The US 2001 Nickel, designed by Felix Schlag, features Thomas Jefferson and Monticello, symbolizing democratic ideals. The US 2001 Nickel was struck in a copper-nickel alloy, reflecting stable post-20th-century coinage standards. As the last year before major redesigns, the US 2001 Nickel marked the end of a consistent era in U.S. coin design.
In 2001, the U.S. faced political and economic shifts, including the onset of a recession and heightened national security concerns after 9/11. The US 2001 Nickel, unchanged in appearance, represented continuity and tradition during uncertainty, preserving Schlag’s legacy in a time of national transition.