Nickels

The United States five cent nickel coin has a rich history dating back to its first minting in 1866. Congress authorized the coin in 1865 to replace the previous five cent coin, the half dime, which was made of silver and had become too expensive to produce due to the rising cost of the precious metal. The first nickel coin featured a shield on the obverse and a large “V” on the reverse, which led to it being commonly known as the “Shield nickel.” However, the design proved to be unpopular due to its plain appearance and difficulty in distinguishing it from other coins.

In response, the United States Mint changed the design in 1883 to feature a portrait of Lady Liberty on the obverse and a large “V” surrounded by a wreath on the reverse. This design, known as the “Liberty Head nickel,” was widely popular but also subject to counterfeiting due to the ease with which the coins could be altered. To combat counterfeiting, the Mint changed the design again in 1913 to feature a portrait of President Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. This design, known as the “Buffalo nickel” or “Indian Head nickel,” remained in production until 1938. In 1938, the design was changed once again to feature a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the obverse and an image of a Roman fasces on the reverse. This design, known as the “Roosevelt dime,” is still in use today and remains a popular and iconic American coin.