Buy The U.S. Silver Nickel of the Second World War (album) Online
When is a nickel not a nickel? From 1942 to 1945, during the height of World War II.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States declared war on Imperial Japan and, shortly after, on Nazi Germany. As the nation mobilized for total war, vital materials—including nickel—were diverted to the war effort for use in weapons, armor plating, and other military equipment. In response, the U.S. Mint made a historic change: for the first and only time, the composition of the five-cent coin was altered to conserve nickel.
From 1942 through 1945, U.S. nickels were made with an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These are now known as "Silver War Nickels." Though they retain the same iconic design—featuring Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse—each has a large mint mark placed above Monticello, a feature introduced specifically to identify this special wartime composition.
Each of these nickels is a tangible artifact of American homefront sacrifice and adaptation during World War II. They're not just coins—they’re history in your hands.
Details of This Unique Collection:
Historical Significance: Minted during World War II when nickel was too precious to waste.
Unique Composition: Made of 35% silver instead of nickel—only during 1942–1945.
Distinctive Design: Features large mint marks above Monticello (P, D, or S) indicating wartime silver issue.
Collector Appeal: These coins are increasingly scarce and sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Why Collect These Silver War Nickels?
These nickels are not only made of silver but are also the only nickels in U.S. history to feature silver as a component. Their creation tells the story of a nation rallying its resources for a global war—and of a Mint adapting under pressure. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to numismatics, this is a standout piece of 20th-century history.
