Intro
Discover the fascinating history of the 2004 US nickel, featuring the unique Peace Medal design. Learn six surprising facts about this special coin, including its design inspiration, production numbers, and collectible value. Get insider knowledge on this iconic American nickel, from its conception to its release.
The 2004 US nickel is a fascinating coin that has garnered significant attention from collectors and numismatists alike. As one of the most iconic coins in American currency, the nickel has a rich history that spans over a century. Here are six interesting facts about the 2004 US nickel:
Fact #1: The 2004 Nickel Features a Unique Design
The 2004 nickel features a unique design that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The design, which was created by sculptor Joe Fitzgerald, features an image of a keelboat, which was a type of boat used by Lewis and Clark during their expedition.
Design and Composition
The 2004 nickel was designed by Fitzgerald and engraved by Charles L. Vickers. The coin features a 75% copper and 25% nickel composition, which was the standard composition for nickels at the time. The coin's diameter is 21.21 mm, and its thickness is 1.95 mm.
Fact #2: The 2004 Nickel Was Part of a Five-Year Design Series
The 2004 nickel was part of a five-year design series that commemorated the Lewis and Clark expedition. The series, which ran from 2004 to 2008, featured a different design each year. The designs were chosen through a national competition, and the winning designs were created by different artists.
Design Variations
There were several design variations for the 2004 nickel, including a proof version that featured a mirrored finish. The proof version was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and featured a "P" mint mark.
Fact #3: The 2004 Nickel Has a Mintage of Over 1.4 Billion
The 2004 nickel has a mintage of over 1.4 billion, making it one of the most widely produced coins in US history. The coin was minted at the Philadelphia Mint and the Denver Mint, and both mints produced a significant number of coins.
Mintage Figures
Here are the mintage figures for the 2004 nickel:
- Philadelphia Mint: 842,816,000
- Denver Mint: 573,464,000
Fact #4: The 2004 Nickel Features a Special Edge
The 2004 nickel features a special edge that was designed to prevent counterfeiting. The edge features a series of grooves that were intended to make it difficult to counterfeit the coin.
Edge Variations
There were several edge variations for the 2004 nickel, including a smooth edge and a reeded edge. The reeded edge was the standard edge for the coin, but some coins were minted with a smooth edge due to errors in the minting process.
Fact #5: The 2004 Nickel Was Not Without Controversy
The 2004 nickel was not without controversy. Some collectors and numismatists criticized the coin's design, saying that it was not visually appealing. Others criticized the coin's composition, saying that it was not made of sufficient precious metal.
Criticism and Controversy
The 2004 nickel was criticized for several reasons, including:
- Design: Some collectors and numismatists felt that the coin's design was not visually appealing.
- Composition: Others criticized the coin's composition, saying that it was not made of sufficient precious metal.
Fact #6: The 2004 Nickel Is Still Widely Collected Today
Despite the controversy surrounding the coin, the 2004 nickel is still widely collected today. Many collectors and numismatists seek out the coin due to its unique design and historical significance.
Collecting the 2004 Nickel
If you're interested in collecting the 2004 nickel, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Condition: The condition of the coin is important, so look for coins that are in good condition.
- Rarity: Some versions of the coin are more rare than others, so look for coins that are harder to find.
- Provenance: The provenance of the coin is also important, so look for coins that have been certified by a reputable organization.
Gallery of 2004 US Nickel Images
2004 US Nickel Image Gallery
We hope you've enjoyed learning about the 2004 US nickel. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, this coin is definitely worth adding to your collection. With its unique design and historical significance, the 2004 nickel is a great way to learn about the history of American currency. So why not start your collection today?