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Nickel

Circulating Coins

Year of Issue: 1794 to Present

Authorizing Legislation: Coinage Act of 1792

Background

The “Return to Monticello” theme is the current design of the U.S. five-cent coin. The U.S. Mint first issued this design in 2006. The obverse (heads) shows an image of Thomas Jefferson based on a Rembrandt Peale portrait. The image of Monticello on the reverse (tails) is a more detailed depiction of the design used from 1938 to 2003.

The first five-cent coin made by the U.S. Mint was silver, not nickel. This silver five-cent coin was called a “half disme” (pronounced “dime”) and was much smaller than today’s nickel. The designs from 1794 to 1837 featured Liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. In 1837, a wreath design replaced the eagle.

In 1866, the Mint produced new five-cent coins made of nickel and copper, which people called “nickels”. The Mint continued making the smaller silver half dime until 1873.

From 1913 to 1938, the Mint produced the iconic “Buffalo” nickel, designed by James Earle Fraser. The obverse showed the bust of a Native American chief, and the reverse depicted an American bison.

Jefferson took his place on the obverse of the nickel in 1938 with Monticello, his Virginia home, on the reverse. These designs, both by Felix Schlag, continued until 2003. In 2004, the Mint commemorated the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition with the Westward Journey Nickel Series.

Characteristics

Obverse (heads): Shows, since 2006, the Thomas Jefferson likeness based on a Rembrandt Peale portrait completed in 1800. Peale’s portrait was the basis for most of the images of Jefferson made during his lifetime.

Reverse (tails): Features the classic rendition of Monticello originally made by artist Felix Schlag in 1938, but with greater detail and relief added in the dome, balconies, door, and windows.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • IN GOD WE TRUST
  • LIBERTY (in cursive, based on Jefferson's handwriting)
  • Year

Reverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • E PLURIBUS UNUM
  • FIVE CENTS
  • MONTICELLO

Mint and Mint Mark

Specifications

Composition Weight Diameter Thickness Edge No. of Reeds
Cupro-Nickel
25% Ni
Balance Cu
5.000 g
0.835 in.
21.21 mm
1.95 mm Plain N/A

The Mint makes the nickel for circulation, as well as uncirculated and proof finishes for collecting. The Denver and Philadelphia Mint facilities make the circulating and uncirculated coins and the San Francisco Mint makes the proof coins.

Artist Information

Obverse

  • Sculptor: Donna Weaver, Sculptor-Engraver
  • Designer: Jamie Franki, Artistic Infusion Program

Reverse

  • Designer: Felix Schlag
Content last updated on October 25, 2024