The standard composition of a US nickel coin is 75% copper and 25% nickel . This alloy is also known as cupronickel.
During World War II (from mid-1942 to 1945), nickels were struck with a special composition to conserve nickel for the war effort, notes the US Mint. These “war nickels” were made of:
- 56% Copper
- 35% Silver
- 9% Manganese
These wartime nickels can be identified by a large mint mark located above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin.
Since 1946, the US Mint has resumed producing nickels with the standard 75% copper and 25% nickel composition.
Are all nickels 75% copper?
The pre-war composition returned in 1946; all nickels struck since then have been in 75% copper and 25% nickel. In 1966, a small change was made to the design to add the initials of the designer (FS) to the obverse, underneath Jefferson’s portrait.
What year are nickels 100% silver?
The silver nickel era lasted just over three years, with coins minted from 1942 to 1945 using this unique silver alloy. Identifying silver nickels from 1942 can be trickier, as the Mint had already produced some regular nickels before Congress mandated the change.
Is a 1964 nickel 90% silver?
Thanks for asking. Are 1964 Nickels Silver? No, 1964 Nickels do not contain any silver. 1964 Jefferson Nickels have a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel. At the time, the U.S. was experiencing a coin shortage, which led to the U.S.