How to Identify Silver Nickels

Silver nickels were made in the United States between 1942 and 1945. During World War II, nickel was needed for the munitions industry and so in some ways it was more valuable than silver. Those war-era coins are made from copper, manganese and silver, with the latter accounting for around 35 percent of the total composition. Not all nickels minted during this period contain silver.

Things You'll Need

• Nickel
• Magnifying glass

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place the nickel on a flat surface with the reverse face (a picture of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's house) upwards.

   • 2

     Put the magnifying glass directly above the coin and focus on the area just above Monticello. Look for a "P" mint mark.

   • 3

     Check the date of the coin. If it has both the "P" mint mark and was made between 1942 and 1945, then you can be almost certain it contains silver.