1942 Nickel Value
A worn 1942-P (silver) nickel is worth about $3.37, the value of the silver in it.
Uncirculated, that coin brings $7–15, and a certified MS65 brings $20–40. Other mint marks are worth a little more or less; see the table.
Keep it or sell it for its silver. A coin dealer or bullion buyer will pay close to melt value.
Value by mint mark
| Coin | Made | Worn | Uncirculated | MS65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1942-D (regular alloy) | 13,938,000 | $1–4 | $18–40 | $50–80 |
| 1942 (regular alloy) | 49,789,000 | 25–75¢ | $4–12 | $20–35 |
| 1942-P (silver) | 57,873,000 | $3.37 | $7–15 | $20–40 |
| 1942-S (silver) | 32,900,000 | $3.37 | $7–15 | $25–45 |
Worn means a coin with normal wear from circulation. Uncirculated means no wear at all (MS60 to MS63). MS65 is a certified, near-flawless coin. Prices tied to silver update with the live silver price.
Find the mint mark
Regular coins: Back of the coin, to the right of Monticello. Philadelphia coins have no letter.
Silver wartime coins: Back of the coin, a large letter above Monticello's dome. 1942 silver nickels have P or S; 1943–1945 have P, D or S. This is the only time Philadelphia put a P on a coin before 1979.
What it's made of
- 75% copper, 25% nickel, 5.0 grams
- Wartime alloy: 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese, 5.0 grams, 0.05626 troy oz of silver, worth $3.37 today
Melting cents and nickels is not allowed under U.S. Mint rules, so copper and nickel value is a guide only.
Varieties and errors to check
Two kinds of 1942 nickel
Look for: A large P or S above Monticello means 35% silver. No mark, or a small D to the right of Monticello, means regular nickel alloy.
The silver ones are worth their silver value.
1942-D, D over horizontal D
Look for: A sideways D under the upright D mint mark.
A recognized repunched mint mark with a large premium.
Typical value: $100–400
Condition matters
Collectors pay extra when the steps of Monticello on the back are sharply struck (called Full Steps).
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1942-D (regular alloy) | For circulation | 13,938,000 |
| 1942 (regular alloy) | For circulation | 49,789,000 |
| 1942-P (silver) | For circulation | 57,873,000 |
| 1942-S (silver) | For circulation | 32,900,000 |
Questions
Is a 1942 nickel silver?
Some are. 1942 nickels with a large P or S above Monticello on the back are 35% silver. Those with no mint mark, or a small D to the right of Monticello, are regular nickel alloy.
Which 1942 nickel is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1942-D (regular alloy) is worth the most, about $50–80 in MS65. The 1942-D, D over horizontal D is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $100–400.
Where is the mint mark on a 1942 nickel?
Regular coins: Back of the coin, to the right of Monticello. Philadelphia coins have no letter. Silver wartime coins: Back of the coin, a large letter above Monticello's dome. 1942 silver nickels have P or S; 1943–1945 have P, D or S. This is the only time Philadelphia put a P on a coin before 1979.
Check real sales
Recent sold listings show what coins in your condition actually bring: see sold 1942 nickels on eBay.
Other coins from 1942: 1942 penny, 1942 half dollar, 1942 dime, 1942 quarter.
More Jefferson nickels: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.