Historical Figures

What is the sliver in 1962 nickel?

The sliver you are referring to is not actually made of silver. The "sliver" in the 1962 nickel composition was actually the manganese added to the nickel alloy. The original nickel composition was 75% copper and 25% nickel. In 1962, the composition changed to 75% copper, 21.5% nickel and 3.5% manganese. The manganese was added to improve the mechanical properties of the coin, and to make it harder.