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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The US nickel was first issued in 1866. Please double-check your coin.
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
Check that coin again. The first U.S. nickel was issued in 1866.
This famous design is also frequently called an Indian head nickel. Please see the question "What is the value of a 1920 US nickel?" for more information.