While it is possible there was a problem with the alloy mix of your nickel, more likely it has either become toned (tarnished) to that coppery color or has been copper-plated. I suggest you check out the ANACS website, to see if they will be attending an upcoming coin show in your area, where you can take your coin and get a free first-hand professional appraisal : http://www.anacs.com/shows.html
I think you have an Indian Head Cent
None. Only nickels minted from 1942-1945 contain silver. The rest have a 25% nickel 75% copper composition.
All British Halfcrown coins minted from 1949 to 1967 inclusive are made from copper nickel alloy.
Two US nickels have 13 stars on them. The "Shield" nickel minted from 1866 to 1883 and the "Liberty Head" nickel minted from 1883 to 1912. Both nickel types were minted in 1883.
All British Halfcrown coins minted from 1947 to 1967 inclusive are made from copper nickel alloy.
Whta is the composition of nickel and is it compatible with Metcaptan Sulfur?
A composition of steel, copper, and nickel
The first U.S. nickel was minted in 1866.
All U.S. nickels minted since 1866 (except for 1942-1945) are 75% copper and 25% nickel.
If you are referring to a Washington Quarter that was minted from 1932-1964, it contains: 90% silver and 10% copper. If it was minted from 1965 to the present, the composition is: 2 outer layers of 75% copper and 25% nickel bonded to a pure copper core, for an overall percentage of about 92% copper and 8% nickel.
There is no such thing as an Indian head nickel minted in 1895. The first Indian head nickel was minted in 1913; prior to that was the Barber nickel, with the head of Liberty.
There is no such thing as an 1889 Buffalo Nickel. Buffalo nickels were only minted from 1913 to 1938. A nickel minted in 1889 would be a Liberty Head or "V" nickel.