Discover The Rare 1973 Nickel: Its Value And History Uncovered

What is a 1973 nickel d?

A 1973 nickel d is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint in 1973. The coin is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel and weighs 5.0 grams. The obverse (heads) of the coin features the bust of President Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse (tails) features the Monticello, Jefferson's home in Virginia.

The 1973 nickel d is significant because it was the last year that the United States Mint produced nickels with a pure nickel composition. In 1974, the Mint began producing nickels with a copper-nickel clad composition, which is still used today.

Importance, benefits, and historical context

The 1973 nickel d is a popular coin among collectors. The coin is relatively scarce, with only about 116 million minted. The scarcity of the coin is due to the fact that the Mint produced a large number of nickels in 1973 to meet the demand for new coins. However, many of these coins were never released into circulation and were instead melted down for their metal content.

The 1973 nickel d is also a valuable coin. The coin is currently worth about $10 in circulated condition and up to $50 in uncirculated condition. The value of the coin is due to its scarcity and its historical significance.

The 1973 nickel d is a reminder of a time when the United States Mint produced coins with a pure nickel composition. The coin is a valuable and collectible piece of American history.

1973 nickel d

The 1973 nickel d is a significant coin in American history. It was the last year that the United States Mint produced nickels with a pure nickel composition. The coin is also relatively scarce, making it valuable to collectors.

• Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
• Weight: 5.0 grams
• Diameter: 21.21 mm
• Thickness: 1.95 mm
• Obverse: Bust of President Thomas Jefferson
• Reverse: Monticello, Jefferson's home in Virginia

The 1973 nickel d is a reminder of a time when the United States Mint produced coins with a pure nickel composition. The coin is a valuable and collectible piece of American history.

1. Composition

The composition of the 1973 nickel d is 75% copper and 25% nickel. This composition was used by the United States Mint from 1965 to 1974. The Mint switched to a copper-nickel clad composition in 1975, which is still used today.

• Durability: The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition is more durable than the copper-nickel clad composition. This is because copper is a harder metal than nickel. As a result, 1973 nickel d coins are less likely to wear down or become damaged.
• Electrical conductivity: The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition has a higher electrical conductivity than the copper-nickel clad composition. This is because copper is a better conductor of electricity than nickel. As a result, 1973 nickel d coins are more likely to be used in electrical applications.
• Magnetic properties: The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition is not magnetic. This is because nickel is a ferromagnetic metal, but copper is not. As a result, 1973 nickel d coins are not attracted to magnets.
• Color: The 75% copper, 25% nickel composition has a slightly darker color than the copper-nickel clad composition. This is because copper is a darker metal than nickel. As a result, 1973 nickel d coins have a more reddish-brown color than modern nickels.

The composition of the 1973 nickel d is an important factor in its value and desirability. Collectors prefer nickels with a 75% copper, 25% nickel composition because they are more durable, have a higher electrical conductivity, and are not magnetic. As a result, 1973 nickel d coins are worth more than modern nickels.

2. Weight

The weight of a 1973 nickel d is 5.0 grams. This is the standard weight for all nickels minted since 1965. The weight of a coin is important because it is one of the factors that determines its value. Coins that are heavier than the standard weight are worth more than coins that are lighter than the standard weight. This is because heavier coins contain more metal, which is more valuable.

• Composition: The weight of a 1973 nickel d is due to its composition. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Copper is a relatively heavy metal, which is why nickels are heavier than dimes and quarters, which are made of a copper-nickel clad composition.
• Durability: The weight of a 1973 nickel d also contributes to its durability. Heavier coins are less likely to wear down or become damaged. This is because the metal in heavier coins is more dense, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
• Value: The weight of a 1973 nickel d can also affect its value. Coins that are heavier than the standard weight are worth more than coins that are lighter than the standard weight. This is because heavier coins contain more metal, which is more valuable.

The weight of a 1973 nickel d is an important factor to consider when collecting coins. Heavier coins are worth more than lighter coins, and they are also more durable. As a result, collectors prefer to own heavier coins.

3. Diameter

The diameter of a 1973 nickel d is 21.21 mm. This is the standard diameter for all nickels minted since 1965. The diameter of a coin is important because it is one of the factors that determines its value. Coins that are larger in diameter are worth more than coins that are smaller in diameter. This is because larger coins contain more metal, which is more valuable.

• Composition: The diameter of a 1973 nickel d is due to its composition. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Copper is a relatively soft metal, which is why nickels are larger in diameter than dimes and quarters, which are made of a copper-nickel clad composition.
• Durability: The diameter of a 1973 nickel d also contributes to its durability. Larger coins are less likely to wear down or become damaged. This is because the metal in larger coins is more spread out, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
• Value: The diameter of a 1973 nickel d can also affect its value. Coins that are larger in diameter are worth more than coins that are smaller in diameter. This is because larger coins contain more metal, which is more valuable.

The diameter of a 1973 nickel d is an important factor to consider when collecting coins. Larger coins are worth more than smaller coins, and they are also more durable. As a result, collectors prefer to own larger coins.

4. Thickness

The thickness of a 1973 nickel d is 1.95 mm. This is the standard thickness for all nickels minted since 1965. The thickness of a coin is important because it is one of the factors that determines its value. Coins that are thicker than the standard thickness are worth more than coins that are thinner than the standard thickness. This is because thicker coins contain more metal, which is more valuable.

• Composition: The thickness of a 1973 nickel d is due to its composition. The coin is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Copper is a relatively soft metal, which is why nickels are thicker than dimes and quarters, which are made of a copper-nickel clad composition.
• Durability: The thickness of a 1973 nickel d also contributes to its durability. Thicker coins are less likely to wear down or become damaged. This is because the metal in thicker coins is more spread out, which makes it more resistant to wear and tear.
• Value: The thickness of a 1973 nickel d can also affect its value. Coins that are thicker than the standard thickness are worth more than coins that are thinner than the standard thickness. This is because thicker coins contain more metal, which is more valuable.

The thickness of a 1973 nickel d is an important factor to consider when collecting coins. Thicker coins are worth more than thinner coins, and they are also more durable. As a result, collectors prefer to own thicker coins.

5. Obverse

The obverse of the 1973 nickel d features a bust of President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He is best known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence and for his purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. Jefferson was a strong advocate for democracy and individual liberty, and his image on the nickel serves as a reminder of the principles on which the United States was founded.

• Historical Significance: Jefferson was one of the most important figures in American history, and his image on the nickel is a tribute to his legacy. The nickel serves as a reminder of Jefferson's contributions to the founding of the United States and his commitment to democracy and individual liberty.
• Artistic Merit: The bust of Jefferson on the nickel is a well-executed work of art. The engraver, Felix Schlag, captured Jefferson's likeness in a realistic and dignified manner. The bust is also well-integrated into the overall design of the coin, and it complements the reverse design of Monticello.
• Cultural Symbolism: The nickel is a widely circulated coin, and the bust of Jefferson on the obverse is one of the most recognizable images in American culture. The nickel is a symbol of the United States and its values, and it is often used in advertising and other forms of popular culture.

The obverse of the 1973 nickel d is a beautiful and meaningful work of art. It is a fitting tribute to President Thomas Jefferson and his legacy. The nickel is a reminder of the principles on which the United States was founded, and it is a symbol of the country's values.

6. Reverse

The reverse of the 1973 nickel d features Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson in Virginia. Jefferson designed Monticello himself, and it is considered to be one of the most important examples of Palladian architecture in the United States. The building is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The inclusion of Monticello on the reverse of the nickel is a fitting tribute to Jefferson's legacy. Jefferson was a polymath who made significant contributions to American history, politics, and architecture. He was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. Monticello is a testament to Jefferson's genius and his commitment to the ideals of democracy and individual liberty.

The 1973 nickel d is a beautiful and meaningful coin that celebrates the life and legacy of Thomas Jefferson. The coin is a reminder of Jefferson's contributions to the founding of the United States and his commitment to the principles of democracy and individual liberty.

FAQs about the 1973 Nickel D

The 1973 nickel d is a significant coin in American history. It was the last year that the United States Mint produced nickels with a pure nickel composition. The coin is also relatively scarce, making it valuable to collectors. Here are some frequently asked questions about the 1973 nickel d:

Question 1: What is the composition of the 1973 nickel d?

Answer: The 1973 nickel d is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Question 2: What is the weight of the 1973 nickel d?

Answer: The 1973 nickel d weighs 5.0 grams.

Question 3: What is the diameter of the 1973 nickel d?

Answer: The 1973 nickel d has a diameter of 21.21 mm.

Question 4: What is the thickness of the 1973 nickel d?

Answer: The 1973 nickel d has a thickness of 1.95 mm.

Question 5: What is the value of the 1973 nickel d?

Answer: The value of the 1973 nickel d varies depending on its condition. Uncirculated coins are worth more than circulated coins. However, even circulated 1973 nickel d coins are worth more than their face value.

The 1973 nickel d is a valuable and collectible coin. It is a reminder of a time when the United States Mint produced coins with a pure nickel composition. The coin is also a symbol of American history.

Summary of key takeaways:

• The 1973 nickel d is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel.
• The 1973 nickel d weighs 5.0 grams.
• The 1973 nickel d has a diameter of 21.21 mm.
• The 1973 nickel d has a thickness of 1.95 mm.
• The value of the 1973 nickel d varies depending on its condition, but even circulated coins are worth more than their face value.

Transition to the next article section:

The 1973 nickel d is a fascinating coin with a rich history. It is a valuable and collectible coin that is prized by collectors. If you have a 1973 nickel d, be sure to take good care of it. It is a piece of American history that is worth preserving.

Conclusion

The 1973 nickel d is a significant coin in American history. It was the last year that the United States Mint produced nickels with a pure nickel composition. The coin is also relatively scarce, making it valuable to collectors.

The 1973 nickel d is a reminder of a time when the United States Mint produced coins with a pure nickel composition. The coin is also a symbol of American history. It is a valuable and collectible coin that is prized by collectors.

If you have a 1973 nickel d, be sure to take good care of it. It is a piece of American history that is worth preserving.