What Is A Westward Journey Nickel?
The Westward Journey nickels were made from 2004 to 2006 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark’s journey exploring that vast territory. If you have a nickel from 2004, 2005, or 2006 with an unfamiliar design on it, then you probably have a Westward Journey nickel. There were 5 different designs made altogether. Two for the 2004 edition, two for the 2005 edition, and one for the 2006 edition. Up first is the 2004 nickel with the peace medal reverse (two hands being shook). This design by Norman E. Nemeth was adapted from the reverse of certain original peace medals that were commissioned for the expedition. These medals bore the portrait of Jefferson on the front and symbols of peace and friendship on the other. They were presented to native American chiefs and other important leaders as a token of goodwill from the United States. Next is the 2004 nickel with the keelboat (small ship or boat) reverse. This design by Al Maletsky depicts the boat th
