Is Your War Nickel Set Real? Authentication Guide for WWII Silver Nickels

The Historical Significance of War Nickels

With counterfeits flooding the market, knowing the specific diagnostic points for this item is critical. War nickels, minted from 1942 to 1945, represent a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history. These coins were produced during World War II when nickel was a strategic metal needed for the war effort. To conserve this resource, the U.S. Mint altered the composition of the five-cent piece, creating what collectors now call “war nickels.”

Identifying Authentic War Nickels

Metal Composition and Weight

The most distinctive feature of war nickels is their metal composition. Unlike regular Jefferson nickels (which are 75% copper and 25% nickel), war nickels contain:

• 56% copper
• 35% silver
• 9% manganese

This unique alloy gives war nickels several diagnostic properties:

Weight Test: Authentic war nickels weigh approximately 5.00 grams, slightly heavier than regular nickels at 5.00 grams. While this difference is minimal, it can be detected with a precision scale.

Magnetic Properties

The manganese content in war nickels makes them slightly magnetic, though not strongly so. This is a crucial authentication point:

• Regular Jefferson nickels: Non-magnetic
• War nickels: Weakly magnetic (will be attracted to a strong magnet but won’t stick firmly)

Counterfeiters often miss this subtle magnetic property, making it an excellent quick test for authentication.

Die Markers and Design Elements

Several design features help authenticate war nickels:

1. Large Mint Mark: The most obvious distinguishing feature is the large mint mark (P, D, or S) prominently displayed above Monticello on the reverse. This was the first time the Philadelphia Mint used a mint mark on its coins.
2. Rim Characteristics: Authentic war nickels have a slightly different rim appearance due to the different metal composition affecting how the coin takes the strike.
3. Luster: The silver content gives war nickels a distinctive luster that differs from regular nickels. The surfaces often show a slightly grayish tone rather than the yellowish appearance of copper-nickel coins.

Common Fakes and Counterfeits

Several types of counterfeits plague the war nickel market:

Silver-Plated Regular Nickels

The most common fake involves taking regular Jefferson nickels and plating them with silver. These can be identified by:

• Incorrect weight (too light, as the copper-nickel core remains)
• Lack of magnetic properties (since the core is non-magnetic)
• Wear patterns that reveal the copper color beneath the plating

Altered Mint Marks

Some counterfeiters alter the mint marks on genuine war nickels to create more valuable varieties. Key diagnostics include:

• Examining the mint mark under magnification for signs of tooling
• Checking for metal flow around the mint mark that would indicate alteration
• Comparing the mint mark style to known genuine examples

Cast Counterfeits

Lower-quality counterfeits are often cast rather than struck, showing:

• Lack of sharp detail, especially in fine design elements
• Surface irregularities and porosity
• Incorrect weight (usually too light due to metal shrinkage during casting)

Testing Methods for Authentication

Visual Inspection

Begin with a thorough visual examination using a quality loupe (10x magnification):

• Check for proper detail in Jefferson’s hair and Monticello’s architecture
• Examine the rim for signs of casting or plating
• Look for the characteristic grayish tone of the silver alloy

Weight Verification

Use a precision scale accurate to at least 0.01 grams. Authentic war nickels should weigh between 4.98 and 5.02 grams. Significant deviation from this range suggests a counterfeit.

Magnetic Testing

Apply a strong magnet to the coin. While war nickels won’t stick firmly to a magnet, they should show slight magnetic attraction due to the manganese content. No magnetic attraction indicates a regular nickel or silver-plated counterfeit.

Specific Gravity Test

For definitive authentication, perform a specific gravity test:

1. Weigh the coin in air
2. Weigh the coin suspended in water
3. Calculate specific gravity using the formula: (Weight in air) ÷ (Weight in air – Weight in water)
4. Compare to the expected specific gravity of approximately 8.86 for war nickels

Authentication Checklist

When examining a potential war nickel, verify these key points:

• [ ] Large mint mark above Monticello (P, D, or S)
• [ ] Weight between 4.98-5.02 grams
• [ ] Slight magnetic attraction
• [ ] Grayish-silver tone rather than yellowish
• [ ] Sharp detail in high points of the design
• [ ] Proper luster consistent with silver content

Conclusion

War nickels represent an accessible entry point into silver coin collecting, with most dates remaining affordable despite their silver content. However, their popularity has made them a target for counterfeiters. By understanding the specific diagnostic points—particularly the unique metal composition, magnetic properties, and die characteristics—collectors can protect themselves from fakes and build authentic collections of these historically significant coins.

Remember that authentication is about patterns and consistency. No single test is definitive, but the convergence of multiple diagnostic points provides strong evidence for authenticity. When in doubt, consult with experienced collectors or professional authenticators before making significant purchases.

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