
Based on established numismatic information, a 1941 Jefferson nickel contains zero silver. The standard composition for nickels minted in that year was an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition was used for the Jefferson nickel from its introduction in 1938 until partway through 1942.
The common confusion regarding silver in nickels arises from the "war nickels" produced during World War II. Due to the high demand for the metal nickel as a strategic material for the war effort, the U.S. Mint altered the coin's composition. From October 1942 through the end of 1945, nickels were struck with an alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese.
These silver-alloy war nickels are easily distinguishable from their copper-nickel counterparts. They feature a large mint mark (P, D, or S) prominently displayed above the dome of Monticello on the reverse of the coin. A 1941 nickel, having been minted before this change, will not have this feature and is composed of the standard copper-nickel alloy, containing no silver.


