1942–1945 Jefferson Silver War Nickels – 19-Coin Collection – 35% Silver – World War II U.S. Currency
 
Original United States World War II Silver Coinage | 19 Circulated Jefferson Five-Cent Coins | 35% Silver Composition | Philadelphia, Denver & San Francisco Wartime Issues
 
 
Offered for sale is a collection of 19 United States Jefferson Silver War Nickels, representing the distinctive silver-alloy five-cent coins produced by the United States Mint during World War II, from late 1942 through 1945.
 
These historic coins were manufactured using a special wartime composition of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. This temporary alloy replaced the standard copper-nickel composition to conserve strategically important nickel for American military and industrial production.
 
Each coin features the familiar left-facing portrait of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his historic Virginia residence, Monticello, on the reverse.
 
One of the most recognizable features of these wartime coins is the oversized mintmark positioned above Monticello's dome. The large P, D, or S mintmark distinguishes the silver-alloy wartime issues from ordinary Jefferson nickels.
 
This collection contains 19 circulated examples exhibiting varying degrees of toning, oxidation, surface discoloration, and handling wear. The group offers both historical interest and intrinsic precious-metal content.
 
The accompanying photographs are actual scans of the 19 coins offered for sale. The entire collection is sold together as one lot.
 
Historical Background
 
Following the United States' entry into World War II in December 1941, the federal government implemented measures to conserve materials essential to military production.
 
Nickel was particularly important in manufacturing specialized steel alloys, armor, aircraft components, and other wartime equipment.
 
In 1942, the United States Mint introduced a temporary silver-bearing alloy for the five-cent coin.
Production of these silver war nickels began in October 1942 and continued through December 1945.
 
The unusual composition consisted of:
35% silver.
56% copper.
9% manganese.
 
This composition preserved the coin's standard five-gram weight while reducing the need for nickel metal.
 
To make the wartime coins readily identifiable, the Mint placed an enlarged mintmark above the dome of Monticello.
 
The Philadelphia Mint used the letter P, marking the first appearance of a P mintmark on a United States coin.
 
Following the war, standard copper-nickel production resumed in 1946.
Today, these coins are collected as both American numismatic artifacts and examples of precious-metal coinage associated with World War II.
 
Design Features
 
Obverse – Front
Each coin features:
Left-facing portrait of President Thomas Jefferson.
Inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Inscription "LIBERTY."
Date positioned near the right rim.
Original design by Felix Schlag.
Circulated surfaces with varying levels of detail retention.
 
Reverse – Back
Each coin features:
 
Architectural depiction of Monticello.
Large wartime mintmark above the building.
Inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
Inscription "MONTICELLO."
Denomination "FIVE CENTS."
Inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."