1945 Nickel Value
A worn 1945 nickel is worth about $3.37, the value of the silver in it.
Uncirculated ones bring $7–15, and a certified MS65 brings $20–40.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1945-D | 37,158,000 | $3.37 | $7–15 | $20–40 |
| 1945-P | 119,408,100 | $3.37 | $7–15 | $20–40 |
| 1945-S | 58,939,000 | $3.37 | $7–15 | $20–40 |
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
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
- 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
1945-P doubled die reverse
Look for: Doubling on the lettering on the back of a 1945 nickel with a large P above Monticello.
A recognized doubled die on a wartime silver nickel.
Typical value: $15–50
Condition matters
Collectors pay extra when the steps of Monticello on the back are sharply struck (called Full Steps).
Mintage
| Coin | Type | Mintage |
|---|---|---|
| 1945-D | For circulation | 37,158,000 |
| 1945-P | For circulation | 119,408,100 |
| 1945-S | For circulation | 58,939,000 |
Questions
Is a 1945 nickel silver?
Yes. Every 1945 nickel made for circulation contains 0.05626 troy ounces of silver. Its silver value moves with the silver price; the live figure is shown at the top of this page.
Which 1945 nickel is worth the most?
Among regular coins, the 1945-D is worth the most, about $20–40 in MS65. The 1945-P doubled die reverse is the one to look for: typical examples sell for $15–50.
Where is the mint mark on a 1945 nickel?
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 1945 nickels on eBay.
Other coins from 1945: 1945 penny, 1945 half dollar.
More Jefferson nickels: all years and mintages.
Values checked October 7, 2026 against several public price guides and auction results. How values work.