INDEXNickels contain no silver, except the wartime silver alloy nickels struck 1942–1945: those are 35% silver and contain 0.0563 troy oz of silver — about $3.31 at today's silver price.
Spot price as of July 21, 2026
Nickels by era
| Years | Composition | Weight | Fineness | ASW | Melt value | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1866–1942 Copper-nickel five cents | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (no silver) | 5.00 g | 0% | Contains no silver | No melt value | Shield Nickel, Liberty Head Nickel, Buffalo Nickel, Jefferson Nickel |
1942–1945 Wartime silver alloy | 35% Silver, 56% Copper, 9% Manganese | 5.00 g | 35% | 0.0563 oz | $3.31 | Jefferson Nickel |
1946–present Copper-nickel five cents | 75% Copper, 25% Nickel (no silver) | 5.00 g | 0% | Contains no silver | No melt value | Jefferson Nickel |
- Shield, Liberty Head, Buffalo and pre-war Jefferson nickels contain no silver.
- “War nickels” carry a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse.
- Jefferson nickels dated 1946 or later contain no silver.