What Year Were Nickels Made Of SilverFirst of all, after years of coin shortages, nickels flooded the economy. Nearly 30 million were printed in 1867 and 1868. Key dates for the series include the 1939-D, and. Composed of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel ), the piece has been issued since 1866. Silver nickels were made from 1942 through 1945 and have a large mintmark over the dome of Monticello on the reverse. The Jefferson nickel is the five-cent coin of the United States. This means they are worth more than face value, and most. Brown placed advertisements in numismatic publications, offering to buy any such nickels. The new silver five cent coins saved an estimated 800,000 pounds of nickel and 1. (both silver and cupro-nickel were made in 1942). The original copper-nickel composition was resumed in 1946 and continues today. Canadian nickels were made of 99. Normally all other nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. government changed the composition of the coin to. Silver nickels were minted from 1942 to 1945, the year World War II ended. Canadian Silver Nickel - Any Year. Jefferson Nickels (1938-Date) | Complete Coin Guide Guide to U. The only exception to this was the war years of 1942-1945 where nickel was needed for the military. Silver nickels were made from 1942 through 1945 and have a large mintmark over the dome of Monticello on the reverse. You may be thinking of the 1942-1945 Jefferson nickels that contained 35% silver. 1886 Liberty Head nickel — $250+ 1912-S Liberty Head nickel — $125+ 1913 Liberty Head nickel — $3 million+ (yes, 3 million dollars!) Barber Coins. This marked the first time the P mint mark, for the main US Mint in Philadelphia, was used on a coin. The US Nickels made of silver are those minted between 1942 and 1945. These silver nickels are some of the most desired coins among collectors. Jefferson Nickels were first minted in 1938 and made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. These coins were made entirely from silver, and were much smaller. This answer is about 10 years old, but they made nickel from silver between 1942 and 1945 (both silver and cupro-nickel were made in 1942). If the nickel inside was minted in 1942, 1943, 1944, or 1945, you probably have a flawless sterling silver coin. 35% silver war nickels were minted from October 1942 through 1945. The Coinage Act of 1792 created the nation's first five-cent coin: a silver disme, or half dime. “The nickel was the coin from 1866 to 1876,” says Bowers. After 1945, the mint resumed producing nickels made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, only the silver war nickels will place the mintmark on this side of the coin. The 1939-D nickel with a mintage of 3,514,000 coins is the second lowest behind the 1950-D nickel. The nickels that were produced in 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945 were all made from silver. Nickels minted in the United States between 1942 and 1945 are made of 35% silver. From 1913 to 1938, the Mint produced the iconic “Buffalo” nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser. In 1866, the Mint produced new five-cent coins made of nickel and copper, which people called "nickels". Canada had silver into 1968 for quarters and dimes. Composed of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel ), the piece has been issued since 1866. Nearly 30 million were printed in 1867 and 1868. The Silver War Nickels ( Buy on eBay) minted from 1942 to 1945 create an interesting short set within the broader series. The US Mint switched from silver to a copper-nickel alloy in 1965. They were made from a 35% silver alloy and/or, like many others, from World. These silver 1942 nickels were made in large numbers — larger than the copper-nickel alloy versions that were phased out in October of that year. Barber dimes, quarters, and half dollars were first struck in 1892. Are Buffalo nickels silver? Buffalo nickels have no silver in them. Let’s move on to the Shield Nickels. From there, nickles went back to their original composition of 75% copper and 5%. From there, nickles went back to their original composition of 75% copper and 5% nickel. From 1942 to 1945, the composition of nickels shifted to include silver in its metal content; thus, this four-year span has been labeled “silver nickel” years. The nickels that were issued in the United States between 1942 and 1945 were made of silver. The legislation gave the US Mint the authority to vary the metals' proportions according to practical concerns. The first Buffalo Nickels produced by The United States Mint in 1913 featured the denomination of FIVE CENTS on a raised mound of dirt below the buffalo on the reverse of the coin. The usual composition of other nickels is 75% copper and 25% nickel, but during the war, they were made of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. There are 3 mintmarks to look for on wartime nickels: “P” – Philadelphia “D” – Denver “S” – San Francisco For the record, the 1942 wartime nickel was the first U. Mint eliminated the nickel content. Much later, the Coinage Act of 1866 created a new five-cent coin. On October 3, 1938, production of the Jefferson nickel began, and they were released into circulation on November 15. The change of composition was signified by a large mint mark over Monticello on the reverse. Two types of Liberty head nickels exist: There is the “ no cents ” variety that was struck in 1883; and. com/_ylt=Awrijvy2fFdkMs8zakZXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNiZjEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZAMEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1683483959/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2flearn. These silver nickels are some of the most desired coins among collectors. From there, nickles went back to their original composition of 75% copper and 5% nickel. Wartime nickels were made of 56 percent copper, 35 percent silver, and 9. Both were minted and used interchangeably until 1873, when the silver half dime was discontinued. Silver nickels were minted from 1942 to 1945, the year World War II ended. " Do nickels from 1964 have silver?. The majority of nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Nickels were first minted in the United States in 1866. Silver Quarter Years 1964 was the last year for silver quarters. coin on which a "P" mintmark was ever placed. Jefferson Nickels The Jefferson Nickel has been the longest running series for the five cent denomination. These are commonly known as “silver war nickels. Silver Quarter Years 1964 was the last year for silver quarters. Nickels minted in the United States between 1942 and 1945 are made of 35% silver. Congress authorized the production of nickels with 50% copper and 50% silver on March 27, 1942. Some of America's paper currency also underwent wartime alterations. All nickels produced from 1942 to 1945 use the 35% silver composition. In the dime series, all coins dated 1965 or later are clad coins and contain no silver at all. US dimes, quarters, half dollars and dollars were made out of 90% silver from 1964 to 1964. ” Normally all other nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. About 10 months into the U. On March 27, 1942, Congress authorized a nickel made of 50% copper and 50% silver, but gave the Mint the authority to vary the proportions, or add other metals, in the public interest. These coins were made entirely from silver, and were much smaller. After that, circulating quarters were struck from a copper-nickel clad. Nickels issued from 1942 to 1945 were minted using a mixture of copper, silver and manganese. Only for a brief period of years (1942-45) was the nickel composition altered and this was for the emergency of WW II. Nickels are still made from these metals and they no longer contain silver. From there, nickles went back to their original composition of 75% copper and 5% nickel. In the dime series, all coins dated 1965 or later are clad coins and contain no silver at all. Its precise composition included 56%. Congress authorized the production of nickels with 50% copper and 50% silver on March 27, 1942. Nickels are still made from these metals and they no longer contain silver. First of all, after years of coin shortages, nickels flooded the economy. What was the last year nickels were made of silver. quarters have been around 1796 — and those made for circulation were made of silver through 1964. Production of silver coins ended in the year 1965, when the mint switched the composition of quarters, dimes, and half dollars to a copper-nickel alloy, which is still used in coins to this day. The Mint continued making the smaller silver half dime. The reverse side of the coin has a mint mark on it. However, the 1959 and 1964 Jefferson nickels that you found in your coin collection are not silver. Up until 1922, the five-cent coin was originally made with silver, but was converted to nickel (hence its name) to reduce the cost to make the coins. Canadian nickels were made of 99. Nickels minted in the United States between 1942 and 1945 are made of 35% silver. Silver nickels were minted from 1942 to 1945, the year World War II ended. The new silver five cent coins saved an estimated 800,000 pounds of nickel and 1. Earlier in the year nickels had been produced in their standard composition. Silver 5 cent coins were produced from 1870 until 1921 and the nickel (later steel and steel plated) version was produced from 1922 until the present. Nickel was in high demand during WWII, so all five-cent pieces' compositions changed. Silver coins (half dime, dime, quarter, half dollar, dollar) originally consisted of a fineness of. The United States made lower denomination coins out of pure copper. However, the Mint continued to strike the Liberty Head nickel in large numbers through the first decade of the 20th century. From 1942 to 1945, the composition of nickels shifted to include silver in its metal content; thus, this four-year span has been labeled "silver nickel" years. First of all, after years of coin shortages, nickels flooded the economy. Some 57,873,000 were struck, and each is worth at least 85 cents to $1. Production of silver coins ended in the year 1965, when the mint switched the composition of quarters, dimes, and half dollars to a copper-nickel alloy, which is still used in coins to this day. During World War II, nickel was needed in the war efforts. Silver nickels were made from Mid-1942 to 1945. First-Ever "W" Mint Marked Jefferson Nickel Jefferson nickels are highly collectible because of the low cost of a complete set unless high-grade examples are sought. 5% silver and 7. Production of silver coins ended in the year 1965, when the mint switched the composition of quarters, dimes, and half dollars to a copper-nickel alloy, which is still used in coins to. Table Of Contents: The Buffalo nickel was the United States five cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938. What year were nickels made with silver? What Year Were Nickels Silver? In 1942 with wars raging in Europe and the Pacific, nickel became a prized war material. Although the nickel. In 1922 the composition changed to 100% nickel. Jefferson Nickels (1938-Date) | Complete Coin Guide Guide to U. The last of these coins was minted in 1921. This answer is about 10 years old, but they made nickel from silver between 1942 and 1945 (both silver and cupro-nickel were made in 1942). The only exception to this was the war years of 1942-1945 where nickel was needed for the military. Any United States dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. On March 27, 1942, Congress authorized a nickel made of 50% copper and 50% silver, but gave the Mint the authority to vary the proportions, or add other metals, in the public interest. The term Silver War Nickels refers to those produced by the United States Mint from mid-1942 to 1945, and these coins have valuable silver content available to collectors and investors. Featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, the design was introduced in 1938. The first Buffalo Nickels produced by The United States Mint in 1913 featured the denomination of FIVE CENTS on a raised mound of dirt below the buffalo on the reverse of the coin. 35% silver war nickels were minted from October 1942 through 1945. Today these silver Jefferson Nickel coins are a great way to buy silver for those investing or coin collecting. Undoubtedly the queen of the Shield Nickels collections. Prior to 1922, Canadian nickels were made of "coin silver" (800 parts silver) or sterling silver (925 parts silver). What year did they stop making nickels out of silver. "The nickel was the coin from 1866 to 1876," says Bowers. It was made of a copper-nickel alloy and called a nickel. From 1942 to 1945, the composition of nickels shifted to include silver in its metal content; thus, this four-year span has been labeled “silver nickel” years. The larger base metal version made of nickel, and called a "nickel", was introduced as a Canadian coin in 1922, originally as 99. Really, only the copper-nickel clad Jefferson nickels dated before 1942 are valued by collectors. 9% nickel for many years. What years were Jefferson nickels silver? The Wartime nickel was struck by the United States Mint from 1942 to 1945 with a. The Jefferson Nickel actually had zero nickel content. com%2flearning-guide%2fwhich-nickels-are-silver%2f/RK=2/RS=f7FDc_KoR1y_mTtZU4fGIqQVnX8-" referrerpolicy="origin" target="_blank">See full list on learn. The nickel has an interesting history behind it. Buffalo nickels were made from 1913 to 1938. Silver Quarters (1796-1964 and 1992-Present Proofs) The workhorse of the economy, U. American 50 cent pieces were made of 90% silver up till 1964. quarters have been around 1796 — and. It gained the name “nickel” from its composition. The dates on these Buffalo nickels wore off mainly due to the location of the date on the coin itself. The first information that a 1913 Liberty head nickel might have been struck came in December 1919, when coin dealer Samuel W. The US Nickels made of silver are those minted between 1942 and 1945. What is the value of a 1967 Canadian silver nickel? Canadian nickels. The US Nickels made of silver are those minted between 1942 and 1945. 9% nickel for many years. Jefferson nickels have been minted since 1938 at the Philadelphia and Denver mints and from the San Francisco mint until 1970. Beginning in the middle of 1942 and through the end of the Great War, these 5 cent unique silver Wartime Nickels are coins struck in alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper and 9% manganese. Buffalo nickels were made from 1913 to 1938. The main types of dime that were made of silver were the Barber dimes, Mercury dimes, and Roosevelt dimes. Because of their high silver content, people have melted many of the coins over the years. From 1942-1945, nickel and copper were needed for the war efforts and during this time, the Mint took nickel out of the composition and essentially replaced it with silver! These nickels are made of 35% pure silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. These silver 1942 nickels were made in large numbers — larger than the copper-nickel alloy versions that were phased out in October of that year. American bison) pictured on the reverse design. Although the nickel is silver in color, it has no silver in it. Silver nickels were made from Mid-1942 to 1945. Production of the first “Wartime Nickels” began at the Philadelphia Mint on October 8,. The only exception to this was the war years of 1942-1945 where nickel was needed for the military. Jefferson nickels have been minted since 1938 at the Philadelphia and Denver mints and from the San Francisco mint until 1970. From 1982 to 1999 the coin was made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the same composition as US nickels. This total includes the nearly 870 million silver "war nickels" between 1942 and 1945. Created by Chief Engraver of the U. Image: USA CoinBook ##Current Prices for Buffalo Nickel Key Dates, Semi-Keys, and Varieties (Chart)##. Nickels were first minted in the United States in 1866. The US Mint has produced more than 63 billion Jefferson nickels through 2019. Key dates for the series include the 1939-D, and 1950-D nickels. Nickels are commonly used by consumers and may often be found jingling in the pockets of. To facilitate this, the US Mint struck large mint marks over the dome of Monticello. This design flaw caused the denomination to wear off prematurely. From 1982 to 1999 the coin was made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the same composition as US nickels. Does a 1940 nickel contain silver? What is a 1940 nickel made of?. Its precise composition included 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. When silver was removed from dimes and quarters in 1965 the Mint decided to continue minting half dollars from so-called. What was the last year US coins contained only silver. Source The Westward Journey Nickel Series Louisiana Purchase/Peace Medal. From 1971, no nickels were struck for circulation in San Francisco—the 1971-S was the first nickel struck in proof only since 1878. Production of the first "Wartime Nickels" began at the Philadelphia Mint on October 8, 1942. Jefferson nickels have been minted since 1938 at the Philadelphia and Denver mints and from the San Francisco mint until 1970. As a result, nickels lack the glitter of silver and gold and are not popular amongst coin collectors. Collectors aren't a big fan of the new compositions but that doesn't mean there aren't still valuable or rare coins being produced today!. These nickels were first produced in 1938 as a replacement for the Buffalo Nickel and they remain in production to this day. The 2020 nickels continue the program that was begun last year with the issuance of the first-ever "W"-mint mark quarters that were placed in circulation in The first coins of any type to appear with a “P” mintmark for the Philadelphia Mint were 1942-P nickels made of silver because nickel was needed for strategic use during World War. Between the years 1942 and 1945, the new nickels were struck with an alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. The Jefferson nickel is the five-cent coin of the United States. Jefferson wartime silver nickels (1942-1945) — up to $40 or more. Featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson,. American 50 cent pieces were made of 90% silver up till 1964. From 1942 to 1945, the composition of nickels shifted to include silver in its metal content thus, this four-year span has been labeled silver nickel years. These are the only years they were made of 35% silver. The US Nickels made of silver are those minted between 1942 and 1945. Up until 1922, the five-cent coin was originally made with silver, but was converted to nickel (hence its name) to reduce the cost to make the coins. In 1866, the Mint produced new five-cent coins made of nickel and copper, which people called “nickels”. On the reverse (tails) side of the coin, you'll still find the familiar building known as Monticello, Jefferson's famous estate that he supposedly designed himself. Prior to 1922, Canadian nickels were made of "coin silver" (800 parts silver) or sterling silver (925 parts silver). In 1866, the Mint produced new five-cent coins made of nickel and copper, which people called “nickels”. That is why these coins are sometimes referred to as "silver war nickels" or "wartime nickels. 9% nickel metal. The change of composition was signified by a large mint mark. coin on which a “P” mintmark was ever placed. Nickels are commonly used by consumers and may often be found jingling in the pockets of people all across the country. Did Canada ever mint silver coins? The 1970 Kennedy D & S coins were 40% silver but were only found in the mint or proof sets. While steel cents lasted for just one year, the Mint produced shell case cents from 1944 to 1946. involvement in World War II that begin in December 1941 after the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States Mint began producing silver nickels. Jefferson Nickels made between 1942 in 1945 are also called War Nickels and consisted of 35% silver. American 50 cent pieces were made of 90% silver up till 1964. Any United States dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. The legislation gave the US. Congress authorized the production of nickels with 50% copper and 50% silver on March 27, 1942. 25/oz in 1932), this did not mean that Canadian coins would revert to 92. These are commonly known as "silver war nickels. While steel cents lasted for just one year, the Mint produced shell case cents from 1944 to 1946. The act made the current five-cent piece and silver dollar exceptions to the twenty-five year rule; they were made eligible for immediate redesign. From 1942-1945, nickel and copper were needed for the war efforts and during this time, the Mint took nickel out of the composition and essentially replaced it with silver! These nickels are made of 35% pure silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. Liberty Head nickels were struck for regular circulation from 1883 to 1912 — though 5 examples of 1913 were produced and have sold at auction for over a million dollars. It is easy to determine what year nickels are silver by looking for a few simple markers. In August 1920, Brown displayed one such coin at the annual American Numismatic Association (ANA) convention. You can see the composition and metal value here. The new coin was a hit, and in 1867 and 1868, nearly 30 million nickels were minted! In 1883, the Shield nickel was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel, the Buffalo nickel made its debut in 1913, and in 1938, the first Jefferson nickel was minted. At that time, most coins were made out of silver or gold. The Barber dime was minted from 1892-1916. Silver nickels were made from 1942 through 1945 and have a large mintmark over the dome of Monticello on the reverse. Between the years 1942 and 1945, the new nickels were struck with an alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. 1964 was the last year the money was shared. From 1858 until 1921, the composition of nickels remained 92. They were made from a 35% silver alloy and/or, like many others, from World War II copper. The eleven war nickels from this period had all of the nickel replaced and some of the copper with an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese. That is why these coins are sometimes referred to as "silver war nickels" or "wartime nickels. Key dates for the series include the 1939-D, and 1950-D nickels. An easy way to identify these more valuable coins is to look at the reverse. Is an 1867-1967 nickel made of silver? Canadian nickels (1922-present). Some 57,873,000 were struck, and each is worth at least 85 cents to $1. When silver was removed from dimes and quarters in 1965 the Mint decided to continue minting half dollars from so-called. War nickels from 1942 to 1945 are made from 35% silver and are used to save nickel during the war. Wartime nickels were made of 56 percent copper, 35 percent silver, and 9 percent manganese. Jefferson Nickels made between 1942 in 1945 are also called War Nickels and consisted of 35% silver. These silver 1942 nickels were made in large numbers — larger than the copper-nickel alloy versions that were phased out in October of that year. In 1922 the composition changed to 100% nickel. There are 3 mintmarks to look for on wartime nickels: “P” – Philadelphia “D” –. From 1858 until 1921, the composition of nickels remained 92. The first information that a 1913 Liberty head nickel might have been struck came in December 1919, when coin dealer Samuel W. Production of silver coins ended in the year 1965, when the mint switched the composition of quarters, dimes, and half dollars to a copper-nickel alloy, which is still used in coins to this day. In 1866, the new five-cent coin became the first to eliminate silver with a new composition of copper and nickel. The emergency alloy was 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% manganese. In 1942 nickels were composed of 88% copper and 12% zinc or steel with a fractional nickel and chromium plating. The last Buffalo nickels were struck in April 1938, at the Denver Mint, the only mint to strike them that year. The first Buffalo Nickels produced by The United States Mint in 1913 featured the denomination of FIVE CENTS on a raised mound of dirt below the buffalo on the reverse of the coin. 25 for its silver content — depending on current silver values. It has a retail price of approximately $14,500 Shield Nickel 1879. Congress authorized the production of nickels with 50% copper and 50% silver on March 27, 1942. Nickels were first minted in the United States in 1866. , the Canadian five-cent piece) had been introduced in 1858 as a small, thin sterling silver coin, that was colloquially known as a "fish scale", not a nickel. There are 3 mintmarks to look for on wartime nickels: "P" - Philadelphia "D" - Denver "S" - San Francisco For the record, the 1942 wartime nickel was the first U. Production of the first “Wartime Nickels” began at the Philadelphia Mint on October 8, 1942. The first coins of any type to appear with a “P” mintmark for the Philadelphia Mint were 1942-P nickels made of silver because nickel was needed for strategic use during World War II. Source The Westward Journey Nickel Series Louisiana Purchase/Peace Medal. The legislation gave the US Mint the authority to vary the metals' proportions according to practical concerns. The design features Lady Liberty's profile on the obverse, and the reverse shows a wreath and the denomination "one dime". Silver Quarters (1796-1964 and 1992-Present Proofs) The workhorse of the economy, U. 8 million pounds of copper for the war effort, while also not changing the weight and appearance of the coins. 5% silver or that the five-cent coin would once again be made with silver. In 1942 nickels were composed of 88% copper and 12% zinc or steel with a fractional nickel and chromium plating. The only exception to this was the war years of 1942-1945 where nickel was needed for the military. The 1939-D nickel with a mintage of 3,514,000 coins is the second lowest behind the 1950-D nickel. Jefferson Nickels (1938-Date) | Complete Coin Guide Guide to U. Nearly 30 million were printed in 1867 and 1868. There are over 150 recognized varieties today, including 2004-2005 designs and strikes. government changed the composition of the coin to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. The Mint's greatest concern was in finding an alloy which would use no nickel, but still satisfy counterfeit detectors in vending machines. In 1866, the new five-cent coin became the first to eliminate silver with a new composition of copper and nickel. The respective mintages get larger every year from a 1936 low of only 4,130 to a 1942 high of 22,329 (still quite a low number), when. The new coin was a hit, and in 1867 and 1868, nearly 30 million nickels were minted! In 1883, the Shield nickel was replaced by the Liberty Head nickel, the Buffalo nickel made its debut in 1913, and in 1938, the first Jefferson nickel was minted. It gained the name “nickel” from its composition. However, the 1959 and 1964 Jefferson nickels that you found in your coin collection are not silver. It was introduced in 1938 to honor Founding Father and third US President Thomas Jefferson. These coins were made entirely from silver, and were much smaller. The term “silver war nickels” is used. You are looking for spare parts for: Year. However, in 1942, with World War II raging in Europe and the Pacific, Nickel became a critical war material. Canadian nickels were made of 99. Normally all other nickels are composed of 75%. Any United States dime, quarter, half dollar or dollar that is dated 1964 or earlier is made of 90% silver. [45] Design, models, and name controversy [ edit] Chief Iron Tail, Oglala Lakota, June 6, 1913. First of all, after years of coin shortages, nickels flooded the economy. No nickels were produced in Philadelphia in 1968, 1969 or 1970, and so there are no nickels from these years bearing the P mint mark. Congress authorized the production of nickels with 50% copper and 50%. The last Barber half dollar was struck in 1915. Barber dimes and Barber quarters were minted until 1916. All told, the Mint struck more than 870 million silver nickels from 1942 to 1945. Composed of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel ), the piece has been issued since 1866. During World War II, nickel was needed in the war efforts. The nickels that were produced in 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945 were all made from silver. Silver nickels, also commonly referred to as silver war nickels, were originally, and for many years after that, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. What year did they stop making nickels out of silver. During World War II, nickel was needed in the war efforts. The Mint continued making the smaller silver half dime until 1873. The biggest among them was ensuring that vending machines did not reject the new coins. All told, the Mint struck more than 870 million silver nickels from 1942 to 1945. Silver nickels were minted from 1942 to 1945, the year World War II ended. Most post-1945 nickels are fairly common in circulation. This means they are worth more than face value, and most have been removed from circulation. The Silver War Nickels ( Buy on eBay) minted from 1942 to 1945 create an interesting short set within the broader series. The usual composition of other nickels is 75% copper and 25% nickel, but during the war, they were made of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. Mercury Dimes - 90% Silver (1916 - 1945) When Did They Stop Making Silver Dimes? Silver dimes (90% silver) were minted until 1964. Its name comes from the buffalo (i. These nickels were first produced in 1938 as a replacement for the Buffalo Nickel and they remain in production to this day. Between the years 1942 and 1945, the new nickels were struck with an alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. What was the last year US coins contained only silver Silver quarters. On October 3, 1938, production of the Jefferson nickel began, and they were released into circulation on. involvement in World War II that begin in December 1941 after the Pearl Harbor attack, the United States Mint began producing. Table Of Contents: The Buffalo nickel was the United States five cent coin minted from 1913 to 1938.