New forward-facing Jefferson nickel in 2006

After nearly 100 years of depicting presidents in somber profiles on the nation's coins, the Mint is trying something different: The new nickel features Thomas Jefferson, facing forward, with the hint of a smile.

The forward-looking 2006 nickel front was designed by Jamie Franki of Concord, North Carolina, using the Rembrandt Peale painting of 1800, the year Jefferson was elected President. (see image above. If you ask me, the painting shows him smiling, but the coin does not).

Jamie Franki’s forward-looking image of Thomas Jefferson was selected from 147 designs submitted by the United States Mint sculptor-engravers and AIP artists from throughout the country. Franki also designed the reverse image on the 2005 American Bison nickel.

You can download the nickel's front hi-resolution image and back hi-resolution image.

Sources: Yahoo and United States Mint Pressroom