During 1942-1945, the US had silver nickles.
From mid-1942 to 1945, so-called Wartime composition nickels were created. These coins are 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese.
From mid-1942 to 1945, so-called Wartime composition nickels were created. These coins are 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese.
They are easily identified by the mint mark being above the dome of the Monticello. Silver nickels rock.
One of the bad things about people starting to hoard and melt nickels, is that for quite a long time I've encouraged kids to start collecting nickels if they show any interest at all in coins. That's because until recent years the basic design on the nickel essentially didn't change since the 1920s. That means you find many older coins in circulation than you will quarters, dimes, or pennies. If you watch your change closely you'll see nickels from the 40s are still in circulation. I've basically been recommending they keep their nicklels, compare them to the ones they currently have, and keep the best example of each year and mint. Doens't cost them hardly anything, and yet every once in a while, they'll be rewarded with a new find.