The people depicted on common U.S. coins are primarily former presidents and notable historical figures:

• Penny: Abraham Lincoln
• Nickel: Thomas Jefferson
• Dime: Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Quarter: George Washington
• Half Dollar: John F. Kennedy
• Dollar Coin: Sacagawea (a notable Native American figure, not a president)

These images have been used since the early 20th century, with Lincoln first appearing on the penny in 1909. By 1971, all six main coin denominations featured the likeness of a former president except the dollar coin, which features Sacagawea

. In addition to coins, several presidents and other historical figures appear on U.S. paper currency, but for coins, the above list covers the most common ones in circulation today