This powerful advocate of liberty was born in Albermarle County, Virginia, inheriting thousands of acres of land and a high social standing from his parents. Freckled and sandy-haired, rather tall and awkward, he was eloquent as a correspondent, but he was no public speaker. As the "silent member" of the Continental Congress, Jefferson, at age 33, drafted the Declaration of Independence.

Full Name: Thomas Jefferson

Birth Date & Place: April 13, 1743 Shadwell Plantation, Albermarle County, Virglnla

Schooling: A private school run by James Maury
The College of William and Mary
Also studied law under George Wythe

Lived: France (1785-1789) White House - Washington, D.C
His estate, Monticello in Virginia

Death: July 4, 1826, at Monticello

1776: Principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

1786: His Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was passed by the General Assembly. It became the basis for the freedom of religion clause in the Constitution.

1801-1809: 3rd president of the United States.

In 1803, he oversaw the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States.

His portrait is on the nickel and the two-dollar bill.

Bank Issues: Opposed Alexander Hamilton's economic plan, which included federally funding state debts, a national bank, and manufacturing as the economic base.

Stressed strict interpretation of the Constitution as opposed to Alexander Hamilton.

What is the Value of a Nickel? A nickel is worth 5 cents. This value can also can be written as 5$ or $05. It is equivalent to 5 pennies.

What is on the Back of the Coin? Monticello, Jefferson's estate is usually on the nickel. From 2004-2006, the U.S. Mint will issue 5 new designs to celebrate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

"We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

www.usmint.gov

www.moneyfactory.com

www.ustreas.gov/education/index.html

www.bos.frb.org/education/

www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents

www.americanpresidents.org

www.monticello.org

http://ap.grolier.com