The composition of a United States five-cent piece, commonly called a “nickel,” is primarily copper and nickel. From 1946 to the present, the metallic content has been 75% copper and 25% nickel. This contrasts with some older coins, particularly dimes, quarters, and half dollars produced before 1965, which contained a significant amount of the precious metal. The current nickel alloy does not incorporate any of this valuable element.
Understanding the elemental makeup of coinage is essential for numismatists, investors, and historians. It dictates intrinsic value, guides collecting strategies, and informs historical analyses of monetary policy and resource availability. The transition away from silver-based currency reflected changing economic realities and resource constraints.