Jefferson (1938-Date)

In 1938, the limited popularity of the Buffalo Nickel (at the time) resulted in the introduction of a new design featuring Thomas Jefferson and Monticello, and has remain largely unchanged since with a few exceptions:  World War II necessitated a change in composition to 35% silver from 1942-1945, and in 2004 and 2005 special reverse designs were introduced to commemorate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and historic Louis and Clark expedition. In 2006, the design of Jefferson's bust was modernized, which remains in use today.