War nickels, also known as silver alloy nickels, were a specific type of nickel coin minted by the United States from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. These nickels were composed of a 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese alloy, as opposed to the usual 75% copper and 25% nickel composition of regular nickels. The change in composition was made to conserve nickel for the war effort.
The main reason for the alteration was the increased demand for nickel in the production of military equipment, particularly artillery. By reducing the nickel content in nickels, the United States could redirect more of the metal towards the war industry. The addition of silver and manganese helped maintain the coin's electromagnetic properties for use in vending machines and other coin-operated devices.
War nickels are easily distinguishable from regular nickels due to a large mint mark, representing the coin's production location, located above Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's portrait on the reverse side of the coin. The mint marks for the war nickels were either a "P" for the Philadelphia Mint, a "D" for the Denver Mint, or an "S" for the San Francisco Mint.
In terms of value, war nickels contain a significant amount of silver compared to regular nickels. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the silver content of a war nickel was approximately 0.05626 troy ounces or 1.75 grams. The value of war nickels depends on the current price of silver, as well as their condition and rarity as collectibles. It's advisable to consult current market prices or consult with a numismatic expert for the most accurate valuation of war nickels.
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