In the 1950s, a nickel could still buy something fun. Five cents may sound like nothing today, but back then it could get you a small snack or a newspaper. For children, a nickel could be enough to make an ordinary afternoon feel special.
Prices were not the same everywhere, and some items cost more depending on the city and store. Still, five cents was a common price for many small items. Here are 15 things you could buy for just one nickel during the 1950s.
1. Candy
Children could walk into a small store and choose from many types of sweets.
2. Bottle of Soda
Popular flavors included cola, root beer, orange, and grape. Drinking a cold soda on a hot day could be a real treat.
3. Newspaper
Some newspapers were sold for five cents during the 1950s. For that small amount, readers could take home the latest news, sports results, and comics.
4. Cup of Coffee
Five cents could sometimes buy a basic cup of coffee at a diner or lunch counter. Coffee was a common part of daily life, especially for workers and older adults.
5. Bubble Gum
Bubble gum was another favorite. Some gum also came with small pictures, cards, or other surprises, which made it even more exciting.
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6. Small Ice Cream Treat
In some stores and shops, five cents could buy an ice cream. A small scoop or simple frozen treat was an affordable way to cool down during summer.
7. Postcard
A postcard could cost only a few cents, leaving a nickel enough for the card itself in some cases. People used postcards to send short messages to friends and family. A simple picture of a vacation spot could be mailed home as a small reminder of a trip.
8. Fruit
Fruit was an easy snack to take to school or work. It was also much less expensive than many snacks today.
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9. Pickle
At some neighborhood stores and lunch counters, a pickle could be bought for a few cents. For children, buying a pickle was a quick and inexpensive snack. It was the perfect sandwich accompaniment.
10. Small Bag of Popcorn
Popcorn was another low-cost snack. It was usually bought at movie theaters, fairs, stores, or street stands for a few cents.
11. Comic Books
Comic books were an important part of childhood in the 1950s. Many issues sold for around a dime, but older or special examples could sometimes be found for less.
12. A Stick of Licorice
Licorice was a popular candy and was sold in many small shops. A nickel could buy one, depending on the store.
13. Small Toy
Small plastic figures, spinning toys, whistles, and other little prizes were common. They were not expensive, and children could have plenty of fun with them.
14. Song From a Jukebox
At some diners, a nickel could be used to play a song on a jukebox. Teenagers especially enjoyed gathering around these machines to hear their favorite song with friends.
15. Amusement rides
Some amusement rides and attractions could cost only a few cents. Carnivals, parks, and local fairs offered affordable entertainment that families could enjoy without spending a lot.
Want more from the Booming 50´s?
Check out 22 Rare Photos of Neighborhood Life in the 1950s for a look at the porches and front yards where families gathered. If you’re craving something tastier, 10 Photos of McDonald’s Menu Prices Then and Now shows just how far a few dimes used to go at the drive-in. And to relive the soundtrack of the decade, 20 Vintage Images of the Rise of Rock ‘n’ Roll captures Elvis, Chuck Berry, and the fans who screamed for them.
