What Coin is Jefferson On?
If you’re a numismatist or a history buff, you might have wondered what coin is Jefferson on? Thomas Jefferson is one of the most prominent figures in American history, and it’s no surprise that he’s featured on several coins. In this article, we’ll explore the different coins featuring Jefferson, their design elements, and the controversies surrounding his portrayal on currency.
Jefferson’s Portrayal on Coins
Thomas Jefferson is featured on several coins, including the Jefferson Nickel, the Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin, and the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar. The Jefferson Nickel has been in circulation since 1938 and is still used today. It features a left-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse, which was based on a bust by sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. The reverse of the nickel has a design of Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
The Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin is part of a series of coins featuring each U.S. president in the order they served. The design of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse, along with the inscriptions “Thomas Jefferson,” “3rd President,” and “1801-1809.” The reverse of the coin features an image of the Statue of Liberty.
The 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. The coin features a left-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse, which was based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart. The reverse of the coin has a design of the “Star of Louisiana,” which represents the 20 states that were part of the Louisiana Purchase.
Each of these coins has unique design elements that showcase Jefferson’s contributions to American history and culture. The next section will focus on the Jefferson Nickel and its design elements.
The Jefferson Nickel
The Jefferson Nickel was first introduced in 1938, replacing the Buffalo Nickel. The coin was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Jefferson’s birth. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Jefferson, along with the inscriptions “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” and the year of minting. The reverse of the nickel has a design of Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
The design of the Jefferson Nickel was created by Felix Schlag, a German immigrant who won a competition to design the coin. Schlag’s design was chosen from over 390 submissions, and it was praised for its simplicity and elegance. The design was also cost-effective, as it required fewer details and could be produced more quickly than other designs.
One of the interesting design elements of the Jefferson Nickel is the placement of the word “Monticello.” It’s the only U.S. coin to feature the name of a private residence. The design of Monticello on the reverse of the coin is also unique, as it was based on a photograph of the home rather than a painting or drawing.
The Jefferson Nickel has gone through several changes over the years, including the addition of the words “United States of America” on the reverse in 2006. Despite these changes, the coin remains a popular and enduring tribute to Thomas Jefferson’s legacy.
The Jefferson Nickel (Continued)
The Jefferson Nickel has several design elements that symbolize Jefferson’s contributions to American history. For example, the left-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse of the coin is based on a bust by sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Houdon was a renowned French sculptor who created several portraits of prominent figures of the American Revolution, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
The design of Monticello on the reverse of the coin is also significant. Monticello was Jefferson’s home in Virginia, and it’s considered a masterpiece of American architecture. The image of Monticello on the coin is based on a photograph of the home taken by Frances Benjamin Johnston in 1895. The design of the home on the coin has been updated several times over the years to reflect changes in the building’s appearance.
Fun facts about the Jefferson Nickel include that it was the first U.S. coin to feature the bust of a president facing left. It was also the first U.S. coin to feature the name of a private residence. The coin has undergone several design changes over the years, including the addition of the words “In God We Trust” in 1966 and a redesign of the obverse in 2006 to make the portrait of Jefferson more detailed.
Other Coins Featuring Jefferson
In addition to the Jefferson Nickel, Thomas Jefferson is featured on the Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin and the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar. The Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin is part of a series of coins featuring each U.S. president in the order they served. The coin was first minted in 2007, and it features a left-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse, along with the inscriptions “Thomas Jefferson,” “3rd President,” and “1801-1809.” The reverse of the coin features an image of the Statue of Liberty.
The 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar was created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. The coin features a left-facing portrait of Jefferson on the obverse, which was based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart. The reverse of the coin has a design of the “Star of Louisiana,” which represents the 20 states that were part of the Louisiana Purchase.
Both the Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin and the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar are significant tributes to Jefferson’s contributions to American history. The Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin is a unique way to learn about each U.S. president, while the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar is a fascinating tribute to one of the most significant land deals in U.S. history.
Controversies Surrounding Jefferson’s Portrayal on Coins
In recent years, there have been debates about whether Thomas Jefferson’s portrayal on coins is appropriate. Some argue that Jefferson’s legacy as a slave owner and his treatment of Native Americans make him a problematic figure to celebrate on currency. Others argue that his contributions to American democracy and his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence justify his place on coins.
One of the main arguments against Jefferson’s portrayal on currency is that it perpetuates a white-washed version of American history. Critics argue that celebrating Jefferson’s accomplishments while ignoring his problematic actions reinforces the idea that only certain parts of history are worth remembering. They suggest that instead of celebrating individuals like Jefferson, we should focus on more inclusive symbols that represent the diversity of American culture.
On the other hand, supporters of Jefferson’s portrayal on coins argue that he played a crucial role in shaping American democracy. They suggest that while his actions regarding slavery and Native Americans are problematic, they should not overshadow his contributions to the country. They also argue that removing Jefferson from currency would erase an important part of American history and culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson is featured on several coins, including the Jefferson Nickel, the Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin, and the 1903 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Gold Dollar. Each of these coins showcases Jefferson’s contributions to American history and culture. The Jefferson Nickel, in particular, has a unique design that commemorates Jefferson’s home, Monticello.
However, Jefferson’s portrayal on coins has also been the subject of controversy in recent years. Some argue that his legacy as a slave owner and his treatment of Native Americans make him a problematic figure to celebrate on currency. Others argue that his contributions to American democracy justify his place on coins.
Regardless of these debates, Jefferson’s legacy remains an important part of American culture. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of our history, it’s important to discuss and engage with these issues in a thoughtful and respectful manner. And with that, we conclude our exploration of what coin is Jefferson on.
