How to Collect Westward Journey Nickels

Sixty-six years of age might be a little old for a makeover--unless you are the United States Mint. Their makeover of the nickel came with five versions in a three-year period to recognize the bicentennial of two significant events in American history: the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Read on to learn how to collect the Westward Journey Nickels.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Enjoy a hobby that was the "hobby of kings." Coin collecting is one of the oldest hobbies, first attracting the attention of kings, who were the only ones wealthy enough to collect coins. Know that the Westward Journey Nickel Series was only produced for three years. Smaller circulation makes these coins eminently collectible.
2. Locate the two designs of the 2004 Westward Journey Nickel Series. "Peace Medal," the first, shows a likeness of the original Indian Peace Medal that Lewis and Clark presented to Native American chiefs along their journey. The second version of 2004 shows the "Keelboat" that transported Lewis and Clark through rivers in their search for a passage to the Pacific Ocean. The obverse (front side) of the coins shows an updated portrait of the third president, Thomas Jefferson, who sponsored Lewis and Clark's expedition.
3. Know that coins for general circulation are minted in Philadelphia and Denver. You should collect nickels from each mint. Find out which mint made the nickel by looking for the circulation mark to the right of Jefferson, near the bottom of his hair queue, for the 2004 nickels. A "P" stands for Philadelphia and a "D" for Denver. Mint marks for subsequent nickels are located in the same general area. A magnifying glass helps you see the mark, plus the fine details of the coins.
4. Find the two 2005 nickel versions. The obverse pictures a different, close-up view of Jefferson. The 2005 nickels also mark the first time that "Liberty" in Jefferson's handwriting began appearing on all nickels. The reverse side of one of the 2005 nickels is the "American Bison," a symbol of the American West. The other carries a quote from William Clark's journal--"Ocean in view! O! The joy!"--and a view of the Pacific.
5. Take care of your collection. Most coins last approximately 25 years before they are removed from circulation because of writing and etching that has rubbed off. However, a properly cared for coin collection lasts much longer. Use soft, cotton gloves to handle coins. Purchase an organization system to protect your coins so that they don't clank together, which will damage them. Coin envelopes, holders and albums are the most common storage systems.
6. Collect the 2006 Westward Journey nickel, "Return to Monticello." The reverse shows Jefferson's home, Monticello, which also appeared on nickels previous to this series. But this version of Jefferson's homestead is much more detailed. The obverse side of the coin features Jefferson once again, but this is the 1800 version of Jefferson before he became president.
7. Expand your collection. Since the last 1960s, special collections of coins have been minted in San Francisco and carry an "S" as the mint mark. These are not released in general circulation, although many, including the nickels, can be purchased as part of commemorative collections through the United States Mint.