Is a 1964 Nickel Silver? Its Composition and Value

The 1964 nickel is not made of silver. Like most nickels, it consists of a copper-nickel alloy. While 1964 was a transitional year for silver in other denominations, the nickel maintained its standard metallic makeup.

The Composition of a 1964 Nickel

A 1964 nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. This cupronickel alloy has been standard for United States five-cent coins since 1866. The blend provides the coin with its distinct silvery appearance and durability, proving cost-effective and suitable for high-volume minting.

Despite its name, the nickel coin is primarily copper. The 25% nickel content provides its characteristic color and hardness. This consistent composition has been a hallmark of nickel production for over a century, with only specific exceptions.

Distinguishing Silver Coins

Confusion about the 1964 nickel’s composition stems from significant changes in U.S. coinage around that period. Starting in 1965, the U.S. Mint removed silver from dimes, quarters, and half-dollars due to rising silver prices and a coin shortage. These denominations transitioned to a clad composition, typically a copper core bonded with a copper-nickel alloy, visible as a copper stripe on the coin’s edge.

The only nickels that contained silver were “War Nickels,” minted between mid-1942 and 1945. These coins were composed of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese, a change necessitated by wartime demand for nickel, a strategic metal. To identify a silver War Nickel, look for a large mint mark (“P,” “D,” or “S”) located above Monticello on the reverse. This placement made these silver coins easy to sort and withdraw from circulation after the war. Standard nickels, including 1964, do not feature this large mint mark.

The Value of a 1964 Nickel

A 1964 nickel, due to its non-silver composition and high mintage, is generally worth its face value of five cents in circulated condition. Over 2.8 billion nickels dated 1964 were minted by the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, making them very common. These vast production numbers mean most 1964 nickels are not considered rare.

While most hold only their face value, some 1964 nickels can command higher premiums. These exceptions include coins in exceptionally high, uncirculated grades, such as MS-65 or higher, exhibiting strong luster and sharp details. Coins with a “Full Steps” designation, indicating clearly defined steps on Monticello, are also sought after by collectors due to their rarity in high grades. Significant mint errors can also increase a coin’s value, but these are infrequent occurrences.