As the U.S. did not mint nickels in 1859, I assume you're referring to a copper-nickel cent.
Numismedia lists the following approximate retail values as of 03/2009:
Very worn condition - $13
Moderately worn - $27
Slightly worn - $40
Almost no wear - $105
All Indian Head cents minted from mid-1864 to the end of the series in 1909 were struck in bronze, not copper-nickel. Copper-nickel was only used for Indian Head cents minted from 1859 to mid-1864. There's more information at the Related Question.
Please turn the coin over and check the value on the back. You'll find it's a cent (penny) rather than a nickel. You may be confusing the denomination with the fact that these coins were struck in an alloy of copper and the metal nickel.There's more information at the Related Question.
The coin is 75% copper and 25% nickel, so the coin is likely face value the date is still in circulation.
No matter what denomination it is, if found in circulation it's face value.
The first 5-cent US nickel was made in 1866, the 3-cent nickel in 1865, and the copper-nickel flying eagle 1-cent in 1856.
No such (US) coin exists because the copper-nickel 3 cent piece was not minted until 1865.
All Indian Head cents minted from mid-1864 to the end of the series in 1909 were struck in bronze, not copper-nickel. Copper-nickel was only used for Indian Head cents minted from 1859 to mid-1864. There's more information at the Related Question.
Please turn the coin over and check the value on the back. You'll find it's a cent (penny) rather than a nickel. You may be confusing the denomination with the fact that these coins were struck in an alloy of copper and the metal nickel.There's more information at the Related Question.
Please rephrase question.
The coin is 75% copper and 25% nickel, so the coin is likely face value the date is still in circulation.
If you have a US nickel, it is either coated with copper or has changed color due to exposure to some chemical and has no special value. If it is a 1942 Canadian nickel, it varies from $.40 to $1.75 in circulated conditions, $3 and up in uncirculated grades. The material is called "tombac" and is an alloy of copper and zinc.
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver with 7.5% copper and no nickel.
This is not a Mint error, it's a novelty coin that has no collectible value.
The composition stated wasn't used for US cents and in any case doesn't add to 100%. All genuine 1865 US cents were struck in bronze (95% copper/5% tin and zinc) while the composition of the 1859-1864 cupronickel series was 88% copper and 12% nickel. Your coin should be evaluated in person by an expert who has the necessary equipment to determine its composition.
It is made of copper and nickel. A 1949 NICKEL is made from copper & nickel.
No matter what denomination it is, if found in circulation it's face value.
Copper-nickel. If circulated, it has no particular special value.