What presidents are on US coins?
US coins have featured several notable presidents throughout history. The most commonly seen presidents on US coins are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The first president of the United States, George Washington, is depicted on the front of the quarter-dollar coin (commonly known as the quarter), which has been in circulation since 1932. His image was based on a bust created by sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon.
Another prominent president found on US coins is Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is memorialized on the obverse of the nickel. This design has been used since 2006 and features a portrait of Jefferson based on a painting by Rembrandt Peale.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, can be found on two circulating coins. His portrait is depicted on the obverse of the penny, which has had the same design since 1909, and on the reverse of the five-dollar bill. The penny features a profile of Lincoln designed by sculptor Victor David Brenner.
Finally, there is Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States. His likeness is featured on the obverse of the dime, or ten-cent coin, which was first issued in 1946. The design showcases a portrait of Roosevelt by sculptor John R. Sinnock.
FAQs about US presidents on coins
1. Who was the first president to appear on a US coin?
George Washington was the first president to appear on a US coin.
2. What other designs of the quarter have featured presidents?
Besides the Washington design, the quarter has featured other designs depicting different states, national parks, and significant historical events.
3. Has any US coin featured Thomas Jefferson besides the nickel?
No, Thomas Jefferson only appears on the nickel.
4. Are any US coins dedicated to presidents from the 1800s?
Yes, the Lincoln penny design has remained largely unchanged since the early 1900s, featuring Abraham Lincoln.
5. Is the Roosevelt dime the only coin to feature a president from the 20th century?
Yes, the Roosevelt dime is the only US coin to feature a president from the 20th century.
6. Are there any US coins that feature all the presidents?
No, there are no US coins that feature all the presidents. Each coin typically showcases one specific president.
7. Has any woman president been featured on a US coin?
To date, no woman president has been featured on a US coin.
8. Are there any plans to introduce new coins featuring other presidents?
While specific plans can change, there have been discussions about introducing new designs and potentially featuring other presidents on US coins.
9. Do commemorative coins ever feature past presidents?
Yes, commemorative coins are occasionally issued to honor past presidents and commemorate historical events.
10. Are there any US coins that do not feature a president?
Yes, the half-dollar coin, although seldom used, features the image of John F. Kennedy but is not strictly dedicated to a single president.
11. Has the design of the penny ever changed?
The design of the penny has changed throughout history, but Abraham Lincoln’s portrait has been a consistent feature since 1909.
12. Are there any non-circulating coins that feature presidents?
Yes, there have been non-circulating coins, often made as collectibles, that feature past presidents or commemorative designs.