The U.S. nickel features Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. He has been on the nickel since 1938, with his current portrait dating to 2006. The reverse (tails) of the nickel depicts Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia, [designed himself].
- Longest-running design: The Jefferson Nickel, with its design by Felix O. Schlag, has been the longest-running series for the five-cent denomination.
- Evolution of the design: The obverse (heads) featured a left-facing profile of Jefferson from 1938 to 2004, initially based on a bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon.
- Westward Journey Nickels: In 2004 and 2005, the U.S. Mint issued the Westward Journey Nickel Series to commemorate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This series featured different reverse designs, including:
– An adaptation of the Indian Peace Medals struck for Jefferson in 2004.
– A keelboat similar to that used by the Expedition in 2004.
– An American bison, recalling the Buffalo nickel, in 2005.
– A coastline and the words “Ocean in view! O! The Joy!” from a journal entry by William Clark in 2005.
- Current design: Since 2006, the obverse of the nickel depicts a forward-facing Jefferson based on an 1800 study by Rembrandt Peale, and includes “Liberty” in Jefferson’s script. The reverse features the classic rendition of Monticello, originally made by Felix Schlag in 1938, but with greater detail added in the dome, balconies, door, and windows.
The Jefferson nickel remains a cornerstone of American coinage, honoring a key figure in the nation’s history and representing a continuity of design over many decades.
Which president was on the nickel?
The nickel is the United States’ five-cent coin. The person on the obverse (heads) of the nickel is Thomas Jefferson, our 3rd president.
Why is a 1964 nickel worth so much today?
For collectors, the 1964 nickel holds deep numismatic value as the last coin of its kind before the sweeping changes brought about by the 1965 Coinage Act. The coin’s familiar design—the iconic portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and the historic Monticello building on the reverse—adds to its timeless appeal.
Why is Jefferson on the Nickel?
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.