The US 2011 Nickel features the classic Thomas Jefferson design by Felix Schlag, first introduced in 1938. This coin, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, circulated during a period of economic recovery after the 2008 financial crisis. Rising metal prices in 2011 led to discussions about alternative materials for coins, impacting the future of the US nickel. The Jefferson design remained unchanged, symbolizing stability during economic uncertainty.
In 2011, political debates over national debt and budget cuts reflected concerns about government spending, including coin production costs. The US 2011 Nickel, still using traditional metals, highlighted the challenge of balancing historical design with economic efficiency.