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Look for a large P, D, or S above the dome of Monticello on nickels dated 1942-1945.
Nickel was a strategic metal so to conserve it for the war effort, in mid-1942 the Mint changed the composition of the coin from an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel to a mixture of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. To distinguish the coins from other nickels, the mint mark was made much larger and its position was moved. In addition the P mint mark was used for the first time on any US coin (not resumed until 1980).
At that time the price of silver was less than 1/12 of what it is now so the coins were still worth less than 5 cents in metal. War nickels were much more successful than that other famous wartime coin, the 1943 steel cent. The nickels' color was almost the same as regular nickels, and while they tarnished and wore somewhat faster they worked reasonably well.
War nickels could still be found in change up till the 1960s. When the price of silver skyrocketed they became worth far more than 5 cents and many were hoarded and/or melted. Today (2010) the price of silver has stabilized but is high enough that even a worn war nickel is worth at least $1.
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What is a war nickel?
It is an American nickel made of copper, silver and manganese during World War 2.
What is the value of a 1944 war nickel with no mint mark?
What you actually have is a counterfeit nickel, known as a Henning nickel. This isn't a war nickel, but instead was a counterfeit nickel created in the mid-1950s, there is a thriving collectors market for them. I've attached a link with more information about the Henning nickels.
How can you tell a World War 2 nickel?
War nickels are distinguished by a large mint mark letter (P, D, or S) over the dome of Monticello on the back.These coins were struck from late 1942 until 1945. Some 1942 nickels were struck in the standard composition; these do not have a large mint mark. War nickels were made of an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese because nickel metal was needed for the war effort.
What is the value of a denver war nickel 1942?
No such coin exists. All 1942-D nickels are made out of the standard 75% copper 25% nickel. Only 1942-S and 1942-P nickels were struck out of the "war nickel" alloy of 35% silver. A 1942-D nickel is worth about 7 cents if circulated and a couple of bucks if in better shape.
Steel penny used for in world war 2?
yes 1943-45 silver nickel 1943 -45 to conserve strategic metals for war production
How do you tell a silver nickel from a regular nickel?
By the date. The Jefferson nickels were made from a copper, silver and manganese alloy during World War II: 1942-1945
How do you tell the difference between brass and nickel?
Nickel is magnetic.
What is a war nickel?
It is an American nickel made of copper, silver and manganese during World War 2.
What is the value of a 1944 war nickel with no mint mark?
What you actually have is a counterfeit nickel, known as a Henning nickel. This isn't a war nickel, but instead was a counterfeit nickel created in the mid-1950s, there is a thriving collectors market for them. I've attached a link with more information about the Henning nickels.
How can you tell if an earring contains Nickel?
One good way to tell is to use a nickel test kit. This is practical when you want to test an earring which you've already purchased. If you are purchasing a new earring, look for "guaranteed nickel-free" or "hypoallergenic" or "100% nickel-free". Jewelry marked with one of these will have no nickel or very little nickel and are less likely to irritate.
How can you tell if a 1960 buffalo nickel is a proof?
If you have a 1960 buffalo nickel, it is a fake. They were last minted in 1938.
How do tell the difference between brass and nickel?
Brass is a mixture of copper and zinc, while nickel is an element.
Can you tell if you have enough iron by rubbing a nickel on your cheak?
No.
What is a 1942 nickel worth?
If it's a regular nickel, 5 cents. If it's a silver war nickel (with a large mint mark on the back), $2.
What is a 1943 P jefferson nickel worth?
It is known as a "war nickel" and actually contains no nickel! But it is 35% silver and is worth about $1.25 for the silver content.
What is the percent of Nickel in a nickel coin?
All U.S. nickels (except for silver "war" nickels 1942-1945) are 75% copper and 25% nickel.
How much silver is in a 1920 buffalo nickel?
None. Except for "war nickels" minted from mid-1942 to 1945, nickels have always been made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. War nickels had a small amount of silver in them because nickel was needed for the war effort.
