Nickel calculator shows the total metal value and total metal content derived from the amount of nickel and copper contained in uncirculated U.S. Nickels that have no wear. If your nickels have some wear due to circulation, they will not contain as much metal.
Circulating Coins- Year of Issue: 1794 to Present
- Authorizing Legislation: Coinage Act of 1792
Background
The “Return to Monticello” theme is the current design of the U.S. five-cent coin. The U.S. Mint first issued this design in 2006. The obverse (heads) shows an image of Thomas Jefferson based on a Rembrandt Peale portrait. The image of Monticello on the reverse (tails) is a more detailed depiction of the design used from 1938 to 2003.
The first five-cent coin made by the U.S. Mint was silver, not nickel. This silver five-cent coin was called a “half disme” (pronounced “dime”) and was much smaller than today’s nickel. The designs from 1794 to 1837 featured Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. In 1837, a wreath design replaced the eagle.
In 1866, the Mint produced new five-cent coins made of nickel and copper, which people called “nickels”. The Mint continued making the smaller silver half dime until 1873.
From 1913 to 1938, the Mint produced the iconic “Buffalo” nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser. The obverse showed the bust of a Native American chief, and the reverse depicted an American bison.
Jefferson took his place on the obverse of the nickel in 1938 with Monticello, his Virginia home, on the reverse. These designs, both by Felix Schlag, continued until 2003. In 2004, the Mint commemorated the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition with the Westward Journey Nickel Series.
Other Circulating Coins:
Penny | Dime | Quarter | Half Dollar
- 'Nickel' refers to the US five-cent coin. Whoa, whoa, cool it with the double nickels—the speed limit here is 25!
- The Jefferson Nickel has been an important piece of U.S. Coinage since it was first produced in 1938. The coin came into existence to replace the Buffalo Nickel, and has stood the test of time and is still produced by the mint to this day.
- Nickel Melt Value Calculator, available below, can be used to determine the total metallic value; and figure the total nickel and copper content of your hoard of United States issued nickels. Calculate by quantity, rolls of nickels, face value, or total weight.
Characteristics
Obverse (heads): Shows, since 2006, the Thomas Jefferson likeness based on a Rembrandt Peale portrait completed in 1800. Peale’s portrait was the basis for most of the images of Jefferson made during his lifetime.
Reverse (tails): Features the classic rendition of Monticello originally made by artist Felix Schlag in 1938, but with greater detail and relief added in the dome, balconies, door, and windows.
Obverse Inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY (in cursive, based on Jefferson's handwriting)
- Year
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- FIVE CENTS
- MONTICELLO
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
| Composition | Weight | Diameter | Thickness | Edge | No. of Reeds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cupro-Nickel Balance Cu | 5.000 g | 21.21 mm | 1.95 mm | Plain | N/A |
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Donna Weaver
- Designer: Jamie Franki, Artistic Infusion Program
- Designer: Felix Schlag
The first Nickel was minted in 1866 as the Shield Nickel and eventually replacing the Half Dime by 1873. US 5 Cents were first called nickels because of their metal content; 75% Nickel, 25% copper, and not because of their denomination. The Shield Nickel was minted from 1866-1883 and designed by James Longracre.
Key dates to look for include: 1866/1866, 1867, 1871, 1874, 1875, 1876, with 1883 being a low mintage date and the best shot at an investment. Also, the proof issues are considered an investment oppurtunity when comparing their low mintage numbers to their current market value. Check out our Shield Nickel Facts and Shield Nickel Mintages and Values web pages for more information and images.
The Shield Nickel was replaced by the Liberty or V Nickel in 1883 and designed by Charles Barber. The series lasted from 1883 until 1912. However, 5 unauthroized specimens were struck in 1913 and sale for millions of dollar each.
Key dates to look for include: the 1885, 1886, 1894, and 1912-S and several repunched date varieties for the dates 1883, 1884, 1886, 1887, 1890-1900 and two doubled die reverse for 1887 and 1900. Check out our V Nickel Facts, Mintages and Values and PhotoGrade web pages for more images and information.
In 1913 the Liberty V Nickel was replaced with the Indian Head or Buffalo nickel designed by James Earl Fraser and the series lasted from 1913 until 1938. It was firsted minted with the Buffalo on a Mound (Type I), in the same year, the design was changed to a Buffalo on a Plain (Type II).
The commonly called Buffalo Nickel is most popularly known for the 1937-D 3 Leg Variety, but a 1936-D 3 1/2 Leg and a 1917-D 3 1/2 Leg are also valuable varieties. Key dates to look for include: 1913-S Type I, 1913-S Type II, 1915-S, 1921-S, 1926-S and also a few other varieties 1914/3 Overdate, 1916 Double Die Obverse, 1918-D 8/7 Overdate, 1935 Double Die Obverse, 1936 Satin and Brilliant Proofs.
It’s important to note that many dates, while minimal in value for low grades, increase in value in higher grades. Better dates are still available for low premiums as of the date of this post. Visit our Buffalo Nickel Facts, PhotoGrade and Mintages and Values web pages for more images and information.
Us Nickels Worth Money
In 1938 the Buffalo Nickel was replaced with the Jefferson Nickel and has remained the same until the present, although, the reverse and obverse saw some design changes from 2004-2006 but Jefferson still remains on the obverse as a frontal portait instead of the side-view.
Felix Schlag is the designer and his Jefferson Nickel design lasted until 2004 when the obverse and reverse where modified. In 2004, the Jefferson Nickel reverse commemorated the Lewis and Clark Expedition and Louisinanna Purchase, and the obverse had a modified Jefferson portrait. In 2005, the Bison returned to the reverse, for this year alone. 2006 saw the return of the Montecello Reverse and a forward-facing Jefferson Portrait and has remained the same up to the present.
Us Nickel Metal Content
During the WWII years of 1942-1945 the Jefferson was composed of 35% silver and the value of these “silver” nickels depends on the silver market.
Us Nickel Error List
The Jefferson Nickel Series doesn’t contain any key dates, but the 1950-D is a low mintage year, and realizes a premium. However, there’s many varieites for the interested collector and a list of these can be found here Jefferson Nickel Varieties. Also check out our Jefferson Nickel Mintages and Values and PhotoGrading Jefferson Nickels.