Jefferson Nickel

Jefferson Nickel (1938-2025)

The Thomas Jefferson Nickel is the only nickel most of us have ever seen in circulation. With an exception of the War Nickels 1942-1945 (56% copper, 35% silver, and 9% manganese minted during World War II), it has always contained 75% copper and 25% nickel. The nickel is one of the most valuable coins minted in terms of its actual intrinsic metal value. Therefor, there is a melt ban in place on nickels to prevent people from buying thousands of dollars worth of these coins, and melting them down for a hefty profit.

The original Thomas Jefferson Nickel was designed by Felix Schlag, but there has recently been a redesign. In 2006 the Jefferson Nickel had a small update and was redesigned by Jamie Franki. This coin replaced the Buffalo / Indian Head Nickel.

Breakdown of U.S. Nickel coin series:

1866: The first nickel, the Shield Nickel, was introduced due to hoarding of silver coins during the Civil War.

1913: The popular Buffalo Nickel, featuring a Native American and a bison, began production.

1938: The Jefferson Nickel, honoring Thomas Jefferson, replaced the Buffalo Nickel and has been the primary design since, with several variations.

1942-1945 (World War II): Nickels were made with a silver alloy to save nickel for the war effort, identifiable by a large mint mark above Monticello.

2004-2005: Westward Journey Nickels commemorated the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The face of the U.S. nickel has changed several times since its inception. The most recent major change occurred in 2006, when the portrait of Thomas Jefferson was redesigned to face forward.

The history of design changes for the nickel's "face" (obverse) is as follows:

2006–Present: A new forward-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, based on an 1800 painting by Rembrandt Peale, was introduced.

2005: As part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, a one-year-only "Right-Facing" profile of Jefferson was used. This design featured the word "Liberty" in Jefferson’s own handwriting.

1938–2004: The classic "Left-Facing" profile of Jefferson, designed by Felix Schlag, was the standard for 66 years.

1913–1938: The "Buffalo Nickel" featured a right-facing portrait of a Native American.

1883–1912: The "Liberty Head" (or "V") nickel featured a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty.

1866–1883: The original "Shield Nickel" did not feature a face at all; its obverse depicted a Union shield.

Upcoming Changes (2026): The United States Semiquincentennial in 2026 will feature special one-year designs for all circulating coins, including the nickel, to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary.