How Many Nickels Are in a Dollar?

The nickel is the second lowest denomination coin in the United States currency system, with the penny being the lowest at 1 cent. A nickel is primarily composed of copper, but is also made of about 25 percent of the element nickel. The first official nickel was created in 1866. However, there was a previous coin named the silver half dime that had been around since the late 18th century. Since a dime is equal to 10 cents, a nickel is essentially a half dime as well.