1938-1960 61 Coin Gem BU Jefferson Nickel Set in Capitol Plastic buffalo nickel had long been difficult to coin, and after it completed the 25-year term during which it could only be replaced by Congress, the Mint moved quickly to replace it with a new design. The Mint conducted a design competition in early 1938, requiring that Jefferson be depicted on the obverse, and Jefferson's house Monticello on the reverse. Schlag won the competition, but was required to submit an entirely new reverse and make other changes before the new piece went into production in October 1938. the Jefferson Nickel features an elegant bust of Thomas Jefferson facing to the left on the obverse. As required by law, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears in front of Jefferson. Behind, is the word LIBERTY and the date. The reverse, besides the previously mentioned depiction of Monticello, included the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM above Jefferson’s home and MONTICELLO, FIVE CENTS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA below.