Req 4b — The Five-Cent Coin

The nickel has one of the most interesting stories in modern American coinage. For decades, Jefferson’s Monticello sat quietly on the reverse. Then, in 2004 and 2005, the Mint turned the nickel into a history lesson — and even gave Jefferson himself a brand-new look.

The Classic Jefferson Nickel (1959–2003)

The Jefferson nickel was introduced in 1938, replacing the beloved Buffalo nickel. The original design was created by Felix Schlag, who won a public design competition. His portrait of Jefferson faces left on the obverse, and his rendering of Monticello — Jefferson’s Virginia home — appears on the reverse.

Design features to know:

• Obverse: Jefferson facing left. “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears along the left rim. The date and mint mark are to the right of Jefferson’s portrait.
• Reverse: Monticello, Jefferson’s home near Charlottesville, Virginia. “MONTICELLO” appears below the building, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” above, and “FIVE CENTS” at the bottom. The designer’s initials “FS” appear below the right side of Monticello (they were added in 1966 after originally being omitted).

The Westward Journey Nickels (2004–2005)

In 2004 and 2005, the U.S. Mint issued four special nickels commemorating the Westward Journey — the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804–1806 and the Louisiana Purchase that made it possible.

2004 Designs

Both 2004 nickels kept the classic Schlag portrait of Jefferson on the obverse but introduced two new reverse designs:

1. Peace Medal (first half of 2004) — Shows the reverse of the peace medals that Lewis and Clark presented to Native American leaders. The design features two clasped hands beneath a crossed pipe and hatchet, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on a ribbon. Designed by Norman E. Nemeth (initials “NEN”).

2. Keelboat (second half of 2004) — Shows the 55-foot keelboat that carried the Corps of Discovery up the Missouri River. Designed by Al Maletsky (initials “AM”).

2005 Designs

The 2005 nickels changed both sides of the coin — something rarely done:

3. American Bison (first half of 2005) — The reverse features a bison (buffalo), an animal central to the Great Plains that Lewis and Clark documented extensively. Designed by Jamie Franki (initials “JF”). The obverse features a new, more lifelike portrait of Jefferson by Joe Fitzgerald (initials “JF”), based on a marble bust by Jean-Antoine Houdon.

4. Ocean in View (second half of 2005) — The reverse shows the Pacific Ocean as seen from the expedition’s campsite, inspired by William Clark’s journal entry: “Ocian in view! O! the joy!” Designed by Joe Fitzgerald (initials “JF”). The obverse uses the same new Fitzgerald portrait of Jefferson.

The Return to Monticello (2006–Present)

In 2006, Monticello returned to the reverse, but the obverse got a permanent update. The new forward-facing portrait of Jefferson, designed by Jamie Franki based on the Rembrandt Peale painting of 1800, replaced the classic left-facing profile. This was the first time a regular U.S. circulating coin depicted a president facing forward instead of in profile.

Design features:

• Obverse: Jefferson facing forward. “IN GOD WE TRUST” appears in Jefferson’s own handwriting along the left side. Designer’s initials “JNF” (Jamie N. Franki) appear below the portrait.
• Reverse: Monticello, redesigned by Felix Schlag (original) and re-engraved by John Reich and Mint staff. “FS” initials appear below Monticello.

Finding the Designer Initials

What to Collect

For this requirement, you need:

• One nickel dated 1959–2003 (classic Jefferson/Monticello)
• One nickel dated 2006 or later (forward-facing Jefferson/Monticello)

Both are common in circulation. Check your change or ask at the bank for a roll of nickels. Be prepared to explain the Westward Journey nickels of 2004–2005 and why the Mint chose to honor the Lewis and Clark Expedition.