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Originally, a cent had 1 cent's worth of copper, a nickel 5 cents' worth of nickel, and a dime 10 cents' worth of silver. Because the same weight of each metal was worth a different amount, the coins' sizes had to be different in order to match weights and values. For example, silver was (and still is) worth a lot more per ounce than copper, so a dime could have a lot less metal in it but be worth far more than a copper cent.
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Even though the monetary value of coins no longer represents the value of their metal content, the traditional coin sizes have been maintained.
It's because these coins originally were made of other metals so that their intrinsic (i.e. melt) value was approximately equal to their face value. In 1964 silver was removed from dimes and quarters but the coins were kept the same sizes so they'd continue to work in vending machines, coin sorters, etc.
There's more information at the Related Question linked below.
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Because that is what they were worth in the material they were made of, and nickel metal is cheaper than the metal they use for dimes.
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When dollars, half dollars, quarters and dimes were made of silver, half dimes made of silver were smaller than dimes because they were half the weight.
At that time cents were about the size of half-dollars and half cents were the size of nickels.
What else can I help you with?
What is the value of the 1903 mercury nickel?
Back in 1903, the nickel was called, the "Liberty" nickel. The name "Mercury" only refers to the dime and came into circulation in 1916. The "Mercury" dime was produced until 1945. In 1946 to present, it is called the "Roosevelt" dime.
What is the value of an 1810 dime in fair condition?
Supposedly no dimes were minted in 1810, however, I have what appears to be a ,smaller than todays dimes, dime with has the date 1810 on it.
What is the value of a 1905 dime with a v on the back?
Remember Roman numerals? V = 5, not 10, so you have a nickel. That's also why it's the size of a nickel, not the size of a dime. Please see the Related Question for values.
What is the value of a 1904 dime with a v on the back?
My strong guess is that your "dime" is actually the same size and thickness as a nickel, because .................. it IS a nickel. The "V" is of course the Roman numeral meaning 5. Please see the Related Question for details
How much is a 1975 dime and nickel worth?
Together, in good condition, fifteen cents.
How is a dime different than nickel?
A dime is smaller than a nickel. A nickel is worth less than a dime. A dime has a ridged side, while a nickel is smooth and thicker.
What the width of nickel and a dime?
A nickel has a diameter of 21.21 millimeters, while a dime has a smaller diameter of 17.91 millimeters. This means the nickel is wider than the dime. Both coins are made of a combination of metals, with the nickel primarily composed of nickel and copper and the dime mainly made of copper and nickel.
What is smaller than a penny a nickel a dime a quarter or a half dollar?
A grain of sand is smaller than those things.
Is 11 mm the size of a dime or nickel?
An 11 mm size is smaller than both a dime and a nickel. A dime has a diameter of 17.91 mm, while a nickel measures 21.21 mm in diameter. Therefore, 11 mm does not correspond to the size of either coin.
Is a nickel less dense than a dime?
Both nickels and dimes are composed of Copper and Nickel. A dime, however, is 91.67% Copper and 8.33% Nickel, while a nickel is 75% Copper and 25% Nickel. Since Copper is a bit denser than Nickel, and a dime contains relatively more Copper, than a dime would be denser than a nickel.
Why is the penny and nickel bigger than the dime?
The size of coins is not directly related to their value. The penny and nickel are larger than the dime because they are made of different metals and were designed at different times with various considerations in mind, such as ease of use and production costs. The dime, despite being smaller, still holds a higher value than the penny and nickel.
Have you ever seen a buffalo head nickel that is smaller than a dime?
It is not a real coin. It is something made by a novelty company.
Why is a quarter heavier than a dime?
A quarter is heavier than a dime because it is made of a larger amount of metal. Quarters are larger in size and have a greater weight due to their composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel, while dimes are smaller and made of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel.
Why is a dime so small but a nickel so big but the dime is worth more?
The reason is because the dime used to be made of silver, while the nickel has always been a copper/nickel blend. Silver is worth more, which is why the coin could be smaller, but worth more. There used to be a silver half-dime, but the coin was so small that it was replaced by the nickel.
How many nickels fit into 3 dimes?
Your question should really be "How many nickels are 3 dimes worth?". A nickel is 5 cents and 3 dimes are 30 cents, which is the same as 6 nickels (30 / 6) As stated, a nickel can't "fit into" a dime because a dime is smaller than a nickel :)
Is a nickel half a dime?
Yes, a nickel is half a dime!
What is a nickel worth of what percent of a dime?
A nickel equals 5 cents; the dime 10 cents. Two nickels equals one dime in value. So the nickel is 50% of the dime.
