Nickels

Status: Current Denomination
Years: 1866-Present
In 1866, the U.S. Mint replaced the Half Dime much in the same way it replaced the 3¢ Silver with the 3¢ Nickel. But instead of a voluntary switch, this time, the U.S. Mint was forced to make the change due to silver hoardings during the Civil War. Larger, and therefore easier to find, and also more durable and more wear-resistant, the Nickel stuck. Nickel designs include Shield Nickels, Liberty Head Nickels, Indian Head (Buffalo) Nickels, and the Jefferson Head Nickel, which includes several commemorative issues.