Is a 1943 nickel silver?

Yes, if it is a Jefferson war nickel with the large reverse mintmark. 1943 circulating Jeffersons are that wartime 35% silver alloy.

Are all nickels silver?

No. Only 1942–1945 war nickels with the large reverse mintmark. Buffalo, Shield, Liberty, and other Jeffersons are copper-nickel.

What is a 1943 nickel worth in melt today?

At today’s silver price of $66.84, one coin’s melt is $3.76. Multiply by how many you have. Melt is the metal, not a collector price.

35% silver · large reverse mintmark

1943 nickel — war nickel silver

A 1943 Jefferson nickel is a war nickel: 35% silver. Confirm the large mintmark above Monticello on the reverse. Other Jefferson years are copper-nickel. One coin’s melt today is $3.76 at $66.84 silver.

1943 nickel 35% silver Large mintmark above Monticello 1946-on nickel Copper-nickel No silver

1942–1945 silver nickels replaced nickel metal for the war. 1943 is the clean year: every circulating Jefferson nickel is the silver wartime alloy if it has the large P, D, or S above the building.

1942 exists both ways — some 1942 nickels are copper-nickel without the large reverse mark. 1946-on is not silver.

One war nickel holds 0.05626 troy oz of silver. They are not 90% bag material. Use this type, not the dime/quarter face count.

Full spec and quantity math: Jefferson war nickel · Identify · US silver by year

Melt / coin$3.76

Silver spot$66.84

ASW0.05626 oz

Gross weight5.000 g

If you want to sell Find a shop near you

A local coin shop can make an offer. Melt is the metal floor, not a quote. Many shops buy generic gold and silver as a percent of that number.