Coin values · live melt
Nickel value: war nickel silver melt and key dates
Nickels contain no silver — except the 1942–1945 'war nickels,' which are 35% silver. Buffalo nickels and key-date Jeffersons also command strong collector premiums. Only the 1942–1945 war nickels contain silver: 0.0563 oz, worth $2.80 in melt at the Nov 3, 2026 close.
What's it worth? Live melt calculator
Melt = pure metal content × recent spot (silver $49.78/oz). This is the bullion floor; collectible coins can be worth far more. Federal rules restrict melting only 1¢ and 5¢ coins (31 CFR Part 82; 1942–1945 silver war nickels are exempt). This estimates intrinsic value.
Melt value by series
Specs, key dates, a melt calculator and the melt history since 1968 for each series. Melt at the Nov 3, 2026 close.
What a nickel’s silver has been worth since 1968
A nickel held about $0.11 of silver in 1968, peaked near $5.81 in 2026, and its metal is worth $2.80 today. That is melt only; a scarce date or high grade can carry a collector premium on top.
Is your nickel silver?
Silver years: 1942–1945 war nickels only (35% silver).
War nickels (mid-1942 through 1945) have a large mint mark (P, D or S) above Monticello on the reverse — the only Jefferson nickels that contain silver.
Nickel composition by year
| Years | Composition | Silver content |
|---|---|---|
| 1866–1942, 1946–present | 75% copper, 25% nickel | — |
| 1942–1945 (war nickels) | 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese | 0.0563 oz |
Which nickels are worth money
- War nickels (1942–1945): 35% silver, worth a small silver premium each.
- Buffalo nickels (1913–1938): strong demand; the 1913-S Type 2, 1918/7-D overdate and 1937-D three-legged buffalo are famous.
- Key Jefferson dates and full-step examples carry premiums.
- 1880 and 1885 Liberty Head nickels are classic rarities.
Popular nickels by year
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Store prices as of 2026-11-03. Today's price is on each product page.
