1945-S War Time Nickel

Wartime Nickels – Produced During World War II

America’s entrance into World War II changed everything – including US coins.  Because the metals used to produce the 5-cent piece were needed for the war machine, the US Mint had to change the coin’s composition.  Ever since 1866, nickels had been produced using 75% copper and 25% nickel.  When the US joined the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor, nickel was suddenly in high demand for use in preventing rust in armor.  In addition, copper was needed for shell casings on ammunition.

In March 1942, Congress passed a law changing the composition of the nickel, recommending an alloy consisting of 50% silver and 50% copper.  This combination proved unsatisfactory, and scientists began experimenting to discover an alloy that would have the correct weight and would work with the magnets in vending machines that detect counterfeit coins.  The resulting alloy was made of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese.

The design for the new nickels was the same as the image that had been in use since 1938.  It featured President Thomas Jefferson’s profile facing left.  The reverse pictured Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia home.  The design was the result of a contest held by the Treasury Department in 1937.  Out of the 390 submissions to the contest, Felix Schlag’s was chosen.  He had to modify his concept for the reverse slightly to change it from a ¾ view to a direct view of the home.

The first Wartime Nickels were struck in mid-1942.  To make it easier to tell the difference between these and the older coins, the size of the mintmark was increased and placed above the dome of Monticello.  Coins produced at the Philadelphia Mint contained a large “P,” making them the first US coins with that mintmark.

The Wartime Nickels were produced through December 1945.  By that time, the war had ended, and there was no longer a need for large quantities of nickel and copper.  Experts estimate the change in composition of the nickel saved about 435 tons of nickel and copper for the war effort.  In 1946, the composition of the 5-cent coin returned to its pre-war alloy.  This marked the end of the only time in US history that nickels were made out of silver.

Year Issued:  1945

Face Value: $0.05

Mint: San Francisco

Mintage: 58,939,000

This 1945 Wartime Nickel is part of the final issue and is a piece of American history.  It’s a reminder of how World War II affected every aspect of life – even its coins.  Make a space in your coin collection for this neat coin.