[library user]

I took a bunch of 1950s and earlier Jefferson nickels to a local coin dealer last week. He said they’re not worth anything beyond face value, but then proceeded to ask if I’d take 5 cents each for them. LOL. I figure they have to be worth a little more than current nickels, due to silver content during that time.

[mamelukesabre]

Nickels were never silver. They were nickle. Hence the name “nickle”.

[HP8753]

The Wartime Nickels 1942-1945 were 56% copper, 35% silver and 9% Manganese.
The 1942 & 1942D were normal nickels, 75% copper and 25% nickel.
The 1942P and 1942S were wartime alloy.

The wartime alloy nickels have larger mintmarks above the dome of Monticello on the reverse.

[HP8753]

Modern silver containing coins have the following amounts of silver

Wartime Nickel=0.05626 oz
Silver dime=0.07234 oz
Silver Quarters=0.18084 oz
Silver Half Dollars=0.36169 oz
Silver Clad Halfs (1965-1970)=0.14792 oz
Silver Dollars=0.777344 oz

Take the price of Silver (around $13.60/oz) times the content to get the value.
But dealers will never give you 100% of value or else they wouldn't make any $$$$$.

[Abigail Adams]

I don’t think old nickels are made of silver. Just old dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollars.