Sharon Erwin
The nickel is the U.S. five-cent coin and is the only coin that is called by its metal content—even though the metal in a nickel is only 25% nickel, the rest is copper. The person on the obverse (heads) of the nickel is Thomas Jefferson, our third President. He’s been on the nickel since 1938, although the current portrait dates to 2006. The building on the reverse (tails) is called Monticello, which was Jefferson’s home in Virginia. It has been on the nickel since 1938, except for a brief period in 2004 and 2005.
Nickel History
The first five-cent coins were made of silver, not nickel. In the Mint’s early days all coins had to be made of either gold, silver or copper. The first five-cent coin, in 1794, was called a half-dime. The five-cent coin we call the nickel was created in 1866…but the Mint kept making the silver half-dime until 1873, so both kinds of five-cent coins were circulating at the same time. A woman symbolizing liberty was used in different poses on the five-cent coin until 1913. From 1913 to 1938, the Mint made the “Buffalo” nickel which showed an American bison on the reverse. The bison was the second animal, after the eagle, to appear on a U.S. circulating coin. In 2004 and 2005, the Westward Journey Nickel Series brought four new reverse designs; the new nickels celebrated the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark Expedition, which happened during Jefferson’s presidency. In 2006, his portrait changed again, this time Jefferson faced forward for the first time instead of the usual right-facing portrait.
Proposed Changes
The Common Cents Act proposes switching from traditional copper-nickel to a zinc core and adding an outer plating layer of pure nickel. The Act passed through the House of Representatives and advanced to the Senate on Sept. 14, 2026.
Are you curious how coins and currency changes have reflected historical events? Then we suggest you come and check out the SaddleBrooke Coin Club which features an interesting and educational talk at each meeting. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 12, and will take place at 6 p.m.in the Mesquite Building Catalina Room, 38691 S. Mountain View Blvd. For any questions you may contact Jim Harris at 406-350-0104 or email: harrisje52@gmail.com.