The Jefferson nickel replaced the 25 year old Buffalo nickel and commemorates Thomas Jefferson, US president from 1801-1809, and the principle author of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson's portrait appears on the obverse, and a view of Monticello, the beautiful home he designed and built, is featured on the reverse.

The usual composition of the Jefferson nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel. However, during World War II, an alloy of 35% silver, 56% copper, and 9% manganese was used starting in 1942 through 1945 to make nickel available for the war effort.