A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a case housing the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly coupled to the case, wherein the cap assembly includes a cap plate sealing the case and having a short circuit opening; a first short circuit plate installed at the short circuit opening of the cap plate; a second short circuit plate on an exterior of the cap plate and spaced from the cap plate to cover the short circuit opening; and a sealing layer between the second short circuit plate and the cap plate.