2004-2005 Westward Journey Nickel Errors
The Westward Journey nickel series (2004-2005) featured four special designs commemorating the Lewis and Clark expedition. The 2004 coins show the Peace Medal and Keelboat reverses, while 2005 introduced the American Bison and Ocean in View reverses along with a new forward-facing Jefferson portrait. These design changes produced several notable error varieties.
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2005 Speared Bison
A prominent die gouge creates what appears to be a spear running through the bison's midsection on the American Bison reverse.
How to check: Examine the bison on the 2005 reverse. A raised line running through the body from the belly area indicates the speared bison die gouge.
$50 - $3002004 Peace Medal Doubled Die
Doubling visible on the clasped hands and text on the Peace Medal reverse design.
How to check: Use magnification to examine the Peace Medal design elements and the text around the medal for shelf-like doubling.
$15 - $1002004 Keelboat Extra Tree/Water Lines
Die varieties showing extra lines in the water or additional tree detail on the Keelboat reverse.
How to check: Examine the water beneath the keelboat and the tree line for extra raised lines not present on normal strikes.
$10 - $752005 Ocean in View Die Cracks
Die cracks running through the Ocean in View reverse design, sometimes through the text or ocean waves.
How to check: Look for raised irregular lines running across the ocean scene or through the inscriptions.
$5 - $50Off-Center and Broadstrike Errors
Both 2004 and 2005 designs found struck off-center or without the retaining collar.
How to check: Off-center coins show shifted design with blank crescent. Broadstrikes are wider than normal with smooth edges.
$15 - $200Quick Checks
- 2005 Bison reverse: Look for the 'speared bison' die gouge through the body
- 2004 Peace Medal: Check the clasped hands design for doubling
- 2004 Keelboat: Examine water lines beneath the boat for extra lines
- 2005 Ocean in View: Look for die cracks through the ocean scene
- Check both years for off-center strikes and broadstrikes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2005 speared bison nickel worth?
The 2005 speared bison variety typically sells for $50-$300 depending on condition. It is caused by a prominent die gouge that creates a line through the bison's body.
Are Westward Journey nickels worth keeping?
Yes! These special-design nickels have growing collector interest, especially in uncirculated condition. Error varieties can be worth $15 to $300+.
What are the four Westward Journey nickel designs?
2004 features the Peace Medal and Keelboat reverses. 2005 features the American Bison and Ocean in View reverses. The 2005 coins also introduced the forward-facing Jefferson portrait still used today.
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