why are 5 cents bigger than 10 cents?

Question

when I look at the 5 cent called a nickel because it used to be made of nickel or still is not sure and the Dime 10 cent why is it smaller than the 5 cent?

Answer 1

It goes back to what coins traditionally meant. They initially were worth their weight in precious metals. Gold, silver, etc. A dime, like a quarter was mad of silver. Pennies and nickels are larger than a dime because they were made of less precious metals than silver.

Answer 2

So that your older sister can tell you "I'll trade you my nickel for your dime, my nickel is bigger!" and then because you are only 3 you say "Okay" then you remember it the rest of your life and she still laughs at you about it. mmmmmmmmm, I don't know why, but I feel much better now. Thanks.