The first nickels were minted in 1866.
Prior to that time 5-cent coins were smaller, made from silver, and called half-dimes. If you have a coin that says HALF DIME on the back, an 1861 coin in good condition (G4) is worth $20.00; if it's mint state is MS60, the value is: $200.00.
If it looks like a regular nickel, you are probably looking at a 1981 nickel from the wrong angle. (1981 upside-down is 1861)
The US Mint did not produce a nickel in 1861.
What is a 1861 nickel worth
Priceless. The US nickel was first issued in 1866.
It's the usual practice of this site to answer a single question at a time. Please see:"What is the value of a 1940 US nickel?""What is the value of a 1942 US nickel?""What is the value of a 1944 US nickel?"
It's not a nickel. That denomination was first made in 1866. If it looks like a regular Jefferson nickel but is dated 1861 it's either an altered coin or a counterfeit. If it looks like something else it might be a medal or a token.
This design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1919 US nickel?" for more information.
The US nickel was first issued in 1866. Please double-check your coin.
Priceless. The US nickel was first issued in 1866.
It's the usual practice of this site to answer a single question at a time. Please see:"What is the value of a 1940 US nickel?""What is the value of a 1942 US nickel?""What is the value of a 1944 US nickel?"
It's not a nickel. That denomination was first made in 1866. If it looks like a regular Jefferson nickel but is dated 1861 it's either an altered coin or a counterfeit. If it looks like something else it might be a medal or a token.
As of 16 Feb 2018, the melt value of one US nickel is 4.4 cents.
This design is called either a buffalo nickel or an Indian head nickel; both names are about equally common. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1919 US nickel?" for more information.
The US nickel was first issued in 1866. Please double-check your coin.
Buffalo nickels were made from 1913 to 1938, and the first US nickels weren't minted until 1866. Please check your coin again and post a new question.
5 cents.
A 1957 nickel is worth face value only, unless it's uncirculated or a proof coin.
In average condition, both coins are only worth their face value.
the 1861 Confederate penny was made of copper or nickel
Average current retail value is $5.00