Who's on the Nickel: A Comprehensive Examination

Introduction

The nickel, a five-cent coin, is one of the most widely circulated coins in the United States, playing a significant role in daily transactions. The design of the nickel has undergone several changes over the years, but one element that has remained consistent is the prominent portrayal of a historical figure on its obverse side. This article delves into the history, symbolism, and controversies surrounding the individuals who have adorned the nickel, offering a comprehensive examination of "who's on the nickel."

Thomas Jefferson: The First Nickel Centennial (1938-1939)

The initial nickel, introduced in 1866, featured a shield and an eagle on its obverse side. In 1938, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase, the design was modified to portray Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and a key figure in the acquisition of the vast territory. The Jefferson nickel was designed by Felix Schlag and features a left-facing profile of Jefferson with the inscription "Liberty" and the year of issue.

Jefferson's Role in the Louisiana Purchase:

• Negotiated the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, doubling the size of the United States
• Sent Lewis and Clark on a pioneering expedition to explore the new territory
• Established the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which traverses the path of the expedition

Liberty (Goddess of Liberty): The Wartime Nickel (1942-1945)

During World War II, the United States experienced a shortage of nickel due to its use in defense materials. To conserve resources, the composition of the nickel was changed from 75% nickel to 35% nickel, 56% copper, and 9% manganese. The design was also simplified, featuring only the Liberty Cap on the obverse side, representing the goddess Liberty.

Significance of the Liberty Cap:

• A symbol of freedom and revolution since ancient Rome
• Worn by freed slaves as a sign of emancipation
• Adopted by the French Revolution as a symbol of liberty, equality, and fraternity

Thomas Jefferson Returns: The Postwar Nickel (1946-2004)

After the war, the composition of the nickel reverted to 75% nickel and 25% copper, and the Jefferson design returned to the obverse side. The reverse side was redesigned by Felix de Weldon to include the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., a tribute to the nation's founding father.

Jefferson's Legacy:

• Author of the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document of American democracy
• Advocate for religious freedom, education, and scientific research
• Architect of the University of Virginia, a model for higher education

Westward Expansion and Native American Heritage: The Sacagawea Dollar (2000-2008)

In 2000, the U.S. Mint introduced the Sacagawea dollar, replacing the Susan B. Anthony dollar. The obverse side of the coin depicted Sacagawea, a Native American woman who served as a guide and interpreter for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The reverse side featured an American bald eagle in flight.

Sacagawea's Significance:

• Guided Lewis and Clark on their historic expedition, providing invaluable cultural and linguistic insights
• Contributed to the scientific understanding of the American West
• Embodied the spirit of exploration, resilience, and cultural diversity

Lewis and Clark Bicentennial: The Bicentennial Nickel (2004-2005)

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the nickel underwent a brief design change. The obverse side featured a full-length portrait of Lewis and Clark, dressed in their iconic explorer outfits. The reverse side depicted a keelboat, the primary means of transportation for the expedition.

Lewis and Clark Expedition:

• Commissioned by President Jefferson to explore the Louisiana Purchase
• Traversed over 8,000 miles, encountering diverse landscapes and Native American cultures
• Provided valuable geographical and scientific data, shaping American understanding of the West

The Buffalo Nickel: A Classic American Coin (1913-1938)

Prior to the Jefferson nickel, the United States had issued a series of nickel coins known as the Buffalo nickel or Indian Head nickel. Designed by James Earle Fraser, the obverse side featured a Native American chief in headdress, while the reverse side depicted an American bison, or buffalo.

Buffalo Nickel's Cultural Significance:

• Celebrated the rugged spirit of the American frontier
• Depicted a powerful and iconic symbol of Native American heritage
• Contributed to the growing interest in Native American culture and history

Revisiting Sacagawea: The Returning Native American Dollar (2009-2019)

In 2009, the U.S. Mint reintroduced the Sacagawea dollar, this time with a slightly modified design. The obverse side featured a more detailed portrait of Sacagawea, while the reverse side depicted an eagle soaring over the Grand Canyon.

Sacagawea's Influence on Modern America:

• Her image on the dollar serves as a reminder of the contributions of Native Americans to American history
• Inspires women of all ages to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness
• Represents the enduring legacy of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

The Lone Ranger Nickel: A Controversial Compromise (2020)

In 2020, the U.S. Mint released a commemorative nickel honoring the Lone Ranger, a fictional character from a popular radio and television series. The design featured the Lone Ranger's masked profile on the obverse side and his iconic horse, Silver, on the reverse side.

Lone Ranger Nickel Controversy:

• Some critics argued that the Lone Ranger was not a historically significant figure
• Others objected to its commercialization of a fictional character
• The release of the Lone Ranger nickel sparked a debate about the criteria for selecting individuals to be depicted on U.S. coins

The Future of the Nickel: Design and Innovation

The design of the nickel has been a subject of ongoing debate and discussion. Some advocate for the return of the Buffalo nickel, while others propose new designs that reflect the diversity and inclusivity of modern America.

New Design Proposals:

• Designs featuring women and minority groups
• Designs honoring scientific achievements or environmental concerns
• Designs incorporating technological advancements, such as QR codes or digital features

Table 1: Individuals Featured on the Nickel

Table 2: Key Design Elements of the Nickel

Table 3: Production and Circulation of the Nickel