The nickel, a five-cent coin in the United States, holds a significant place in the nation’s currency system.
- Value: A nickel is worth five cents, or one-twentieth of a U.S. dollar.
- Composition: Modern nickels are primarily composed of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper and 25% nickel), [according to the U.S. Mint Coin Classroom].
- Designer and Design Date: The obverse (heads) features Thomas Jefferson, designed by Jamie Franki in 2006. The reverse (tails) showcases Monticello, Jefferson’s home, designed by Felix Schlag in 1938.
- Years of Minting: Nickels have been minted continuously since 1866, with exceptions in 1922, 1932, and 1933.
- Diameter and Thickness: The diameter is 21.21 mm (0.835 inches), and the thickness is 1.95 mm (0.077 inches).
The nickel’s story begins in 1866 with the introduction of the Shield nickel, made from a copper-nickel alloy. This replaced the smaller, silver half dime, which was struck until 1873.
- Shield Nickel (1866-1883): Featured a shield on the obverse (front) and the Roman numeral “5” on the reverse, [according to Bullion Shark].
- Liberty Head Nickel (1883-1912): Depicted Liberty’s head on the obverse and a “V” (for five cents) on the reverse.
- Buffalo Nickel (1913-1938): Showcased a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse, symbolizing the nation’s westward expansion and frontier spirit.
- Jefferson Nickel (1938-present): Features President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse.
During World War II (1942-1945), nickels were made with an alloy of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese to conserve nickel for the war effort. These “war nickels” are recognizable by the large mint mark above the depiction of Monticello on the reverse.
In 2006, the Jefferson nickel’s design was updated with a forward-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse, while retaining the Monticello design on the reverse. The melt value of a nickel has sometimes exceeded its face value, leading the United States Mint to implement rules against melting or exporting them. The Mint is also exploring the possibility of using less expensive metals to reduce the cost of producing nickels.
How much is a nickel coin worth?
I can help with that. Jefferson nickels generally range in value from face (five cents) to a few dollars. Even the 35% silver wartime nickels bring only a few dollars in circulated condition. Uncirculated coins have a huge range of value, from a few dollars to tens of thousands for mint-condition pre-1965 samples.
Is a nickel 5 dollars?
Good point! So two half-doll coins equal $1. And obviously a $1 coin equals $1 have you ever used a dollar coin instead of a dollar.