War Nickel (1942–1945, 35% Silver) Value Today
A War Nickel (1942–1945, 35% Silver) contains 0.0563 troy oz of silver, worth $3.04 at today's price of $54.00 an ounce.
Live price Oct 26, 2026, 18:35 UTC · Melt value, not a dealer offer
Specifications
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Years | 1942-1945 |
| Face value | 5 cents (USD) |
| Weight | 5 g |
| Purity | 35% silver |
| Silver content | 0.0563 troy oz (1.751 g) |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Mint | United States Mint |
| Design | Jefferson nickel with the mint mark moved to the reverse, above the dome of Monticello. |
What it's worth when you sell
Wartime alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese, made from October 1942 through 1945 to save nickel. Identify them by the mint mark above the dome of Monticello on the reverse, a position used only on these wartime issues.
Common dates usually sell to dealers for around their melt value; scarce dates, mint marks and coins in top condition can be worth much more. For a valuable-looking coin, check a price guide or have it graded before selling.
War Nickel (1942–1945, 35% Silver): FAQ
How much is a War Nickel (1942–1945, 35% Silver) worth in silver?
About $3.04 at today's silver price of $54.00 an ounce (Oct 26, 2026, 18:35 UTC). That is its melt value: 0.0563 troy oz of silver × the spot price. Common dates usually sell for around melt value; scarce dates and coins in top condition can be worth more.
How much silver is in a War Nickel (1942–1945, 35% Silver)?
0.0563 troy ounces (1.751 grams) of pure silver, in a coin weighing 5 g that is 35% silver.
Other silver coins
Sources: NGC – U.S. Silver Coin Melt Values (melt values as of 1 Sept 2026) · Wikipedia – United States Mint coin sizes · PCGS – Collecting a Short Set of Jefferson Wartime Nickels. Melt values use the live spot price; not a dealer offer or a numismatic valuation.