U.S. Nickels (1866-Present)

Learn More About U.S. Nickels (1866-Present)

When the U.S. nickel was first minted, it was actually worth three cents. It was President Andrew Jackson who approved a bill to authorize the coinage of five-cent pieces that took the place of five-cent fractional currency. Nickels were originally minted during the post-Civil War era when gold and silver were at a shortage. Nearly 30 million nickels were minted between 1867 and 1868 alone. Their practical denomination made them a welcome choice in a post-war economy, and their popularity continued to gain momentum through the turn of the century. The first true nickels were made primarily out of nickel blended with copper. Just as the nickel’s designs have changed, so too has their composition. Today’s silver-looking nickels are 75% copper, which has become an expensive metal to produce. In fact, it costs nearly 8 cents to make a nickel today. 

Designs:

•  Shield Nickels (1886-1883)
•  Liberty Head V Nickels (1883-1913)
•  Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938)
•  Jefferson Nickels (1938-Present)

What are the most valuable U.S. nickels? Contact our expert numismatists at 1-800-965-2646.