1945 Jefferson Wartime Nickel Value Guide

The 1945 Jefferson Wartime Nickel is a significant piece of American history, minted during the final year of World War II to conserve nickel for military armor plating. These coins are highly collectible due to their unique 35% silver composition and the distinctive placement of their mint marks.

What Is 1945 Jefferson Wartime Nickel Worth?

The typical price range for 1945 Jefferson Wartime Nickel is $2 - $2 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The current market price of silver, as each coin contains approximately 0.05626 troy ounces of pure silver.
• The presence of 'Full Steps' on the base of Monticello, which significantly increases value for numismatic collectors.
• The specific mint mark, with the Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S) strikes having varying survival rates in high grades.
• Overall strike quality and the absence of heavy circulation wear or scratches.

How to Identify 1945 Jefferson Wartime Nickel?

• Look for a large mint mark (P, D, or S) located directly above the dome of Monticello on the reverse side.
• Verify the metallic composition of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese, which gives the coin a distinct luster compared to standard nickels.
• Check for the 1945 date on the obverse side featuring Thomas Jefferson's profile.
• Observe the coin's tendency to develop a darker, greenish-grey tarnish over time due to the manganese content.

History of 1945 Jefferson Wartime Nickel

During World War II, nickel was a critical material for armor plating. To conserve it, the U.S. Mint changed the composition of the five-cent piece from 1942 to 1945. These 'War Nickels' were made of a silver, copper, and manganese alloy. They are easily identified by a large mint mark located above the dome of Monticello on the reverse.