The United States five-cent coin, commonly known as the nickel, temporarily ceased to contain nickel during World War II, specifically from mid-1942 until 1945. After this period, the standard nickel-copper composition was reinstated.
The name "nickel" for the five-cent coin is somewhat misleading for this specific wartime period, as the coins minted during those years contained no actual nickel.
The Standard Nickel Composition
Generally, and for the vast majority of its production history from 1866 to the present day (excluding the wartime period and a few non-minting years), the U.S. nickel has been composed of:
- 25% nickel
- 75% copper
This alloy is known for its durability and distinctive appearance.
The "War Nickels" Exception (1942-1945)
During World War II, nickel was a vital metal needed for military production. To conserve this strategic resource, the United States Mint changed the composition of the five-cent coin. From mid-1942 through 1945, the "War Nickels" were minted with a completely different metallic content that did not include nickel.
The composition of these "War Nickels" was:
- 56% copper
- 35% silver
- 9% manganese
These unique coins are easily identifiable. They feature a large mint mark (P for Philadelphia, D for Denver, or S for San Francisco) placed above the dome of Monticello on the reverse side of the coin. This was a clear indicator that their metallic content differed from standard issues.
Resumption of Nickel Use
Once World War II concluded in 1945, the urgency to conserve nickel diminished. Consequently, the United States Mint reverted to the original and longstanding composition for the five-cent coin. Since 1946, U.S. nickels have continued to be produced using the standard 25% nickel and 75% copper alloy.
Summary of Nickel Compositions
| Coin Type | Period | Nickel Content | Other Main Metals | Key Identification Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Nickel | 1866–mid-1942, 1946–present | 25% | 75% Copper | Standard mint marks, no large mark on reverse |
| "War Nickel" | Mid-1942–1945 | 0% | 56% Copper, 35% Silver, 9% Manganese | Large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello on reverse |
Therefore, while the use of nickel in the five-cent coin was paused for a brief period during World War II, it was a temporary measure, and nickel remains a fundamental component of the coin today.
