who is on the head of a nickel

[LeNicole]

Based on general numismatic knowledge, as the provided context does not contain the specific answer, the portrait featured on the obverse, or "heads" side, of the United States nickel is that of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was the third President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

The Jefferson Nickel was first minted in 1938, replacing the Buffalo nickel design. The initial portrait of Jefferson, a profile view, was created by artist Felix Schlag. While the depiction of Jefferson has been a constant feature on the coin's obverse since its introduction, the specific design has undergone changes. Since 2006, the nickel has featured a more modern, forward-facing portrait of Jefferson designed by Jamie Franki.