Nickel (coin) facts for kids
A nickel is a coin used in the United States. It is worth 5 cents. Nickels are made from a special metal mix called cupronickel, which is an alloy of copper and nickel.
Contents
What is a Nickel?
The nickel is a small, round coin that is part of the money system in the United States. It is often used for small purchases, like buying candy or paying for part of a bus fare. Even though it is called a "nickel," it is not made entirely of the metal nickel. It is mostly copper with some nickel added.
The History of the Nickel
The first nickel coin was made in 1866. Before that, there were other 5-cent coins, but they were made of silver. During the American Civil War, silver became scarce, so the government decided to make a new coin from a different metal. This new coin was called the "Shield Nickel" because it had a shield design on one side.
Over the years, the design of the nickel has changed several times. The most famous designs include the "Buffalo Nickel" and the "Jefferson Nickel." The Jefferson Nickel, which shows Thomas Jefferson, has been around for a long time, though its reverse (back) side has changed a few times.
What Does a Nickel Look Like?
Every nickel has two sides: the front, called the obverse, and the back, called the reverse.
The Front (Obverse)
The front of the modern US nickel features a picture of Thomas Jefferson. He was the third President of the United States. His image has been on the nickel since 1938. You can also see the word "LIBERTY" and the year the coin was made.
The Back (Reverse)
The back of the modern US nickel shows Monticello. This was Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia. The words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM" are also on the back. "E Pluribus Unum" is a Latin phrase that means "Out of many, one." This refers to the idea that many states come together to form one nation. The value of the coin, "FIVE CENTS," is also clearly written.
What is a Nickel Made Of?
A nickel coin is made from a mix of two metals: copper and nickel. This mix is called cupronickel. It is 75% copper and 25% nickel. This combination makes the coin strong and durable. It also gives the nickel its distinct silver-like color.
Nickels and Other Money
The nickel is just one of several coins used in the United States. It fits into the money system like this:
- Two nickels make a dime (10 cents).
- Five nickels make a quarter (25 cents).
- Twenty nickels make a dollar (100 cents).
Knowing the value of a nickel helps you understand how to use money for everyday things.
Related pages
