Westward Journey Nickels

In commemoration of the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition, the President inacted Public Law 108-15 to modify the Jefferson 5-cent coin (nickel) to reflect images evocative of the historic expedition into the Louisiana Territory.

The Westward Journey Nickels began in 2004 with the release of the "Peace Medal" and "Keelboat" nickels. In 2005, the "President Jefferson with Handwritten Liberty" image appeared on the obverse with two new designs on the reverse: "American Bison" and "Ocean in view! O! The joy!" In 2006 the obverse features the "Jefferson, 1800" image and the reverse features "Return to Monticello".