War Nickel (35% Silver) Melt Value
Jefferson nickels from 1942–1945 with a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on the reverse — the only US nickels that contain silver. No mark above the dome = no silver.
Melt value per coin$3.710.05626 oz × $65.97/oz silver · spot as of August 18, 2026 · about 74.2× face value
silver content
0.05626 troy oz
Weight
5 g
Composition
35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese
Years
1942–1945
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Melt value |
|---|---|
| 1 coin | $3.71 |
| 5 coins | $18.56 |
| 10 coins | $37.11 |
| 1 roll (40 coins) | $148.45 |
| $1 face value (20 coins) | $74.22 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much silver is in a war nickel (35% silver)?
- Each war nickel (35% silver) weighs 5 grams (35% silver, 56% copper, 9% manganese) and contains 0.05626 troy ounces of silver.
- What is a war nickel (35% silver) worth in melt value today?
- At the current silver spot price of $65.97 per troy ounce, the melt value is about $3.71 per coin.
- Is a war nickel (35% silver) worth more than its melt value?
- Often, yes. Melt value is the floor — scarce dates, mint marks, and higher grades carry collector premiums above metal content. Check the grade-by-grade price guide before selling any coin as bullion.
Keep digging
- Calculate a whole stack → silver melt calculator
- Jefferson Nickel series
- Jefferson key dates & war nickels
Skip the math — LuckyCoin tracks the live melt value of your whole collection automatically, free.
Melt values update with live spot prices and are estimates, not offers to buy. Dealers pay below melt to cover refining margins; collectible examples are worth more than melt. It is currently illegal to melt US one-cent and five-cent coins.