Initially introduced in 1938 by the United States Mint, the Jefferson Nickel was established as the principal five-cent coin following the Buffalo Nickel. For over six decades until 2004, its obverse consistently displayed a left-facing profile of President Thomas Jefferson, crafted by designer Felix Schlag. Composed of a copper-nickel alloy, this enduring series has undergone multiple design revisions while maintaining its essential role in American currency.