1945-S Jefferson Silver War Nickel
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint, specifically the San Francisco Mint facility (indicated by the 'S' mint mark).
Pattern: Jefferson Nickel (War Era Silver Composition), designed by Felix Schlag in 1938.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint, specifically the San Francisco Mint facility (indicated by the 'S' mint mark).
Material
35% Silver, 56% Copper, 9% Manganese. Contains .0563 troy ounces of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.2mm; Standard weight: 5.0 grams (approx. 0.16 troy oz).
Description
A historic 35% silver five-cent piece minted during WWII to conserve nickel for military production. It displays a distinct darker tarnish than standard cupro-nickel nickels.
Key Features
The large 'S' mint mark on the reverse is the primary identifier of this silver-composition alloy.
Material & Composition
35% Silver, 56% Copper, 9% Manganese. Contains .0563 troy ounces of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with matte-grey silver patina. Features the profile of Thomas Jefferson on obverse and Monticello on reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Large 'S' mint mark above the dome of Monticello on the reverse side; 'LIBERTY' and '1945' on the obverse.
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a planchet at the US Mint using hardened steel dies.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the United States, originally valued at five cents.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage). Smooth edge (not reeded).
Craftsmanship Details
Standard mid-20th-century industrial minting. Details show wear but the original Schlag design remains legible.
Authentication Indicators
The 1945 date combined with the large 'S' above the Monticello dome confirms its 35% silver status; weight should be 5 grams.
Origin & Manufacturing
San Francisco, California, USA; United States Mint system.
Era & Period
World War II Era (1942–1945), specifically minted during the final year of the global conflict.
Age Estimate
Dated 1945; approximately 79 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the American home-front effort and industrial sacrifice during the Second World War.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine (circulated). Shows significant surface wear, flattened high points on Jefferson's hair, and various contact marks/scratches.
Value Estimate
$1.50 – $3.00 USD based on current silver spot prices and circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish numismatic coins, as this destroys collector value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival holder.
Similar Pieces
1942-1945 nickels from Philadelphia (P) or Denver (D) mints. Post-1945 nickels have no silver and return to a 'bright' nickel look.
Interesting Facts
Nickel was a strategic war material used in armor plating; this is the only time in US history that silver was used in the five-cent coin.