The nickel is the five‑cent coin of the United States, larger in size than the penny and dime, and easily recognized by its silver color and smooth edge. It has a face value of 5¢, equal to one‑twentieth of a dollar. The nickel is made primarily of copper (75%) with nickel (25%) added for strength and durability, giving it its distinctive appearance and name.

The obverse of the nickel features the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, who has appeared on the coin since 1938. His image faces left, accompanied by the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “LIBERTY”, and the year of minting. On the reverse, the coin traditionally displays Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, though modern nickels have included updated designs such as the Westward Journey series in the early 2000s.

The nickel plays a practical role in everyday commerce. Its larger size and heavier weight make it easy to distinguish from other coins, and it is frequently used in vending machines, parking meters, and small transactions. Though inflation has reduced its purchasing power, the nickel remains an essential part of U.S. currency, bridging the gap between the penny and the dime.