The U.S. 5 cent coin known as the Nickel came into being just after the American Civil War when there was a shortage of silver caused by by hoarding during the war years. Since then the Nickel has become a mainstay of U.S. coinage and a part of the language. Up until the late 1970s it was possible to make a phone call from a toll phone for only a Nickel. City buses in many areas only charged a Nickel. "It's your nickel" was a popular way to answer the phone and is still a part of everyday conversations for some folks.

Since it was first minted in 1866 the Nickel has been composed of 75% nickel and 25% copper, weighed 5 grams and is 21.21mm in diameter. The only time the composition of the Nickel changed was during WWII (1942-1945) when it was composed of 56% copper 35% silver and 9% manganese.

The Nickel has enjoyed several different major designs since its first minting in 1866 including:

Shield Nickel 1866-1883
Liberty Head V 1883-1913
Indian Head 1913-1938
Jefferson Profile 1938-2003
Westward Journey 2004-2005
Jefferson Forward 2006-Now

The Jefferson Profile Nickel is probably one of the easiest sets to collect from circulation coins since so many millions have been produced. It is still common to find coins from the 1940s in change.

The most famous of the Nickel series is likely the Indian Head (or Buffalo Nickel) minted from 1913-1938. Graced with the profile of a Native American on the Obverse and a buffalo on the reverse it is considered one of the most striking designs used on a U.S. coin. It is so popular that the design was resurrected for use on the 2001 commemorative buffalo dollar the the American Gold Buffalo bullion coin beginning in 2006.

Worth one-twentieth of a dollar the Nickel has a rich...and sometimes colorful...history. It's been known as the "racketeer nickel" and some say it's the source of the saying "You're not Joshin me, are you?" The brittle and hard nickel/copper alloy lead to difficulty in the minting process and, especially in early coins, it's not unusual to find die cracks.

Nickels are a great place to start collecting coins. Collectors of modest means can find great examples at reasonable prices at their favorite coin shops and auctions. The menu to your left will lead you to the Nickel section. Enjoy your search and I hope you find the coins you're seeking!