The nickel coin is a five-cent piece in the United States, made primarily of copper and nickel. It was first introduced in 1866 and has undergone various design changes over the years. The current design features the profile of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse. Nickels are commonly used in everyday transactions and are part of the U.S. coinage system, which includes other denominations like pennies, dimes, and quarters. The nickel is notable for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a practical choice for everyday use.