The cost of a United States nickel coin depends on what you are asking about:
- Face value: The face value of a nickel is 5 cents.
- Cost to produce: In the 2024 fiscal year, it cost the US Mint nearly 14 cents ($0.1378) to produce and distribute a single nickel. This is more than twice its face value.
- Metal value (melt value): As of July 6, 2025, the material and production process account for approximately 11 cents of the nickel’s cost, while the coin’s melt value was near one-and-a-half times its face value in May 2007. Melt value has fluctuated and at times fallen below face value. Currently, melting down nickels (and pennies) for their metal value is prohibited.
- Collectible value: The value of a nickel can be significantly higher for collectors, especially for rare or older issues. For example:
– Buffalo Nickels without a date can be worth around $1500.
– A [1913-D 5c Type Two Buffalo Nickel graded MS65] can be worth around $3000, or $604 used.
– Most circulated Liberty nickels are worth a few dollars, and uncirculated coins range from $100-250. However, some key date coins can be worth over $1,000.
– The 1913-S Liberty Nickel , with only five known to exist, sold for a reported $5 million.
– Heavily worn Shield Nickels can be found for $25-$50, while higher-graded coins can be worth thousands.
– Jefferson Nickels are generally worth face value to a few dollars . Exceptions are silver wartime nickels (1942-1945), which can be worth a few dollars in circulated condition, and uncirculated coins or key dates like 1939-D or 1950-D.
– A 1947-D Jefferson Nickel is typically around $6-$7.
– A 1953-S Jefferson Nickel in uncirculated condition can be worth $3.11 to $12.
In summary
The cost of a nickel depends on whether you’re considering its face value for spending, the government’s expense to produce it, its material value as a commodity, or its worth to a coin collector.
How much is 1 nickel worth?
I can help with that. A nickel is worth 5 cents. A dime is worth 10 cents.
How much is 1 nickel worth in cents?
Thanks for asking. A nickel is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. Composed of cupronickel (75% copper and 25% nickel), the piece has been issued since 1866.
What is the current price for nickel?
Good point! The Nickel price today is 15,301.25.