What president is on the nickel, dime, and quarter? If you’ve ever fished around in your pocket for loose change, you’ve likely encountered the nickel, dime, and quarter – three of the most commonly used coins in circulation today. But have you ev er taken a closer look at the faces stamped on those coins and wondered about the presidents depicted there?
If you want to know which presidents appear on the nickel, dime, and quarter, read on.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Thomas Jefferson is on the nickel, Franklin D. Roosevelt is on the dime, and George Washington is on the quarter.
The Nickel and Thomas Jefferson
When the Nickel Coin was First Introduced
The iconic nickel coin was first introduced in 1866 when the need for small change led the government to authorize a new five-cent piece made of copper and nickel. For nearly 20 years prior to this, there had been no circulating half-dimes or five-cent coins.
The public eagerly embraced the handy new nickel coin, which has endured over 150 years of American commerce and history.
Why Thomas Jefferson was Chosen
When it came time to choose a design for the new nickel coin in 1866, Thomas Jefferson emerged as the obvious honored statesman. As the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the 3rd U.S. President from 1801-1809, Jefferson was one of the towering figures of America’s founding era.
His strong advocacy for liberty, democracy, and individual rights made him an emblem of the nation’s core values.
Jefferson also held a special connection to coinage from his time as U.S. Secretary of State under President Washington. He was instrumental in establishing the nation’s decimal monetary system based on the dollar, which replaced the disjointed system of pounds, shillings, and pence inherited from English rule.
The forward-looking Jefferson was a champion of science, invention, and education as well – values that would resonate with a rapidly industrializing America.
Thomas Jefferson’s Presidency and Accomplishments
As America’s third president, Thomas Jefferson continued advancing the democratic ideals he put forth in the Declaration of Independence. Among his notable presidential accomplishments were:
- Overseeing the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the land size of the young nation
- Dispatching the Lewis & Clark Expedition to explore the new western territories from 1804-1806
- Promoting religious freedom and tolerance through his Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
- He founded the University of Virginia in 1819, realizing his vision for a new kind of university emphasizing science and practical knowledge
Jefferson’s visionary leadership guided the nation through its critical early years. His staunch advocacy for education, innovation, and individual liberties made him a perfect symbol for the young country moving into a new era of technology and industry.
The nickel, more affordable than ever thanks to mass production, would fittingly bear Jefferson’s image as it powered transactions and trade well into the 20th century – a poignant tribute to one of America’s most influential founding fathers.
To learn more about Thomas Jefferson’s life and presidency, visit informative online resources like Monticello.org, operated by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, and the White House website.
The Dime and Franklin D. Roosevelt
Origin of the Roosevelt Dime
The Roosevelt dime was issued to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt after his death in 1945. FDR had been stricken with polio in 1921 but went on to become one of the most influential presidents in U.S. history, serving four terms and leading the country through monumental crises like the Great Depression and World War II.
As a tribute, the Treasury Department issued a new dime in 1946 featuring his profile. This replaced the Mercury “Winged Liberty” dime that had been in use since 1916. The Roosevelt dime has remained in continuous circulation ever since as a lasting memory of this impactful president.
FDR’s Road to the Presidency
Before taking office as president in 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt had an eclectic career serving in various government positions. Key aspects included:
- Served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Wilson during World War I
- Elected as Governor of New York in 1928 and 1930
- After contracting polio in 1921 which left him unable to walk, he overcame his handicap and remained active in politics
His bold leadership in responding to the Great Depression ultimately propelled his presidential victory in 1932, ousting incumbent Herbert Hoover. FDR presented a strong, confident public image and a series of policy proposals called the “New Deal” that aimed to provide economic relief through extensive government programs and reforms.
Key Events and Policies During FDR’s Presidency
As one of history’s most legendary presidents, FDR spearheaded sweeping changes and groundbreaking policies during his 12+ years in office from 1933 to 1945. Major initiatives included:
- Enacting major New Deal programs to counter the Great Depression, like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Social Security system, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and much more. Unemployment fell from 25% to 9% during his first term.
- Reforming banking and Wall Street through the 1933 Banking Act and Securities Act
- Taking the United States off the gold standard in 1933 to prevent bank failures
- Establishing diplomatic relations with the Soviet Union in 1933
- Implementing numerous public works programs to build bridges, roads, schools, libraries and more
- Signing the 1944 G.I. Bill to help WW2 veterans transition back to civilian life by providing benefits like low-interest mortgages, college tuition assistance, and unemployment pay
FDR demonstrated exceptional leadership as he guided the U.S. through World War II after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attacks, working closely with British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.
Though he did not live to see the war end, his legacy continues to exert profound influence today.
The Quarter and George Washington
Background on the Washington Quarter
The Washington Quarter was introduced in 1932, becoming the first circulating U.S. coin to feature the portrait of an American president. The coin was designed by sculptor John Flanagan to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth in 1732.
Flanagan’s obverse design depicts a forward-facing bust of Washington with the inscriptions “Liberty,” “In God We Trust,” and the year.
Why George Washington was Selected
As the first president of the United States from 1789-1797 following America’s victory over Britain, George Washington was revered as a hero and served as an enduring symbol of free government. He oversaw critical steps in establishing the nation, including the creation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
On top of this, he admirably stepped down from his presidency after two terms, establishing the normalcy of a peaceful transition of power. For these historical reasons and more, Washington was honored with the final coin denomination among the Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, and Roosevelt dime released in the early 20th century.
Washington’s Tenure as First U.S. President
George Washington presided over the country’s critical formative years from 1789 to 1797, setting many essential constitutional precedents that shaped the young nation. When he took office, Washington immediately established the Cabinet system and assumed the broad powers his office was granted in the Constitution.
He also advocated the inclusion of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties from federal government overreach.
On the foreign policy front, Washington issued a Neutrality Proclamation in 1793 aimed at avoiding war between Britain and France as the French Revolution unfolded. He later oversaw the Jay Treaty with Britain which reduced tensions while protecting U.S. commerce.
Domestically, two defining events of his tenure were the Whiskey Rebellion led by farmers resisting a federal tax on liquor, which Washington forcefully put down, and the 1794 Fugitive Slave Act enforcing the return of runaway slaves.
He declined to run for a 3rd term in 1796, setting a voluntary 2-term limit on the presidency that would hold for 140+ years.
What President Is On The Nickel, Dime, And Quarter – Conclusion
As you can see, the three common coins – the nickel, dime, and quarter – honor three influential presidents from American history. Thomas Jefferson shaped early America through writings like the Declaration of Independence. FDR led America through the economic crisis and world war.
And George Washington set crucial precedents as the nation’s first president.
So next time you have some spare change jingling around, take a peek at the nickel, dime, and quarter – those presidential portraits represent leadership that made significant impacts across U.S. history.
