The United States five-cent coin, commonly known as the nickel, has been a staple of American currency since 1866. Since 1938, the nickel has featured the likeness of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and a key figure in the nation’s founding. This article explores the history of the Jefferson Nickel, its design evolution, and its significance in American culture.
The Face of the Nickel: Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson, born in 1743, was a Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third U.S. President (1801–1809). His image was chosen for the nickel to honor his contributions to American democracy and his role in establishing the U.S. monetary system, including his advocacy for a decimal-based currency. Jefferson’s portrait has remained a constant feature on the nickel since 1938, making it a symbol of America’s historical legacy.
History of the Nickel
Before the Jefferson Nickel, the U.S. five-cent coin underwent several transformations:
- Half Dime (1792–1873): The earliest five-cent coins were silver half dimes, struck under the Mint Act of 1792. These featured various depictions of Liberty.
- Shield Nickel (1866–1883): The first nickel, made of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel), was introduced in 1866. It featured a shield design and was created to replace silver coins hoarded during the Civil War.
- Liberty Head Nickel (1883–1913): This design featured a portrait of Liberty and was infamous for early versions lacking the word “CENTS,” leading to fraud where gold-plated nickels were passed off as $5 gold pieces.
- Buffalo Nickel (1913–1938): Also known as the Indian Head Nickel, it depicted an American Indian on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse, celebrating American heritage.
By 1938, the Buffalo Nickel had completed its mandatory 25-year circulation, and the U.S. Mint sought a new design. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, an admirer of Jefferson, supported a coin honoring him.
The Jefferson Nickel: Design and Evolution
In 1938, the U.S. Mint held a public design competition for the new five-cent coin, offering a $1,000 prize. Felix Schlag, a German immigrant, won with his design featuring Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello, Jefferson’s Virginia estate, on the reverse. The first Jefferson Nickels were struck in 1938 and have been in circulation ever since, with some variations.
Key Design Changes
- 1938–2003: The original Schlag design featured a left-facing Jefferson portrait based on a Gilbert Stuart painting and a straightforward depiction of Monticello. The composition was 75% copper and 25% nickel.
- 1942–1945 (War Nickels): During World War II, nickel was diverted for military use, so the coin’s composition changed to 56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese. These “war nickels” are identifiable by a large mint mark (P, D, or S) above Monticello.
- 2004–2005 (Westward Journey Series): To commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the reverse featured temporary designs, including the Peace Medal, the expedition’s keelboat, a buffalo, and a Pacific Ocean scene with the inscription “Ocean in view! O! The Joy!” The obverse retained Jefferson’s portrait.
- 2006–Present: The nickel returned to Schlag’s Monticello reverse, but the obverse was updated with a forward-facing Jefferson portrait based on a 1800 Rembrandt Peale painting, designed by Jamie Franki. This was the first U.S. circulating coin to show a president facing forward, with enhanced detail due to modern minting technology.
Current Specifications
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel (except for war nickels)
- Diameter: 0.835 inches (21.21 mm)
- Thickness: 0.077 inches (1.95 mm)
- Weight: 5 grams
- Edge: Plain
The obverse includes inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY” (styled in Jefferson’s handwriting), and the minting year. The reverse showcases Monticello with “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “FIVE CENTS,” and “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Significance in American Culture
The Jefferson Nickel is more than just currency; it’s a piece of American history. Jefferson’s image reflects his enduring legacy, from his role in the Declaration of Independence to his vision for westward expansion, symbolized by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The nickel’s widespread use in everyday transactions—historically for items like cigars, bus fares, and slot machines—has made it a cultural touchstone.
For coin collectors, the Jefferson Nickel offers a rich field of study. Key dates, mint marks, and variations (like the 1942–1945 silver war nickels) are highly sought after. The nickel’s affordability also makes it an accessible entry point for new collectors.
Fun Facts
- Cost to Produce: In 2020, it cost over 7 cents to produce a nickel due to metal prices, prompting the Mint to explore cheaper alloys.
- Other Presidents on Coins: Jefferson joins George Washington (quarter), Abraham Lincoln (penny), and John F. Kennedy (half dollar) as presidents featured on U.S. circulating coins.
- Hobo Nickels: During the Great Depression, some altered Buffalo Nickels into “hobo nickels” by carving new designs, a practice that occasionally extended to Jefferson Nickels.
Conclusion
The Jefferson Nickel, featuring Thomas Jefferson and Monticello, has been a cornerstone of U.S. coinage since 1938. Its design has evolved to reflect historical moments and technological advances, yet it remains a tribute to Jefferson’s legacy. Whether you’re a collector or simply curious, the nickel tells a story of American history, innovation, and culture that continues to resonate today.