What are War Nickels?
Introduction
War nickels are a type of coin that was minted by the United States during World War II. These coins were produced from 1942 to 1945 and are also known as Wartime Nickels or 35% Silver Nickels. In this article, we will delve into the history and characteristics of war nickels, making it a valuable resource for coin collectors and enthusiasts.
What are War Nickels?
War nickels are a variation of the standard Jefferson nickel, which was minted from 1938 to 1941. During World War II, the United States was facing a shortage of nickel, a key component in the production of steel. To address this issue, the US Mint began producing nickels with a 35% silver content instead of the traditional 75% copper and 25% nickel composition.
Key Features
Here are some key features that distinguish war nickels from standard nickels:
- 35% Silver Content: War nickels contain 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese, whereas standard nickels contain 75% copper and 25% nickel.
- Rounded Edge: War nickels have a rounded edge, whereas standard nickels have a smooth edge.
- Different Mint Marks: War nickels have different mint marks than standard nickels. The Philadelphia Mint used a "P" mint mark, the Denver Mint used a "D" mint mark, and the San Francisco Mint used an "S" mint mark.
Rarity and Value
War nickels are relatively rare compared to standard nickels, making them more valuable among coin collectors. Here are some approximate values for war nickels:
- 1942-1945 War Nickels: $0.05 to $0.50
- 1942-P War Nickels: $0.10 to $1.00
- 1942-D War Nickels: $0.10 to $1.00
- 1942-S War Nickels: $0.10 to $1.00
- 1943 War Nickels: $0.50 to $5.00
Table: War Nickel Values
| Year | Condition | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1942-1945 | Good | $0.05 |
| 1942-1945 | Fine | $0.10 |
| 1942-1945 | Very Fine | $0.20 |
| 1942-P | Good | $0.10 |
| 1942-P | Fine | $0.20 |
| 1942-P | Very Fine | $0.50 |
| 1942-D | Good | $0.10 |
| 1942-D | Fine | $0.20 |
| 1942-D | Very Fine | $0.50 |
| 1942-S | Good | $0.10 |
| 1942-S | Fine | $0.20 |
| 1942-S | Very Fine | $0.50 |
| 1943 | Good | $0.50 |
| 1943 | Fine | $1.00 |
| 1943 | Very Fine | $2.00 |
| 1943 | Extremely Fine | $5.00 |
Conclusion
War nickels are a unique and valuable part of American coin history. With their 35% silver content, rounded edge, and different mint marks, they stand out from standard nickels. Whether you’re a seasoned coin collector or just starting out, war nickels are a great addition to any collection.
