3 cent nickel and 3 cent silver

I just got my 3 cent nickel in the mail today, and when I compared it to the silver, it was fairly bigger.

why are the 3 cent silvers smaller than the nickel?

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

They are smaller due to the silver composition. Had the silver 3 cent pieces been larger, like the 3 cent nickel, then the silver in the coin would have been worth more than 3 cents and the coins would never have circulated, but been hoarded for their metal value.

 

ah very true.

thanks much

I always thought they were the same size. lol