Question about coins?

Question

Why are dimes smaller than nickels and pennies? Wouldn't it make sense if they were bigger?

Answer 1

Formerly, they were made of silver.  Nickels and pennies were made of metals not worth as much as silver, so they could be bigger.

Answer 2

Back before 1965 the dime, quarter and half dollar were made with 90% silver. The nickle was made of nickle. The dime was smaller because the silver content allowed it to be worth 10 cents with its smaller size.

Answer 3

Good question.  I sometimes have wondered the same thing myself.  Does the gov't do EVERYTHING that makes sense?