How long has the nickel been around?

The nickel, as a coin in the United States, was first introduced in 1866. It was initially made of a copper-nickel alloy and has undergone various design changes over the years. The term "nickel" originally referred to the metal itself, which was used in coins long before the U.S. nickel was minted. Since its introduction, the nickel has been a staple of American currency for over 150 years.