The “Mario & Princess Kissing on Silver War Nickel” is a custom hand-carved hobo nickel created on a genuine 1942-1945 wartime Jefferson nickel, also known as a Silver War Nickel. These wartime nickels are distinctive because they contain 35% silver, a composition change made during World War II to save nickel for military use.
The standard Jefferson nickel design is artistically altered, carving a scene of Mario and Princess Peach kissing—an iconic pop culture reference—onto the coin. Such pieces are examples of modern numismatic folk art, blending classic coinage with creative, themed engravings. The silver content adds intrinsic value, while the unique design greatly increases collector interest compared to regular war nickels.
Silver War Nickels generally contain about 0.05626 troy ounces of silver, and in circulated condition they fetch around $1.50 to $3.50, but custom engraved pieces with creative themes like “Mario & Princess Kissing” can command a premium, depending on the artist’s skill and demand. Well-executed, attractive designs on silver war nickels can fetch hundreds or even more from niche collectors who appreciate both precious metals and custom art.
In summary, a “Mario & Princess Kissing” custom carved silver war nickel is a highly collectible fusion of historic silver coinage and imaginative engraving art, merging vintage value with pop culture charm to create a unique and desirable numismatic piece.