The nickel and dime are foundational to American currency, though they differ significantly in size, value, and history. Value: 5 cents ($$0.05).
Beyond physical currency, to "nickel and dime" someone is a common American idiom. Opinion | Turning 71 and loving the nickel life
It is larger and thicker than a dime despite being worth half as much. The Dime Value: 10 cents ($$0.10).
The terms refer to two common U.S. circulation coins and a popular idiom describing small, repetitive expenses. U.S. Coin Specifications
The modern "Jefferson Nickel" (1938–Present) features Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello , on the reverse.
The "Roosevelt Dime" (1946–Present) features Franklin D. Roosevelt . Notable historical versions include the "Mercury Dime" (1916–1945), which depicted a winged Liberty.
The name comes from the Old French disme , meaning "tenth part". The "Nickel and Dime" Idiom