The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides", is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. Launched in 1797, the ship served in the Quasi-War with France and the First Barbary War. During the War of 1812, the Constitution defeated five British warships, earning the nickname "Old Ironsides". The ship continued to serve in the United States Navy until 1881, when it was placed into ordinary at the Boston Navy Yard. In 1907, the Constitution was restored to active service and served as a training ship for midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy. In 1931, the Constitution was decommissioned and placed in drydock at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, where it remains as a museum ship.
The USS Constitution is featured on the reverse of the United States nickel, also known as the Jefferson nickel, since 1938. The design features a side view of the ship with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "FIVE CENTS" on the obverse and the ship's name, "CONSTITUTION" on the reverse.