House Bill H.R. 3074: Proposed Changes in the Nickel’s Composition


For the first time since the nickel was introduced in 1866, 161 years ago as the Shield Nickel, Congress is hoping that by changing the composition, the 5-cent piece won’t suffer the same fate as the lowly cent. From the beginning the nickel has had a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

The proposal suggests an outer layer of nickel bonded to an inner core of zinc. The weight will remain similar to the current coin so that there will be no adverse affect with use in vending machines – IF you can find a vending machine that still accepts nickels, that is.

According to the U.S. Mint’s Annual Reports, the 2023 cost per 5-cent coin was 11.54 cents; in 2024, 13.78 cents; and 2025, 13.31 cents.


Saturday, July 25th, 2026 Uncategorized