The forward-looking 2006 nickel obverse (heads) was inspired by the Rembrandt Peale painting of 1800. As with the 2005 Westward Journey nickels, the word “Liberty” in Thomas Jefferson's own handwriting is inscribed on the nickel obverse. Jamie Franki's obverse was selected from 147 design candidates submitted by U.S. Mint medallic artists and Artistic Infusion Program artists.

For one year only, the nickel's obverse will feature the dual dates of “1776 ~ 2026.”

The reverse's classic rendition of Jefferson's Monticello estate by Felix Schlag (1938) was carefully restored in 2006 by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist John Mercanti, using Schlag's original work. Over more than 65 years of production, the United States Mint slightly modified the reverse design for technical reasons.