what were nickels made of in 1945

[SanJoseph]

That's a great question! The nickels made in 1945 are particularly interesting because their composition was changed due to World War II.

Normally, a nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, during the war, nickel was a critical material needed for the military effort. To conserve this metal, the U.S. Mint created a new alloy for the five-cent piece starting in late 1942 and continuing through 1945.

So, a nickel from 1945 was made of a unique blend of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. Because of their silver content, these coins are often called "war nickels" and are sought after by collectors.