A US nickel coin is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. It is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel¹. It has been issued since 1866 with different designs on both sides¹². The current design features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse².

So, how much does a nickel weigh?

The weight of a nickel is approximately 5 grams (0.176 ounces)². Nickels are composed of a cupronickel alloy, which consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel. The diameter of a nickel is 21.21 millimeters (0.835 inches).

FAQs about nickels:

When was the Jefferson Nickel introduced?

The Jefferson Nickel was first introduced in 1938, replacing the previous design featuring a depiction of President Abraham Lincoln on the obverse and a wreath on the reverse. The new design was chosen through a competition held by the US Mint.

Are all nickels made of the same composition?

Yes, all US nickels have a consistent composition. They are made of a cupronickel alloy, which is a combination of copper and nickel. The specific composition is 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Are there any special editions or variations of the Jefferson Nickel?

Yes, there have been various special editions and variations of the Jefferson Nickel over the years. The US Mint has released commemorative editions, proof sets, and special designs to honor specific events, anniversaries, or themes. Collectors often seek these special editions for their numismatic value.

Can I use nickels in everyday transactions?

Yes, nickels are accepted as legal tender in the United States, and they can be used in everyday transactions. They are commonly used as change for small purchases or as part of larger transactions.

Are there any rare or valuable nickels?

Yes, certain nickels are considered rare and valuable due to their scarcity, condition, or historical significance. For example, the 1939-D Jefferson Nickel with a mintmark from the Denver Mint is known for its low mintage and is highly sought after by collectors.

Fun facts about Nickels

– The first five-cent coin made by the U.S. Mint was not a nickel, but a silver half dime. It was much smaller than today’s nickel and was issued from 1792 to 1873¹.
– The word “nickel” comes from the German word “kupfernickel”, which means “copper devil”. It was a name given to a mineral that looked like copper but was hard to extract³.
– The Buffalo nickel is considered one of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever made. It was designed by James Earle Fraser, who used a composite of three Native American chiefs and a bison named Black Diamond as models¹.
– Thomas Jefferson’s signature is written in cursive on the obverse of the current nickel, based on his handwriting².

Source:
(1) Nickel (United States coin) – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_%28United_States_coin%29.
(2) Nickel | U.S. Mint – United States Mint. https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-medal-programs/circulating-coins/nickel.
(3) Nickel | U.S. Mint for Kids – United States Mint. https://www.usmint.gov/learn/kids/about-the-mint/nickel.