Why is Thomas Jefferson on the nickel?

In 1938, the Indian Head nickel had just completed its mandatory 25 year run. At the time, the US Mint announced a design contest for a new nickel that would award the winning entry $1000. Felix Schlag, an immigrant to the United States, decided on putting Thomas Jefferson on the front and the Monticello, (Jefferson’s home) on the back. Being a fan of Jefferson, FDR chose Schlag’s design as the winner.

 

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