Realcent.org

Sitting at table, sorting nickels and I had a moment. (ok LOL)
December 7, 1941 we all remember history. Pearl Harbor
So my thoughts are: How did we end up with silver in our nickel (1942 nickel) so quickly. Wouldn't 1942 nickels already have been minted? I realize we were supporting Britain with war materials however it seems that our government must have been planning to find a way for U.S. to get involved. Thoughts?

Not all 42s are silver and I don't know when in 42 they started with the silver alloy.

It's a hard fact to find. anyone?

october 1942 I believe

The switch to a 35% silver alloy was completed in October 1942. Due to the need for cupronickel alloys for the war, several alternatives were the subject of test strikes, with the silver alloy judged best for several reasons.

Another decision was that of using several different recycled copper alloys for the cent, rather than the standard .950 copper alloy. That is why many cents from 1942 - 1946, except the 1943'zinc plated steel cent, have higher than normal levels of zinc and tin.