tell me about the 194Xs silver nickles...

Cowbilly

Have a few. Where do they come from?

Placid

The mint's. During world war II nickel was needed for armor so they used silver for nickels.

Metal content:
Copper - 56%
Silver - 35%
Manganese - 9%

merz2

They were made by all (3) mints.

nwcs

The mint mark was placed on the reverse so they would be easy to recognize. The govt had planned to take them out of circulation after the war but didn't bother to.

Cowbilly

Are they very collectable? I have one that is ms nice and it is slightly toned. I think it's one of my prettiest coins. It sure stands out from the nickle.

prooflike

To be a bit more specific on the mint mark, it was large and above the dome of Monticello to designate silver content nickels.

Libertad

I picked one up in change two weeks ago. Up until then, I hadn't seen one in circulation for many years.

The color on circulated pieces is a giveaway, they stand out from the others with a different metallic sheen somehow.

nwcs

<< <i>Are they very collectable? I have one that is ms nice and it is slightly toned. I think it's one of my prettiest coins. It sure stands out from the nickle. >>

There are people out there who collect mainly Jeffersons, and I would encourage you to enjoy them. From what I've seen, everyone wants to have an example of them or a set but they are not as valuable as other coins. Still, the best part of coin collecting is that there is a great deal to choose from and enjoy what you like!

CarlWohlforth

Lincoln cents also went through two metal content changes during WWII; the steel ones from '43 and the recycled shell case ones from '44.

These "sliver" Jeffersons are collectable. They are collected by both date and mint mark Jefferson collectors (both proof and mint state) as well as being desired by type collectors. They are only expensive in very high grades.