Who Is On The Nickel?
Who Is On The Nickel?
Complete guide to Thomas Jefferson's legacy and the fascinating history of America's 5-cent coin
Quick Answer
Thomas Jefferson, the 3rd President of the United States, has appeared on the U.S. nickel since 1938.
The U.S. nickel features one of America's most influential founding fathers and presidents. Thomas Jefferson's portrait has graced the 5-cent coin for over eight decades, making it one of the most recognizable presidential images in American currency. Understanding who is on the nickel opens a window into both American history and the evolution of U.S. coinage design.
Beyond the simple answer lies a rich story of presidential legacy, artistic design choices, and the practical considerations that shaped this everyday coin. For collectors interested in historical coins and precious metals, the nickel also holds surprises, including silver varieties produced during World War II that are particularly sought after today.
Table of Contents
Thomas Jefferson: The Man on the Nickel
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) stands as one of America's most accomplished founding fathers, combining roles as statesman, architect, inventor, and philosopher. His inclusion on the nickel reflects his fundamental contributions to American democracy and the nation's early development.
Presidential Legacy
3rd President (1801-1809)
- Orchestrated the Louisiana Purchase, doubling the nation's size
- Commissioned Lewis and Clark Expedition
- Reduced federal government size and debt
- Promoted westward expansion and agrarian ideals
Founding Father Achievements
Primary Author of the Declaration of Independence
- Articulated principles of individual liberty and equality
- Served as first Secretary of State under Washington
- Founded the Democratic-Republican Party
- Championed states' rights and limited federal power
Renaissance Man
Intellectual and Cultural Contributions
- Designed and built Monticello, his architectural masterpiece
- Founded the University of Virginia
- Collected over 6,000 books for his personal library
- Spoke multiple languages and pursued scientific studies
Why Jefferson for the Nickel?
Jefferson was chosen for the nickel in 1938 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of his birth. His selection reflected his status as a champion of democracy and individual rights, making him an appropriate figure for everyday American currency that all citizens would handle regularly.
History of Jefferson on the Nickel
The Jefferson nickel represents the fourth major design in U.S. 5-cent coin history. Understanding this evolution reveals how American coinage adapted to changing times, materials availability, and design preferences.
Jefferson Nickel Introduction
Felix Schlag's design featuring Jefferson's left-facing profile replaced the Buffalo nickel. Monticello appeared on the reverse, establishing the design that would endure for decades.
Wartime Silver Nickels
Material shortages led to 35% silver composition nickels marked with large mint marks above Monticello. These coins are highly sought by collectors today.
Westward Journey Series
Special commemorative designs honored the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis & Clark Expedition, featuring new Jefferson portraits and reverse designs before returning to the traditional format.
Modern Jefferson Design
Updated Jefferson portrait facing forward with "Liberty" in Jefferson's handwriting, while Monticello returned to the reverse side.
| Period | Design Features | Special Characteristics | Collector Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1938-1942 | Left-facing Jefferson, Monticello reverse | Original Felix Schlag design | Moderate |
| 1942-1945 | Same design, large mint mark | 35% silver content | High - Silver value |
| 2004-2006 | Westward Journey commemoratives | Multiple portrait and reverse designs | High - Limited series |
| 2006-Present | Forward-facing Jefferson, Monticello | Updated artistic style | Moderate |
Design Changes and Variations
The Jefferson nickel has undergone several significant design changes, each reflecting different artistic approaches and historical commemorations while maintaining Jefferson as the central figure.
Original Design (1938-2003)
Felix Schlag's Classic Portrait
- Left-facing Jefferson profile
- Monticello (Jefferson's home) on reverse
- Traditional neoclassical style
- Consistent design for 65 years
This design established the Jefferson nickel as a stable, recognizable element of American currency, with minimal changes except for the wartime silver composition.
Westward Journey Series (2004-2006)
Commemorative Designs
- 2004: Peace Medal and Keelboat reverses
- 2005: Two different Jefferson portraits
- 2006: Buffalo and Ocean in View reverses
- Honored Louisiana Purchase bicentennial
These special editions showcased Jefferson's role in westward expansion while introducing artistic variety to the long-standing design.
Modern Design (2006-Present)
Updated Artistic Approach
- Forward-facing Jefferson portrait
- More detailed, lifelike rendering
- "Liberty" in Jefferson's handwriting
- Return to Monticello reverse
The current design balances tradition with modern artistic sensibilities, creating a more contemporary look while honoring historical continuity.
Fascinating Nickel Facts and Trivia
The humble nickel contains surprising historical details and collecting opportunities that many people overlook. These facts reveal the coin's unique place in American monetary history.
Wartime Silver Content
From 1942-1945, nickels contained 35% silver to conserve nickel and copper for the war effort. These coins are marked with large mint marks (P, D, or S) above Monticello and are worth significantly more than face value due to their silver content.
The Half Dime Era
Before 1873, the U.S. Mint produced silver half dimes worth 5 cents alongside early nickels. These tiny silver coins were often confused with dimes due to their similar size, leading to the eventual adoption of the larger nickel format.
Three-Cent Nickels
From 1865-1889, the Mint also produced 3-cent coins made of nickel, called "trimes." These unusual denominations reflected experimental monetary policies during the post-Civil War period.
Design Competition
Felix Schlag won the 1938 design competition for the Jefferson nickel from among 390 submitted entries. His winning design has influenced American coin artistry for over 80 years.
Collector's Tip
War nickels (1942-1945) with silver content are easily identified by their large mint marks above Monticello. At current silver prices, these coins are worth several times their face value, making them excellent finds for collectors interested in both historical significance and precious metals content.
Collecting Nickels: What to Look For
Jefferson nickels offer accessible entry points for coin collecting, with varieties ranging from common circulation finds to valuable key dates and error coins. Understanding what to look for helps collectors build meaningful collections.
| Category | Examples | Value Range | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| War Nickels (Silver) | 1942-1945 P, D, S | $1-5+ each | Common but valuable |
| Key Dates | 1939-D, 1950-D | $5-50+ | Scarce in high grades |
| Westward Journey | 2004-2006 varieties | $0.25-2 | Recent commemoratives |
| Error Coins | Off-center, doubled dies | $10-1000+ | Very rare |
Building Your Collection
Start by collecting war nickels for their silver content, then focus on completing date and mint mark sets. Jefferson nickels provide excellent practice for learning coin grading and understanding how condition affects value. Many collectors use nickel collecting as a stepping stone to more expensive gold and silver coin investments.
Who Appears on Other U.S. Coins
Jefferson joins a select group of presidents and historical figures honored on U.S. currency. Understanding the complete roster provides context for his inclusion and the criteria used for selecting coin designs.
| Coin | Current Design | Since | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penny | Abraham Lincoln | 1909 | Longest-running presidential design |
| Nickel | Thomas Jefferson | 1938 | Monticello reverse (with interruptions) |
| Dime | Franklin D. Roosevelt | 1946 | Commemorates polio research support |
| Quarter | George Washington | 1932 | Various commemorative reverse designs |
| Half Dollar | John F. Kennedy | 1964 | Introduced shortly after assassination |
| Dollar Coin | Sacagawea/Presidential Series | 2000/2007 | Limited circulation |
Selection Criteria
Presidents and historical figures appear on U.S. coins based on their contributions to American democracy, national development, or significant historical events. Jefferson's role as primary author of the Declaration of Independence and his presidency during the Louisiana Purchase made him an ideal choice for permanent representation on American currency.
Conclusion
Thomas Jefferson's presence on the nickel since 1938 reflects his enduring importance to American democracy and national identity. From his role as the primary author of the Declaration of Independence to his presidency that doubled the nation's size, Jefferson embodies the ideals and achievements that shaped early America.
The Jefferson nickel's evolution—from the original Felix Schlag design through the wartime silver varieties to the modern commemorative series—mirrors broader changes in American society and coinage technology. For collectors, these coins offer accessible entry points into numismatics, with silver war nickels providing both historical significance and precious metals value.
Understanding who is on the nickel opens doors to appreciating both American history and the art of coin design. Whether you're examining pocket change for silver content or building a comprehensive collection, the Jefferson nickel represents an excellent starting point for exploring the fascinating intersection of history, art, and monetary policy that defines American coinage.