What Nickels Are Silver? A Breakdown of Coin Composition
Learn the true composition of US nickel coins. Discover why they aren't silver and differentiate between the elements nickel and silver.
The United States five-cent coin, commonly called a “nickel,” is not primarily made of silver. Despite its appearance and name, nickel is a distinct metallic element separate from silver. This article clarifies the actual composition of the five-cent coin and the unique properties of both nickel and silver metals.
The US Nickel Coin’s Composition
The standard US five-cent coin, introduced in 1866, is predominantly an alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel, known as cupronickel. This blend was chosen for its durability, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to wear, which are important for circulating coinage. The coin’s name “nickel” became common because it was the first US coin to contain a significant amount of the metal nickel, distinguishing it from earlier silver five-cent pieces called “half dimes.”
A notable exception occurred during World War II, from mid-1942 to 1945. Nickel was a strategic war material needed for military production. To conserve nickel, the US Mint temporarily changed the coin’s alloy to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These “wartime nickels” are identifiable by a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse side of the coin. Following the war, the pre-1942 composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel was reinstated in 1946 and has remained the standard ever since.
Characteristics of Nickel Metal
Nickel (Ni), atomic number 28, is a silvery-white, lustrous metal, often with a subtle golden tinge. It is hard, ductile, and malleable. Nickel conducts both heat and electricity well.
Its resistance to corrosion and oxidation makes it valuable in various industrial applications. It is primarily used in stainless steel production, where it enhances durability and corrosion resistance. Nickel is also widely used in other alloys for aerospace, marine, and chemical processing, as well as in rechargeable batteries and electroplating.
Characteristics of Silver Metal
Silver (Ag), atomic number 47, is known for its brilliant white metallic luster and is the most reflective of all metals. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity among all metals. Pure silver is a relatively soft metal, making it highly ductile and malleable.
Unlike nickel, silver is prone to tarnishing when exposed to sulfur compounds in the air or water. Historically used in coinage and jewelry, silver’s properties now make it indispensable in electronics, such as circuit boards and solar panels, and in various medical applications due to its antimicrobial properties.
Addressing the “Silver” Misconception
The common belief that “nickels are silver” stems from the coin’s silvery appearance and its name. However, nickel metal is chemically distinct from silver. The US five-cent coin has not contained silver as a primary component for most of its history.
The only exception was during World War II, from mid-1942 to 1945, when nickels contained 35% silver. These “wartime nickels” were marked to differentiate them from the standard cupronickel coins. Aside from this brief period, all US nickels produced since 1866 are composed of copper and nickel.