Historical Perspective:
The United States Mint has issued 5-cent nickels since 1866, with the Jefferson coins minted since 1938 as the most modern nickels.
During World War II, between 1942 to 1945, nickel was needed for ammunition, so the U.S. Mint switched to this silver alloy for the nickel coin.
 
This uncirculated coin is a 1945-S Jefferson nickel, also known as a "war nickel", and is made of a silver alloy (35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese) and weighs 5 grams. While it is not made entirely of silver, the wartime composition change makes it a unique piece of history. These nickels were minted with a large mintmark above Monticello to denote the silver alloy.  
 
With doubled die errors, die chips & cuds,  this Jefferson war nickel from 1945 is a valuable addition to any coin collection, especially for those looking to add a piece of US war history to their portfolio.