War Nickel Value
A war nickel (1942–1945) is 35% silver and holds 0.0563 troy ounces of it. See its melt value at today's live silver price, for one coin, a roll or a whole jar.
Jefferson nickels with a large mint mark (P, D or S) above Monticello. Each was struck to 5.00 grams at 35% silver by law, which works out to 0.0563 troy ounces of pure silver per coin.
Melt value is the floor for what a war nickel is worth. Common, worn coins trade close to it; scarce dates, mint marks and high grades can be worth more to collectors.
Silver content of US and bullion coins
Coins don't need weighing: their silver content is fixed by their specification. Pick a coin for its live melt value, or use the junk silver calculator to value a mixed pile by count or face value.
| Coin | Years | Silver | Pure silver |
|---|---|---|---|
| War nickel | 1942–1945 | 35% | 0.0563 oz t |
| Dime value | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.0723 oz t |
| Quarter value | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.1808 oz t |
| Half dollar value | 1964 and earlier | 90% | 0.3617 oz t |
| Kennedy half (40%) value | 1965–1970 | 40% | 0.1479 oz t |
| Morgan / Peace dollar value | 1878–1935 | 90% | 0.7735 oz t |
| Eisenhower dollar (40%) value | 1971–1976, S mint mark | 40% | 0.3162 oz t |
| Silver Eagle value | 1986–present | 99.9% | 1.0000 oz t |
| Silver Maple Leaf value | 1988–present | 99.99% | 1.0000 oz t |
Frequently asked questions
- How much silver is in a war nickel?
- 0.0563 troy ounces (1.750 grams) of pure silver: the coin weighs 5.00 grams and is 35% silver. A roll of 40 holds 2.25 troy ounces.
- How much is a war nickel worth today?
- At least its melt value, which is 0.0563 × today's silver price per troy ounce. The live figure is in the calculator above and refreshes every minute. Collectible dates and coins in top condition can be worth more than their silver.
- How do I calculate the melt value of war nickels?
- Multiply the number of coins by 0.0563 to get troy ounces of silver, then by the spot price per ounce. Enter the count above and the calculator does it at the live price, including the value of a roll of 40.
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