

In commemoration of the Louisiana Purchase, and Lewis
and Clark's expedition, the President enacted Public Law 108-15 to
modify the Jefferson five-cent coin (nickel) in 2003, 2004 and 2005, to
reflect images evocative of their historic expedition into the Louisiana
Territory. A depiction of Monticello will return to the nickel in
2006. The obverse will continue to bear the likeness of President
Jefferson.
The first of two new
reverses on the 2004-dated Jefferson nickel will feature a rendition of
the reverse of the original Indian Peace Medal commissioned for Lewis
and Clark's expedition, bearing the likeness of America's third
president on one side, and symbols of peace and friendship on the
other. The medals were presented to Native American chiefs and other
important leaders as tokens of goodwill at treaty signings and other
events.
The design, by United States Mint sculptor/engraver
Norman E. Nemeth, features two hands clasped in friendship - one with a
military uniform cuff, symbolizing the American government, and the
other with a silver band adorned with beads and a stylized American
eagle, representing the Native American community with whom the United
States sought good relations.
2004 Fall Design: "Keelboat"

In late 2004, the 2004-dated Jefferson nickel will
feature an angled, side-view of the keelboat with full sail that
transported members of the expedition and their supplies through the
rivers of the Louisiana Territory in search of a northwest passage to
the Pacific Ocean. Built to the specifications of Captain Lewis, the
55-foot keelboat could be sailed, rowed, poled like a raft, or towed
from the riverbank. The design, by United States Mint sculptor/engraver
Al Maletsky, shows Captains Lewis and Clark in full uniform in the bow
of the keelboat.
2004 Westward Journey US Mint Products