Thomas Jefferson Presidential $1 Coin

Thomas Jefferson was not known for speaking in public. In fact, he was sometimes called the “silent member” of the Continental Congress, where he represented Virginia, his home state. But he was certainly good with a pen. Among his other writings, Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.

After serving as America’s foreign minister to France, he was elected the country’s third president. He led the way in the purchase of Louisiana from France in 1803, doubling the country’s land area. This purchase, and the group he sent to explore the new lands, are the events that the Westward Journey Nickel Series™ celebrated 200 years afterward.

At the end of his presidency, Jefferson retired to Monticello, his home in Virginia. From there, he worked to set up the University of Virginia in nearby Charlottesville. In March 1825, the school opened and served its first 123 students.