War Nickel (35% Silver) Melt Value
A War Nickel contains 0.0563 troy oz of pure silver (5 g × .350). At $57.35/oz silver, its melt value is about $3.23. Collector value is separate and depends on date, mint mark and grade.
Values above refresh with the October 19, 2026 spot price.
War Nickel (35% Silver) specifications
| Years | Fineness | Gross weight | Pure silver | Diameter | Face value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942–1945 | .350 (35%) | 5 g | 1.75 g (0.0563 oz t) | 21.2 mm | 5 Cents |
From late 1942 through 1945, Jefferson nickels were made of 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese to save nickel for the war effort. They carry a large mint mark (P, D or S) above Monticello on the reverse.
How to identify a War Nickel
- Look for a large P, D or S above Monticello's dome on the reverse; the 1942-P was the first US coin with a P mint mark.
- Nickels dated 1942 come in both alloys: only those with the large mint mark over the dome are silver.
How the melt value is calculated
Melt value = gross weight × fineness ÷ 31.1035 × spot price. For the War Nickel: 5 g × .350 = 1.75 g of pure silver. Divide by 31.1035 grams per troy ounce to get 0.0563 oz, then multiply by $57.35 spot: about $3.23.
Melt value by quantity
| Quantity | Pure silver | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 coin | 0.0563 oz t | $3.23 |
| 5 coins | 0.2813 oz t | $16.13 |
| 10 coins | 0.5626 oz t | $32.27 |
| 20 coins | 1.1253 oz t | $64.53 |
| 50 coins | 2.8132 oz t | $161.34 |
| 100 coins | 5.6264 oz t | $322.67 |
Melt value by face value
Dealers often price these coins by face value. Every $1 of face value in War Nickel coins holds 1.1253 oz of pure silver when the coins are full weight.
| Face value | Pure silver | Melt value |
|---|---|---|
| $1 face value | 1.1253 oz t | $64.53 |
| $10 face value | 11.2528 oz t | $645.35 |
| $100 face value | 112.5275 oz t | $6,453 |
| $1,000 face value | 1,125.2753 oz t | $64,535 |
Melt value vs collector value
Melt value is only what the silver in a War Nickel is worth at today's spot price. A coin's market value can be much higher: scarce dates, mint marks and high grades sell to collectors for a premium, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Nu Stack does not estimate collector prices on this page. For a specific coin, check the date and mint mark, the condition (a grading service such as PCGS or NGC, or a local dealer) and recent sales.
Related coins
More: Silver melt value explained · How to sell silver coins · Where to sell silver · Free melt calculator · All coin melt values
Specs: Nu Stack coin database (curated entries and the Numista catalog). Melt values use the silver spot price from the Nu Stack price feed and are estimates of metal content only, not offers to buy or sell.
Frequently asked questions
How much silver is in a War Nickel?
A War Nickel has 1.75 g (0.0563 troy oz) of pure silver: 5 g gross weight at .350 fine.
What is a War Nickel worth in melt value today?
About $3.23 at $57.35/oz silver (October 19, 2026). Melt value moves with the silver spot price; this page updates automatically.
Is a War Nickel worth more than its melt value?
It can be. Scarce dates, mint marks and coins in high grades sell above melt value to collectors, while common dates in worn condition trade closer to melt. Check the date, mint mark and condition, or ask a grading service or dealer, for a collector value.