say 'FS'?
The Jefferson Nickels have two distinct designations. The letters FS stand for Full Steps. This is the grading company's way of showing that this coin has an exceptional strike. Sometimes, FS may be preceded by a 5 or 6, showing how many steps are visible.
Above, on the left, is a coin with a standard strike. This standard strike is good but weak around the steps area. This coin would not receive the FS designation because the horizontal lines that make up the steps do not extend across the entire staircase. It is important that the lines extend the entire length of the staircase without being impeded for the coin to receive the FS.
War Nickels 1942
Above, on the right, is a coin with the Full Step designation. This coin shows five complete lines extending across the staircase. Since there is no break in the line, this coin is called '5FS.'
