Amid important monetary changes in the United States, one question is beginning to gain traction: could the 5-cent nickel coin disappear? The idea gains relevance just as the federal government has announced the end of the penny, which has rekindled the debate about the future of other low-denomination coins.

Although there has not yet been an official announcement about the retirement of the nickel, the truth is that its permanence is also in doubt. The main reason is economic: producing a 5-cent coin costs almost three times its face value.

For years, the cost of producing a nickel has exceeded 5 cents. According to official estimates, by early 2025, manufacturing each of these coins will cost around 13.78 cents. This figure reflects not only the price of metals, but also distribution costs.

This same problem was one of the reasons why the US government decided to eliminate the penny. That coin cost almost 4 cents per unit, and its production became unsustainable.

With the disappearance of the penny, the nickel would remain as the lowest-value coin in circulation. However, its very cost also puts it at risk.

To date, there is no official timetable for suspending nickel production. But many officials are reviewing public spending to eliminate what they consider inefficiencies. And spending almost 14 centavos to manufacture a 5-cent coin could be seen as an unnecessary expense.

This context fuels the possibility that the nickel's days also may be numbered.

If this coin is withdrawn, the dime (10-cent coin) would become the lowest denomination coin in circulation. For those who pay in cash, this would entail rounding prices to the nearest multiple of 10. Although it may seem like a minimal change, it could especially affect low-income or unbanked consumers.

However, for those who use cards or payment apps, the difference would be minimal. since digital transactions would still be processed accurately on a penny-for-penny basis.

If the nickel is phased out, collector interest is likely to increase. It wouldn’t be unusual to see many people start hoarding these coins in the hopes that they will become valuable.

And while there’s no guarantee they’ll increase in price, some already rare versions like Buffalo and Liberty Head nickels could skyrocket in value if they become harder to find.

Collector Tracey Newell warns that if the nickel is discontinued, the coin would gradually be phased out of circulation.

“This would make them more difficult to obtain through daily exchange or even at banks,” he noted. “Many would have to go to specialty dealers to obtain them.”

While no one can predict with certainty whether these coins will increase in value, it may be a good idea to start hoarding some, especially if they’re in good condition or are older editions.

The eventual retirement of the nickel could make these coins more coveted. For those who already have a collection, this is a great time to review it. And for those who haven't started yet, this could be the perfect incentive to do so.