SILVER COIN FIELD GUIDE
Wartime Jefferson Nickel
The large mintmark identifies the 35% silver issue. Ordinary dates are widely available; specific varieties and exceptional Full Steps coins can bring premiums.
The metal baseline
- Profile covers
- 1942–1945
- Composition
- 35% silver
- Standard gross weight
- 5 g
- Fine silver per coin
- 0.0563 troy oz
- Face value
- $0.05
A 1942 date is only the beginning
When sorting mixed 1942 nickels, look for the large reverse mintmark before assigning the silver profile. The date alone does not separate the silver-alloy coins from the ordinary composition.
For sold-price research, keep ordinary worn examples separate from attributed overdates and coins with a Full Steps designation. Those sales answer different questions.
Where to look. Look for a large P, D, or S above Monticello on the reverse. Not every 1942 nickel is the silver-alloy type.
Dates and details worth a second look
This is a selected watch list, not every key date or variety in the series. Finding a matching date is a reason to inspect further—not proof of authenticity, grade, or a particular value.
What do these collector labels mean?
Variety. A specific attributed design or die difference, not every coin with that year.
- Variety
1943/2-P
An overdate variety, not an ordinary 1943-P.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Variety
1943-P Doubled Eye
Recognized FS-106 doubling at Jefferson’s eye; match the attribution details.
Check the attribution reference ↗ - Variety
1945-P doubled reverse
A specific doubled-die reverse, not all 1945-P nickels.
Check the attribution reference ↗
Two questions, not one price
What is the contained metal worth? This profile uses 0.0563 fine troy ounces of silver per coin. Multiply that by the number of matching coins and a current per-troy-ounce silver quote. The calculator shows the quote and its freshness when available.
What might a collector pay for this coin? That takes the exact issue, condition, surfaces, finish, and any authenticated variety. The checkpoints above explain why a collector sale may differ from the metal estimate. A calculated melt value is neither a guaranteed buying offer nor a complete appraisal.
The listed weights are standard reference specifications, with rounded published fine-metal values. They do not measure wear, damage, missing metal, or authenticity in your individual coin. Gross grams include the alloy; fine troy ounces describe the precious metal itself.
Use this profile in the calculator →Build a useful comparison
- Record the full date, mintmark, denomination, and finish. Photograph both sides and any diagnostic detail.
- Use the specific references above to check a suspected variety. Do not clean the coin to make a feature easier to see.
- Compare completed sales for the same issue and similar condition. Separate proof, special-strike, and attributed examples from ordinary coins.
- Record shipping and other costs separately. An asking price or one exceptional auction result is not a typical sold price.
References and further checking
Use these references to inspect the issue and attribution in more detail. Prices, populations, and market premiums can change.
- PCGS wartime nickel guide ↗
- 1943/2-P — reference ↗
- 1943-P Doubled Eye — reference ↗
- 1945-P doubled reverse — reference ↗
- NGC silver melt-value reference ↗
Educational reference only; not individualized appraisal or investment advice. For a potentially valuable or questionable example, use a qualified numismatist or established authentication service.