How I Cracked the Code to Finding Silver War Nickels (And How You Can Too)

My Frustrating Silver Nickel Hunt (And How I Finally Cracked It)

I nearly gave up searching for these elusive coins. Like you, I’d heard stories about silver war nickels hiding in everyday change – those special 35% silver pieces minted between 1942-1945. But after months of empty-handed roll hunting and fruitless pocket checks, I almost quit. Let me share what finally worked after months of trial, error, and late-night conversations with veteran collectors.

The Silver Nickel Identification Challenge

Why These Coins Play Hide-and-Seek

My first “silver find” turned out to be a regular nickel someone had left in a parking lot puddle. Silver war nickels develop a dark, charcoal-like tarnish that camouflages them perfectly among ordinary nickels. As collector friend Tom warned me: “If you’re only looking for shiny coins, you’ll walk right past the real treasures.”

My Foolproof 3-Step Check

Skip the eye strain – here’s the system that changed everything for me:

• Step 1: Date First – Only 1942-1945 nickels contain silver (this one’s non-negotiable)
• Step 2: Magnet Check – Silver nickels won’t stick at all (regular nickels often show slight attraction)
• Step 3: Gram Scale Test – 5 grams = silver content (4.9g means standard copper-nickel)

Where I Actually Found Silver War Nickels

The Casino Connection

My breakthrough came when I started requesting $100-200 in nickels at casino cashier cages. The elderly gentleman at my local spot chuckled when I explained my quest – then slid me a 1945-P silver nickel he’d set aside. “These used to be everywhere,” he sighed, “Now you kids hunt them like buried treasure.”

Bank Roll Secrets That Work

After nine empty nickel boxes, I developed this targeted approach:

• Ask credit unions for “customer wrapped” rolls (the older paper shows they haven’t been processed recently)
• Request full boxes marked with dates before 2009
• Listen for the faint “thud” of silver nickels when shaking rolls

What Your Silver Nickels Are Really Worth

Beyond Melt Value

While silver content gives these coins a base value ($1.50-$3.50 depending on silver prices), I learned collectors pay premiums for:

• 1943-P with the dramatic “3 over 2” mintmark error
• Any Denver (D) or San Francisco (S) mint coins
• Specimens showing original “war-time gray” toning

Selling Options Decoded

Here’s something most beginners don’t realize – modern refiners can easily process these coins. After testing several options:

Where to Get Top Dollar

• Local Refiners: Best for quick cash (offer 90-95% of silver value)
• Specialty Buyers: Pay premiums for rare dates/errors (sometimes 2-3x melt)
• Coin Shows: Ideal for building relationships with serious collectors

The Disappearing Act: Why We’re Losing History

Shrinking Numbers

These numbers still haunt me:

• Original mintage: Enough for every American to have 6 coins
• Estimated survivors: Maybe 1 per 50 people today
• Attrition rate: 5-7% annually from melting and wear

Save What You Find

I learned the hard way that improper storage destroys value. Now I immediately:

• Slip coins into acid-free cardboard holders (50 cents each)
• Tuck silica gel packets in my storage box
• Never use PVC plastic flips (they literally eat away at coin surfaces)

Leveling Up: Finding Hidden Gems

Error Coin Checklist

The real excitement starts when you find these rare varieties:

• 1943-P with doubled reverse details (DDRs)
• 1945-P with repunched mintmarks
• Any war nickel showing strong doubling on Monticello

When Grading Pays Off

After wasting money on common dates, here’s my grading strategy:

• Only submit coins worth $50+ raw
• Look for original surfaces without cleaning marks
• Seek out “full steps” on Monticello (a key grading factor)

Your Turn to Hunt History

Here’s what keeps me searching: Every silver war nickel saved from the melting pot preserves a piece of World War II history. Remember these essentials:

• Casinos and credit unions yield the best finds
• Date/magnet/weight checks prevent heartbreak
• Proper storage protects your discoveries
• Knowledge turns pocket change into historical artifacts

As my mentor told me during a particularly frustrating hunt: “You’re not just collecting coins – you’re saving stories.” Now grab a magnet, hit your nearest cashier, and start rescuing these disappearing wartime relics. Your first silver war nickel is out there waiting.

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