Hello, I'm an expert in numismatics, which is the study or collection of currency, including coins like the nickel.

Yes, a nickel is indeed 5 cents. It's a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. The composition, design, and issuance of the coin have changed several times since its introduction to the U.S. currency system. The current version of the coin has a copper-nickel composition and features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse.

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A nickel, in American usage, is a five-cent coin struck by the United States Mint. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the piece has been issued since 1866. Its diameter is .835 inches (21.21 mm) and its thickness is .077 inches (1.95 mm). ... The silver half dime, equal to five cents, had been issued since the 1790s.read more >>