The current U.S. nickel features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson , the third President of the United States, on the obverse (heads) side.
- This design, [first issued in 1938, was based on a portrait by Rembrandt Peale].
- The reverse (tails) side of the nickel depicts Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia.
- From 1913 to 1938, the nickel featured a Native American chief and an American bison (also known as a Buffalo Nickel).
- In 2004 and 2005, the U.S. Mint released a series of nickels with special designs to commemorate the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- However, starting in 2006, the design returned to feature a forward-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse.
Why is Thomas Jefferson on a nickel?
I can help with that. The Jefferson Nickel (1938-Present)
The most enduring design, the Jefferson Nickel, has featured the profile of Thomas Jefferson since 1938. This representation not only pays tribute to Jefferson’s pivotal role in drafting the Declaration of Independence but also reflects his vision for the nation.
Who is the figure on the nickel?
Good point! The obverse (heads) shows an image of Thomas Jefferson based on a Rembrandt Peale portrait. The image of Monticello on the reverse (tails) is a more detailed depiction of the design used from 1938 to 2003. The first five-cent coin made by the U.S. Mint was silver, not nickel.