cupronickel, any of an important group of alloys of copper and nickel; the alloy containing 25 percent nickel is used by many countries for coins. Because copper and nickel mix readily in the molten state, the useful range of alloys is not confined within any definite limits. Additions of from 2 percent to 45 percent of nickel to copper provide a series of alloys that are stronger and more resistant to oxidation at high temperatures than is pure copper. An alloy containing 30 percent nickel, the most important, is widely used for condenser tubes in steam-power plants.
Cupronickel was first utilized for coins in 1860 by Belgium; it became widely used thereafter, replacing silver in British coinage, for example, in 1947. The 75:25 ratio was adopted by the United States for the “nickel” 3-cent piece (1865–89) and the “nickel” 5-cent coin (from 1866); since 1965 it has formed the two outer layers of the 10-cent and 25-cent pieces, with a layer of copper sandwiched between. An 88:12 composition was used briefly for the American cent (1857–64).
Easily worked hot or cold, cupronickel has numerous applications, with 20 percent nickel, for example, in exposed automobile parts.
Cupronickel has high electrical resistivity; constantan, an alloy of 55 percent copper and 45 percent nickel, is used in resistors, thermocouples, and rheostats. See also Monel.