NEN Trivia Question......
RedHerring
Posts: 2,077 ✭
........Before 1866, what coin was commonly referred to as a nickel?
My first thought was the half dime, but could it be the 1865 3 cent nickel?
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In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
I agree.
The nickel 3 cent piece of 1865 could have been.
I don't think anybody wouyld call a silver half dime that.
....Applying the term "nickel" to a coin precedes the usage of five-cent pieces made from nickel alloy. The term was originally applied to the Indian Head cent coin from 1859–1864 which was composed of copper-nickel. Throughout the Civil War these cents were referred to as "nickels" or "nicks". When the three-cent nickel came onto the scene in 1865, these were the new "nickels" to the common person on the street. In 1866, the Shield nickel hit the spotlight and forever changed the way Americans associated coins made from nickel alloy with a particular denomination.
Thank you. I'm going with copper-nickel FE & IHC minted 1856-1864. My entry to the NEN contest has been submitted.
I'd always thought it was the 3 cent piece.
WTB: Barber Quarters XF
Of course, if anyone would know it's Rick.