How to Identify the Westward Journey Nickel - Lewis and Clark Keelboat
A collector's guide to spotting the 2004 Keelboat reverse, confirming the date and mint mark, and telling it from the other Westward Journey designs.
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Start with the reverse image, because that is what sets this coin apart. You are looking for a single keelboat under sail, moving toward the right, with two standing figures near the bow that represent Captains Lewis and Clark. If the back instead shows two clasped hands and a peace medal, a large buffalo, or a coastline, you have a different Westward Journey reverse, not the Keelboat.
Next confirm the obverse and date. The Keelboat pairs with the traditional left-facing Jefferson bust and is dated 2004. The redesigned, forward-facing Jefferson portrait belongs to the 2005 issues, which do not use the keelboat. A keelboat reverse combined with a 2005 date, a wrong portrait, or an off denomination is a red flag for an altered or novelty piece rather than a genuine circulation coin.
Check the physical specifications to rule out look-alikes and fakes. A genuine coin is about 21.2 mm in diameter, weighs 5.0 grams, has a plain smooth edge, and is a copper-nickel alloy with a pale gray tone throughout (no copper core visible at the edge, unlike a clad dime or quarter). A magnet will not attract it.
Find the mint mark on the obverse near the date: P for Philadelphia, D for Denver on circulation strikes, and S for San Francisco proofs. Proofs have mirror-like fields and extra-sharp detail and were sold in sets, so a deeply reflective, flawless example is likely a proof rather than a circulation find.
Be cautious with coins advertised as colorized, gold-plated, or otherwise 'special.' These are privately altered after leaving the Mint and are not distinct Mint issues; the plating or paint adds no official numismatic value. For any coin you believe is high grade, third-party grading is the reliable way to confirm authenticity and condition.
Frequently asked questions
How do I tell the Keelboat reverse from the other Westward Journey nickels?
The Keelboat shows a boat under sail with two figures. The 2004 Peace Medal shows clasped hands and a medal; the 2005 designs show a bison or a coastline. Only the boat is the Keelboat.
Where is the mint mark located?
On the obverse near the date. P or D indicates a circulation strike from Philadelphia or Denver; S indicates a San Francisco proof.
How can I spot a fake or altered Keelboat nickel?
Verify the 2004 date with the classic left-facing Jefferson, the 5.0 g weight, 21.2 mm size, plain edge, and non-magnetic copper-nickel look. Colorized or plated examples are privately modified novelties.
Is a proof worth more than a circulation coin?
Generally yes, modestly. San Francisco (S) proofs have mirror fields and sharp detail and were sold to collectors, so they command a small premium over common circulated pieces.