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The Birth of the Nickel:
The need for a new five-cent coin became apparent in the mid-19th century. At that time, the United States was using the half dime, a coin made of silver that had a face value of five cents. However, the increasing cost of silver and the rising expenses associated with producing these coins prompted Congress to seek an alternative. In 1865, they passed legislation authorizing the creation of a new five-cent coin, made of a different and more affordable metal – nickel.
The Shield Nickel (1866-1883):
The first nickel coin, often known as the “Shield nickel,” was introduced in 1866. This coin featured a simple and unadorned design, with a shield on the obverse and a large “V” on the reverse, denoting the Roman numeral for five. While this design was a departure from the more intricate and artistic coinage of the time, it served its purpose as a durable and cost-effective replacement for the half dime.
However, the Shield nickel faced challenges. Its plain appearance and similarity to other coins made it unpopular among the public. As a result, the United States Mint decided to re-envision the nickel’s design to make it more appealing to the American people.
