There should be a mint mark letter, either P, D or S, above the dome of Monticello on the back of the coin.
Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 09/2011:
"P" mint mark (Philadelphia):
Very worn condition - $2.40
Moderately worn - $2.64
Slightly worn - $2.76
Almost no wear - $3.10
Uncirculated - $3.48 to $2220.00 depending on quality
"D" mint mark (Denver):
Very worn - $2.40
Moderately worn - $2.64
Slightly worn - $2.76
Almost no wear - $3.10
Uncirculated - $3.60 to $2340.00
"S" mint mark (San Francisco):
Very worn - $2.40
Moderately worn - $2.64
Slightly worn - $2.76
Almost no wear - $3.10
Uncirculated - $3.48 to $2030.00
DISCLAIMER: The retail values quoted are the best available as of the date shown, but may vary significantly due to changes in the precious metals market. Also the wholesale (buying) price of a coin will be less than the selling (retail) price. A reputable coin dealer will be able to give a more accurate valuation based on inspection of the coin.
From mid-1942 to the end of 1945, the U.S. minted 5-cent coins out of an alloy of silver, copper, and manganese because nickel metal was needed for the war effort. Their silver content is the reason "war nickels" are worth more than other nickels of a similar age - from 1866 to 1942 and from 1946 to today, all other nickels have been made of an alloy of copper and nickel; no silver at all.
Because some 1942 nickels were still struck in copper-nickel, the Mint decided to use a large mint mark over Monticello's dome to distinguish between the 2 compositions. As part of the change, Philadelphia used a P mint mark for the first time in history. The P was dropped when the old composition was restored in 1946, and was not used again until 1979/80 when it was put on all denominations except the cent.
This is a War Nickel ( 1942-1945 ) the large D mint mark on the back identifies one, it has about 35% silver in it and is valued at $1.00 to $1.50 in circulated condition.
It is worth $5.00.
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