Are there silver nickels

Answer 1

The only US nickels that contain silver are the ones dated 1942-1945 and have a large mintmark over the Monticello on the reverse (either a P, D, or S). There was a nickel shortage during WWII so the US mint struck nickels in 35% silver. Keep in mind that 1942 nickels without the large mintmark over the Monticello contain no silver and are of the standard alloy.

Answer 2

No. The only nickels to contain any silver at all were the so-called "war nickels" made from mid-1942 to the end of 1945. Silver and copper replaced nickel which was needed for the war effort.

The only denominations that normally contained silver were dimes, quarters, halves, and dollars. Silver was removed from dimes and quarters in 1965 because the price of silver was so high the coins were worth more than face value and could be sold to metal dealers at a profit. The silver content of the half dollar was reduced to 40%, and finally in 1971 was changed to copper-nickel like the other coins.

Answer 3

Possibly. The only nickels that ever contained silver were the famous "war nickels" minted during WWII when nickel was a strategic metal. These coins are dated 1942 through 1945 and can be identified by a large mint mark letter (P, D, or S) over the dome of Monticello on the back.

All other nickels, regardless of date, are made of an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Answer 4

US nickels made from 1866 to mid-1942 and from 1946 to the present are made of a copper-nickel alloy, not silver.

From mid-1942 to 1945 nickels did contain a small amount of silver because nickel metal was needed for the war effort. Those "war nickels" are the ONLY ones that have any silver in them. Please see the Related Question for more information.

Answer 5

The only US nickels that contained silver were "war nickels", minted from late 1942 to the end of 1945. They're distinguished by a large mint mark over the top of Monticello. They were minted in an alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese so that nickel metal could be used in the war effort.

All other US nickels are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Answer 6

The only US nickels made from silver are the "War Nickels" struck from 1942-1945 with a large mintmarks on the reverse over the dome of Monticello.

Answer 7

No, the only US nickels that contain silver are those made from 1942-1945. The current nickels are made from copper and nickel.

Answer 8

1942-1945, 35% silver. Not all 42's.