Until the 20th century, historical figures never appeared on U.S. coins. Instead, American coins usually portrayed an allegorical Lady Liberty rather than any real person.

That tradition changed in 1909 with the first Lincoln penny. By 1971, all six coin denominations in the United States featured the likeness of a former president.

Follow the links below to find out who is pictured on each American coin denomination today.

Who is on the penny?

1944 lincoln wheat cent. Click to read more about Abraham Lincoln on the penny

Wheat cent featuring President Abraham Lincoln


Who is on the nickel?

1964 sms jefferson nickel. Click to read more about Thomas Jefferson on the nickel

Nickel featuring President Thomas Jefferson


Who is on the dime?

roosevelt dime. Click to read more about Franklin Roosevelt on the dime

Dime featuring President Franklin D. Roosevelt


Who is on the quarter?

1983 p washington quarter. Click to read more about George Washington on the quarter

Quarter featuring President George Washington


Who is on the half dollar?

1964 kennedy half. Click to read more about John F. Kennedy on the half dollar

Half dollar featuring President John F. Kennedy


Who is on the dollar coin?

2002 s sacagawea dollar. Click to read more about Sacagawea on the dollar coin

Dollar coin featuring Sacagawea


Learn more about U.S. coins with these helpful articles from the experts at Gainesville Coins:

"Tricky Ikes" - The Story of the Silver Eisenhower Dollar

Most Valuable Kennedy Half Dollars

17 Most Valuable Quarters: Price List With Pictures

Roosevelt Dime: Values & Historical Background

15 Most Valuable Jefferson Nickels: Complete Price Guide

Lincoln Wheat Penny: Values & Key Dates

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Everett Millman

Everett Millman

Managing Editor | Analyst, Commodities and Finance

Everett has been the head content writer and market analyst at Gainesville Coins since 2013. He has a background in History and is deeply interested in how gold and silver have historically fit into the financial system.

In addition to blogging, Everett's work has been featured in Reuters, CNN Business, Bloomberg Radio, TD Ameritrade Network, CoinWeek, and has been referenced by the Washington Post.