The US 1875 Nickel coin, designed by James B. Longacre, was part of a series aimed at introducing a new five-cent coin to replace the earlier silver half-dime. The coin’s design, featuring Liberty, symbolized the nations desire for both economic stability and modernization. Made from a copper-nickel blend, the 1875 Nickel reflected a shift towards using less expensive materials due to rising silver prices.
Politically, the US 1875 Nickel represented the nations post-Civil War recovery, as it was minted during a time of rebuilding. Its copper-nickel composition signified a pragmatic response to economic pressures, while the design reinforced a sense of national progress and unity.