Nickel (United States Coin)

The nickel is a five-cent coin issued by the United States Mint. Introduced in 1866, it replaced the half dime, a small silver coin. The nickel has undergone several design changes over the years, reflecting various aspects of American history and culture.

History and Introduction

The Coinage Act of 1866 marked the introduction of the five-cent piece known as the nickel. At this time, the United States needed a durable and practical currency for everyday transactions. The half dime, made of silver, was deemed too small and delicate for robust circulation. So, the nickel was born, made primarily of copper (75%) and nickel (25%).

Early Designs

The first design was called the Shield nickel, produced from 1866 to 1883. Designed by James B. Longacre, it featured a shield on the obverse side and a large numeral 5 surrounded by stars and rays on the reverse. In 1883, the Liberty Head or V nickel replaced it. This design by Charles E. Barber showcased Lady Liberty on the obverse and a Roman numeral V (5) on the reverse.

Shield Nickel

• Years: 1866-1883
• Designer: James B. Longacre
• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel

Liberty Head Nickel

• Years: 1883-1913
• Designer: Charles E. Barber
• Key Feature: Roman numeral V on reverse

Buffalo Nickel

One of the most iconic designs came with the Buffalo nickel, issued between 1913 and 1938. James Earle Fraser designed this coin, which depicts a Native American chief on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse. Fraser’s design aimed to capture the spirit of the American West and honor Native American heritage.

Design Details

• Obverse: Native American chief
• Reverse: American bison
• Years: 1913-1938
• Designer: James Earle Fraser

Jefferson Nickel

In 1938, the United States Mint introduced the Jefferson nickel, designed by Felix Schlag. This coin celebrated the third U.S. President, Thomas Jefferson. The obverse featured Jefferson’s portrait, while his Virginia home, Monticello, adorned the reverse. This design has seen minor tweaks but remains largely in place today.

Design Elements

• Obverse: Portrait of Thomas Jefferson
• Reverse: Monticello
• Years: 1938-present
• Designer: Felix Schlag

Composition and Variations

The metal composition of the nickel has changed throughout its history. During World War II, nickel was a critical wartime material. From 1942 to 1945, the mint produced war nickels made of 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These war nickels can be identified by a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse.

War Nickels

• Years: 1942-1945
• Composition: 56% copper, 35% silver, 9% manganese
• Identification: Large mint mark above Monticello

Modern Nickels

Starting in 2004, the mint began introducing new reverse designs to commemorate the Lewis and Clark expedition. These designs included the Westward Journey series, featuring different depictions related to the expedition. In 2006, the return to Monticello marked the reappearance of the classic Jefferson design but with an updated obverse portrait.

Commemorative Series

• 2004: Peace Medal and Keelboat designs
• 2005: American Bison and Ocean in View designs
• 2006: Return to Monticello with updated Jefferson portrait

Collecting Nickels

Nickels are popular among coin collectors due to their historical significance and design variety. Some rare nickels, such as the 1913 Liberty nickel, can fetch high prices at auctions. Collectors often seek out specific dates, mint marks, and error coins.

Notable Nickels

• 1913 Liberty Head nickel: One of the rarest and most valuable nickels
• 1939-D Jefferson nickel: Known for its low mintage
• 1950-D Jefferson nickel: Popular among collectors for its post-war significance

Collecting nickels provides insights into American history and numismatics. Each design shift and composition change tells a story about the era it represents.