The 5 cent coin used to be called a half dime when it was made out of 90% silver. Then, the 5 cent coin was changed to be made out of nickel and its name was changed too; however. there were 3.5 years that the nickel went back to be made out of silver.
During World War 2 the United States used nickel in their ammunition which they sent overseas. They wanted to make sure they had enough nickel for ammunition so the nickels started to be minted of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. Additionally, the US made the coins as a sort of propaganda. The US didn't seem serious about the war yet and this act would help convince both US residents and the rest of the world that they are fully prepared to battle.
War nickels started a few months into 1942 and continued through 1945. An easy was to spot one of these nickels is to look above the building on the reverse of the coin where a large mint mark appears. On other nickels the mint mark is much smaller and is to the left of the building. The coins have about $1 worth of silver and can often be found really close to spot price to buy in bulk. I found this one in circulation.
