NICKEL COINAGE
In 1866, Congress autorized the issue of the Nickel Five Cent Piece, to weigh 77.16 grains, and the alloy to consist of of tree-fourth copper, and one-fourth nickel. The device on the Obverse, a large figure "5", surrounded by a circle of thirteen stars, separated from each other by rays. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue : "CENTS". Reverse: A United States shield, with olive branches over-handing, above the shield, a stubby cross:, at the lower end, and protruding from back of shield, two crossed arrows. Legend : " IN GOD WE TRUST." Exergue: "1866." This Five Cent nickel piece represents the metric system ; being two centimetres in diameter, and weighing five grammes.
FIVE CENT NICKEL PIECE.
In 1867, the rays from the Obverse were omitted, and since then the Five Cent nickel pieces have borne the same device unchanged, with the exception of date of issue on the Exergue of the Reverse.
In 1865, Congress ordered the issue of Three Cent Nickel Pieces, to be composed of an alloy of seventy-five per cent, copper and twenty-five per cent, nickel, and to weigh thirty grains. Obverse : Female head, facing to the left, with bandeau bearing the inscription: "LIBERTY." Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue : "1865." Reverse: The large Roman numerals: "III," inclosed by an olive branch wreath.
THREE CENT NICKEL PIECE.
With the exception of the year 1877, this Three Cent nickel piece has been regularly issued up to the present day, replacing with each year's issue the date on the Exergue of the Obverse.
In 1856, there was coined a small Nickel Cent, bearing on Obverse an eagle flying across the field. Legend: "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue : "1856." Reverse: "ONE CENT," inclosed by a tobacco wreath. Weight: 72 grains.
The composition of an alloy eighty-eight parts copper, and twelve parts nickel. As a limited number of this Nickel Cent were struck, they have already become very scarce, and at a high premium with coin collectors.
ONE CENT NICKEL PIECE.
In 1857 and 1858 no change was made, with the exception of date in Exergue of the respective year of issue.
In 1859, a change was made in the Obverse, the eagle was exchanged for a beautiful Indian head, wearing a coronet of feathers, with "LIBERTY" engraved around their base. Legend : "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." Exergue: "1859." Upon the Reverse the tobacco wreath gave place to an oak wreath, and the letters on the inscription, "ONE CENT," were enlarged. The alloy was continued, eighty-eight per cent, copper, and twelve per cent, nickel, retaining yet the former weight.
ONE CENT NICKEL PIECE.
In 1860, the Obverse remained as before, but OL the Reverse an addition, an oak wreath instead of laurel ; arrows at the base to
ONE CENT NICKEL PIECE.
the right, and olive leaves to the left, fastened together by a ribbon, tied in a loose knot; a small United States shield was also placed on the top, just above the inscription "ONE CENT."
In 1864, Congress ordered a change in the Cent from nickel to bronze, reducing its weight from 72 grains to 48 grains.