The US 2012 Nickel was minted during a period of economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. Made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, the US 2012 Nickel represented the ongoing use of these metals in coinage. The US 2012 Nickel circulated during a time when the U.S. economy was slowly recovering, and the coin was used in everyday transactions.
Politically, the US 2012 Nickel was produced during President Barack Obamas second term. The coin’s design, with Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and Monticello on the reverse, continued to honor the nations founding principles while reflecting its modern-day economic challenges.