• Coin: Jefferson Nickel (Westward Journey, Keelboat)
• Year: 2004
• Mint Location: Philadelphia (confirm)
• Denomination: 5C
• Strike Type: Business
• Grade: Ungraded
• Certification: Uncertified
• Composition: Copper-Nickel, gold plated after mint
• Circulated/Uncirculated: Uncirculated
• Modified Item: Yes (gold plated after leaving the Mint)
• Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

This is a 2004-P Jefferson nickel with the Keelboat reverse, the second design in the Westward Journey series, finished in bright gold-tone plating. It shows the 55-foot keelboat that carried Lewis and Clark up the Missouri River, and it makes a great display piece or gift.

• 2004-P, Philadelphia Mint
• Keelboat reverse, the second of the four Westward Journey designs
• Classic Felix Schlag Jefferson obverse
• Gold-tone plating over both sides
• Gold plating was added after the coin left the Mint and is not a U.S. Mint finish

Grade: Our grade estimate is Uncirculated detail. It was graded in-house and is not certified. The sail lines, the crew and the portrait are sharp, with no wear. Because the coin is plated, it is offered as a novelty and display piece rather than for its grade. Please see the photos.

Historical context: In May 1804 the Corps of Discovery set out from Camp Dubois aboard a 55-foot keelboat built to Meriwether Lewis’s design. The crew sailed, rowed, poled and towed it up the Missouri River against the current. The boat could carry about 10 tons of supplies and had a swivel cannon mounted on the bow.

Series: The Westward Journey nickels marked the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition, and they were the first changes to the Jefferson nickel since 1938. The 2004 Keelboat issue was struck only from August through December, which makes it one of the shortest-run designs in the series. Four designs were issued in 2004 and 2005: Peace Medal, Keelboat, American Bison and Ocean in View.

Curiosity Coins — Medway, Massachusetts | Est. 1999 | ANA • PCGS • NGC • Heritage Auctions Member / Buying & selling US and world coins, silver, gold, currency, and collectibles since 1999. Many auctions start at $5 — combined shipping always available. Questions welcome.