Production of war nickels continued through 1945 - the year World War II ended.

So-called wartime nickels struck from a 35% silver composition.

Copper-nickel Jefferson nickels struck from the regular composition.

This changed happened immediately, resulting in two types of Jefferson nickels in 1942: The temporary metallic composition became 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. So, Congress passed a law on October 8, 1942, authorizing the use of an alternative alloy for the five-cent coin. The grayish metal proved important for making artillery. And, among the critical supplies?… Nickel! Suddenly, everything from ground beef to gasoline became scarce commodities in preparation for the war effort. With the nation thrust into the major international conflict, a sudden need for new resources for making ships, bullets, and other artillery forced rations throughout the United States. However, that changed in 1942 during the early months of United States involvement in World War II. The composition of the nickel had been 75% copper, 25% nickel since the first 5-cent nickel coins were released in 1866. Here’s everything you want to know about silver nickels.

And how much are all types of 1942 nickels worth today?.

Why were only “some” 1942 nickels made from silver anyway?.

How can you tell a silver 1942 Jefferson nickel apart from a regular one?.It’s true - and those silver nickels are worth many times more than face value! Click here to see the Melt Value of every US Coin.Did you know that some 1942 nickels are made from silver? The Melt Value shown below is how Valuable the Coin's Metal is Worth (bare minimum value of coin). Also, click here to Learn About Grading Coins.

Click here to Learn How to use Coin Price Charts. USA Coin Book Estimated Value of 1942-D Mercury Dime (42 Over 41 Variety) is Worth $381 in Average Condition and can be Worth $2,882 to $11,357 or more in Uncirculated (MS+) Mint Condition.

The underlying '1' is slightly noticeable as blobs near the top and bottom of the '2' and part of the doubled '4' is seen near the bottom of the '4' as depicted by the arrows in the example image above.Ĭoin Value Chart: Typical Coin Prices, Values and Worth in USD based on Grade/Condition Good This is best identified by noticing the 1942 date punched over a 1941 date. This error from the Denver Mint is also very noticeable but not as much as the same error that came from the Philadelphia Mint. The 1942 42 over 41 Overdate Error (1942/1-D) was one of the major errors in the silver Mercury Dime series. What This Coin Looks Like (Obverse, Reverse, Mint Mark Location, Special Features, etc.):

How many 19421 mercury dimes were made