Got a war nickel? or a 1942-1945 nickel? numismatics coins

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War nickels, also known as silver wartime nickels, were produced in the United States during World War II as a response to the critical need for strategic metals. Here's an overview of their history:




1. **Composition Change**: In 1942, the United States Mint began producing five-cent coins with a new composition to conserve nickel for the war effort. Traditional nickels were made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The new war nickels, however, consisted of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

2. **Appearance**: War nickels can be distinguished from regular nickels by the large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin. The mint mark "P" for Philadelphia, "D" for Denver, or "S" for San Francisco indicates the location where the coin was minted.

3. **Silver Content**: The silver content in war nickels makes them slightly darker in appearance compared to regular nickels. They have a distinct grayish hue due to the higher concentration of silver.

4. **Years of Production**: War nickels were produced from 1942 to 1945. These years coincide with the height of World War II when there was a critical need for strategic metals like nickel.

5. **Manganese Addition**: Manganese was added to the alloy to replace some of the nickel. This made the coins harder and more durable, as well as reducing the likelihood of wear and corrosion.

6. **Numismatic Value**: Despite being made of silver; war nickels do not typically carry a significant premium in terms of their numismatic value. This is because the silver content is relatively low compared to other silver coins. However, some collectors seek out high-grade examples or coins with mint errors for their collections.

7. **Post-War Reversion**: After World War II ended, the composition of the five-cent coin reverted to the pre-war alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This change occurred in 1946, and the traditional composition has been used since then.

War nickels represent a unique chapter in U.S. coinage history, reflecting the nation's response to the demands of wartime production and the need to conserve critical resources for the war effort.

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