As one of the most recognized coins in the US currency family, the nickel is a five-cent coin that is made up of an alloy of copper and nickel. While it may seem like there isn’t much to know about a small coin with a face of Thomas Jefferson, there are still some little-known facts and uses for this unique piece of currency that make it a fascinating subject to explore.
What are 5 interesting facts about nickel?
1. Nickel coins used to contain silver. In fact, the nickel was first introduced in 1866 as a replacement for the half-dime, which was made of silver. However, during the Civil War, silver became scarce and the US Mint had to find a new metal to use for the coin. That’s when the nickel alloy was introduced.
2. The nickel is named after the metal it contains. The metal nickel was named after a mischievous sprite from German mythology named Nickel. The word meant “devilish” or “mischievous,” which is how people saw the metal because it was difficult to extract and work with. The name stuck and was later used for the coin as well.
3. Some nickels are worth more than five cents. There are a few rare and valuable nickels that are worth way more than their face value. For example, the 1913 Liberty Head V nickel is one of the most valuable coins in the world and is worth millions of dollars. It’s so rare because only five were ever made and the US Mint didn’t even know they existed for many years.
4. Nickels have been used for propaganda. During WWII, the US Mint changed the design of the nickel to feature the face of Thomas Jefferson on the front and a picture of the Monticello estate on the back. This was done to promote patriotism and remind people of Jefferson’s ideals of freedom and democracy.
5. Some people are allergic to the nickel in coins. Nickel is a common metal that is used in many different products, but some people are allergic to it. When they come in contact with nickel, their skin can become red, itchy, and swollen. This is why some people prefer to use plastic cards instead of coins.
What are some basic facts about nickel?
Here are some basic facts about the nickel coin:
- The nickel is 21.21 millimeters in diameter and 1.95 millimeters thick.
- It weighs 5.000 grams.
- The edge of the coin is smooth.
- The current design of the nickel features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front and a depiction of his home, Monticello, on the back.
- The current design was introduced in 1938 and has remained unchanged since then.
What are 5 common uses for nickel?
Nickel is a versatile metal that is used in many different applications. Here are five common uses for nickel:
- Stainless steel: Nickel is a key component in stainless steel, which is used in everything from kitchen appliances to skyscrapers.
- Batteries: Nickel is used in rechargeable batteries for smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices.
- Coinage: The nickel coin is obviously a common use for the metal, but other coins also contain nickel alloys.
- Aerospace: The properties of nickel make it ideal for use in jet engines, gas turbines, and other aerospace applications.
- Medical equipment: Nickel is used in medical equipment, such as prosthetics and dental implants, because it is biocompatible and resistant to corrosion.
What is the composition of a nickel coin?
The composition of a nickel coin is an alloy of copper and nickel. According to the US Mint, the current composition of the nickel is:
75% copper and 25% nickel
The nickel alloy used in the coin provides several advantages, such as resistance to wear and corrosion, as well as a unique color and weight that makes the coin easy to distinguish from other coins in the US currency family.