Big questions: Should you sell your Bitcoin for nickels for a 43% profit?

CoinTelegraph

by Felix Ng

February 5, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Melting down American nickels to extract their metal components could theoretically yield a significant profit, with the metal in each nickel currently valued at 43% more than its face value. This unusual investment strategy has gained traction online, suggesting that selling Bitcoin and converting the proceeds into physical nickels might offer an infinite return on investment. The idea revolves around melting the coins to separate their copper and nickel components, which are then sold as scrap metal. While the math behind this approach appears attractive—copper prices have surged 33% in the past year, while nickel has seen an 11.4% increase—it’s not without challenges. The process of extracting and selling the metals is time-consuming, resource-intensive, and requires access to high-temperature melting equipment. Moreover, storing large quantities of nickels is impractical due to their weight; $10,000 worth of nickels weighs nearly a ton, equivalent to a small car. Legal considerations also come into play, as defacing currency can lead to penalties in some jurisdictions. Despite these hurdles, the concept has resonated with crypto investors drawn to hard assets as a hedge against inflation. Bitcoin’s recent decline and its perceived volatility have led some to explore alternative investments like physical metals. While melting nickels may seem like a quirky or even outlandish idea, it reflects a broader interest in tangible assets that hold intrinsic value regardless of market fluctuations. For crypto enthusiasts, the appeal lies in the simplicity of converting digital assets into physical commodities with real-world utility and demand. However, the practicality of such a strategy remains questionable, given the complexities of execution and scalability. Whether this trend continues or fades as a viral meme remains to be seen, but it underscores the ongoing search for alternative investments in an uncertain economic landscape.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/5/2026