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Think You Know War Nickels? Here’s What Truly Sets Experts Apart
Most collectors can recite the basics: 1942-1945 nickels contain silver. But finding and preserving these disappearing treasures? That requires specialized methods. With studies suggesting fewer than 1 in 10 original war nickels might survive by 2035, mastering these skills isn’t optional—it’s essential for any serious collector.
Survival Rates: What the Numbers Really Reveal
You’ll often hear that 30-45% of war nickels still exist. But crunching actual numbers tells a different story. Three silent killers are erasing these coins faster than you’d expect:
Why Most Collectors Miss These Key Factors
War nickels aren’t disappearing like other silver coins. Their unique vulnerabilities create a perfect storm:
- That special wartime alloy? The 35% silver composition practically eats itself in circulation
- Overworked coins: Spent 18 years jingling in pockets—twice as long as Mercury dimes
- Refineries love them: Today’s silver prices make melting profitable at just $2.30 per coin
The Expert’s Survival Formula (No Math Degree Required)
Here’s how I calculate true rarity when evaluating any batch:
Surviving Coins = Original Mintage × Pre-1963 Survival × Melt Loss × Modern Attrition
Plugging in real-world data:
869.9 million minted × 55% survived 1963 × 35% escaped melting × 60% still exist today = Approximately 100 million remain
Field-Tested Hunting Strategies That Actually Work
Casino Goldmines: Where Most Collectors Never Look
Why gaming floors? Casinos cycle mountains of coins daily. My go-to techniques:
- Visit right after big jackpot payouts (machines get restocked)
- Chat up cage managers—they’ll often save “weird” coins
- Always pack a UV pen (manganese glows different than regular nickels)
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