2004-S Keelboat Proof Westward Journey Nickel

About the Westward Journey Nickel

Introduction The Westward Journey Nickel is a five-cent coin minted by the United States Mint from 2004 to 2006. The coins feature two designs, the first with an obverse side featuring a modern rendition of Thomas Jefferson and an eagle reverse. The second has an obverse depicting a painting of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery, and a reverse of an American bison on the other side. With its prominent designs and historical significance, the Westward Journey Nickel series remains a popular collectible today.

History The Mint introduced the Westward Journey Nickel series in 2004. The coins were released to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, also known as the Corps of Discovery. The first design of the nickel, issued in 2004, featured a modernized version of President Thomas Jefferson's portrait in full profile. The reverse side of the coin featured a bald eagle perched on a rock, an adaptation of the original 1800 John G. Randall design.

The second design of the Westward Journey Nickel series was released in 2005. The obverse side of the coin depicts Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in full profile, standing on a ridge, looking out into the unknown regions they are about to explore. The reverse of this coin features a powerful American bison standing on a grassy hill. This design was based on a painting by artist Norman E. Nemeth.

Significance The Westward Journey Nickel series is more than just a collectible coin. It commemorates an important event in United States history, which led the way to exploration, Settlement West of the Mississippi River, and the eventual expansion of the nation. Additionally, the coins signify the value that the United States places on its expanding global presence, encouraging exploration to meet the ever-growing needs of its citizens.

Collectibility The Westward Journey Nickel series is one of the most collectible pieces of U.S. currency. Its remarkable designs make it a standout among other coins. Its historical significance adds to its collectibility, as well as its limited mintage of 350 million. The coins in this series have been graded by both PCGS and NGC and then given a lower grade due to their circulated state. Many collectors are eager to own a piece of this series, and the Westward Journey Nickel remains a highly desirable coin for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Conclusion The Westward Journey Nickel series is an attractive and significant series of coins. Its unique designs commemorate an important event in United States history and embody the spirit of exploration during the nation’s formative years. Collectors will be sure to treasure these coins as they continue to appreciate in value and become more and more desirable over time.

The 2004-S Keelboat Proof Westward Journey Nickel coin, has a total mintage of 2,965,422, struck at the San Francisco, California mint, and engraved by Felix Schlag. Made of copper-nickel, weighing 5 grams, with a diameter of 21.21 mm, and a thickness of 1.95 mm, and featuring a smooth edge.

The obverse is the portrait in left profile of thomas jefferson, the 3rd president of the united states from 1801 to 1809 surrounded with the lettering "liberty" and the motto: "in god we trust". It reads “IN GOD WE TRUST LIBERTY * 2004 FS”. The reverse is a boat used during the lewis & clark expedition. legend around. It reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA E PLURIBUS UNUM Am LEWIS & CLARK FIVE CENTS”.