Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. President and the main author of the Declaration of Independence, is featured on the United States nickel , the five-cent coin.
Specifically, Thomas Jefferson has been depicted on the obverse (heads side) of the nickel since 1938. The original design, by Felix Schlag, remained mostly unchanged until 2004.
Over the years, the Jefferson nickel has seen some modifications:
- 1938-2003: The original design featured a profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and his home, Monticello, on the reverse.
- 2004-2005: The Westward Journey Nickel Series featured new reverse designs celebrating the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
- 2006-Present: The nickel returned to displaying Monticello on the reverse, with a new forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the obverse.
It’s interesting to note that the Jefferson nickel’s composition has also changed: from 1942 to 1945, the U.S. Mint produced “war nickels” using a silver alloy to conserve nickel for the war effort. These wartime nickels are identifiable by a large mint mark above Monticello on the reverse.
What is the coin with Thomas Jefferson on it?
Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin.