A 2005 nickel looks different primarily because the U.S. Mint introduced new designs for both the obverse (front) and reverse (back) of the coin as part of the "Westward Journey Series," celebrating the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
A New Look for Thomas Jefferson (The Obverse)
In 2005, the most striking change was the introduction of a new image of Thomas Jefferson on the front of the nickel. This change was implemented to give a more modern look to the coin's depiction of the third U.S. President. The new portrait, which features Jefferson facing slightly right (in profile), was designed by Joe Fitzgerald. This marked a significant departure from the long-standing left-facing profile of Jefferson that had been in use since 1938.
Innovative Reverse Designs (The Back)
In addition to the updated obverse, the 2005 nickels featured two distinct new reverse designs, departing from the familiar Monticello depiction:
- American Bison: This design, released early in 2005, depicts a large American bison, symbolizing the wildlife encountered during the Lewis and Clark expedition. It represents the expansive wilderness of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.
- Ocean in View: Released later in 2005, this design portrays the Pacific Ocean, with an inscription from William Clark's journal: "Ocean in view! O! The Joy!" This design commemorates the expedition's successful journey to the Pacific Coast.
These reverse designs replaced the traditional image of Monticello, Jefferson's home, which had appeared on the nickel's reverse for decades.
The Westward Journey Series Context
The design changes on the 2005 nickel were part of a larger initiative by the U.S. Mint known as the "Westward Journey Series," which ran from 2004 to 2006. This series aimed to commemorate the significant historical events of the early 19th century that shaped the expansion of the United States.
| Year | Obverse (Front) Design | Reverse (Back) Design | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Thomas Jefferson (original portrait by Felix Schlag) | Peace Medal and Keelboat | Introduced the series with new reverses, retaining old obverse. |
| 2005 | Thomas Jefferson (modern portrait by Joe Fitzgerald) | American Bison and Ocean in View | New obverse and two new reverses. |
| 2006+ | Thomas Jefferson (new portrait by Jamie Franki) | Monticello (original design by Felix Schlag) | Permanent return to Monticello reverse, new obverse. |
After the "Westward Journey Series" concluded, the nickel's design saw another change in 2006. While the Monticello reverse returned, a new permanent obverse design by Jamie Franki was introduced, depicting Jefferson from a slightly different angle, based on an 1800 portrait by Rembrandt Peale.
The 2005 nickel stands out due to its unique combination of a new, modern Jefferson portrait on the front and two distinct commemorative designs on the back, making it easily distinguishable from nickels minted in other years. These design changes were a deliberate effort to revitalize the coin's appearance and educate the public about American history.
For more information on the history and designs of the U.S. Nickel, you can visit the United States Mint website.
