Modern Coins Overview: 2004 Lewis and Clark Nickel

A 2004 nickel Lewis and Clark is part of the U.S. Mint’s Westward Journey Nickel Series. It honored the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase (1803) and the Lewis and Clark expedition (1804–1806).

• Obverse (front): Still shows the traditional portrait of Thomas Jefferson (by Felix Schlag), used on nickels since 1938.

• Reverse (back): In 2004, two special designs were released:

1. Peace Medal Reverse – Features clasped hands (a Native American and a U.S. soldier) beneath crossed peace pipes and tomahawks, symbolizing the Louisiana Purchase and early diplomacy.

2. Keelboat Reverse – Depicts the boat used by Lewis and Clark’s expedition as they traveled up the Missouri River.

• Composition: Standard cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel).

• Circulation: Minted for everyday use, so millions exist, though high-grade examples or errors can be collectible.

Collectors often call them the “Lewis and Clark nickels” because both designs commemorate milestones tied directly to their expedition.

Value Table

Errors

Off-Center Strikes

When a planchet is not seated properly in the press, the dies strike only part of its surface, leaving the design shifted and a blank crescent-shaped area. Minor misalignments are fairly common and usually affordable, but when the strike is so far off that a large part of the coin is missing, the rarity and price increase dramatically. Examples that still show the full date are especially desirable, since they can be authenticated without question. A lightly off-center 2004 nickel may be worth only a few dozen dollars, while coins missing half the design can reach several hundred.

Doubled Die Varieties

These are created during the hubbing process when a die receives more than one misaligned impression. On a 2004 nickel, this might appear as doubled lettering in “IN GOD WE TRUST” or “LIBERTY,” or in the numerals of the date. Sometimes even the elements of the keelboat or peace medal design can show doubling. Collectors value strong, clear doubled dies, while machine doubling or strike doubling adds little to no premium. Genuine doubled dies from this year typically range in value from tens to a couple of hundred dollars depending on sharpness and grade.

Clipped Planchets

During the blanking process, a sheet of metal is fed into a punch that cuts planchets. If the sheet is misaligned or overlaps with a previous cut, the resulting blank may be missing part of its edge. Once struck, these coins look like they have a curved or straight “bite” taken out of them. The severity of the clip determines the value: small clips are mostly novelty pieces, but larger and dramatic clips can command significant premiums. Collectors enjoy them because the flaw is instantly visible and cannot be faked easily.

Broadstrikes and Out-of-Collar Errors

These happen when a coin is struck outside the retaining collar. Instead of being held to proper size, the metal spreads outward, creating a wider, flatter piece with weak or missing rims. A broadstruck 2004 nickel is quite eye-catching because it looks oversized compared to normal nickels. The more dramatic the spread, the higher the value, and complete designs on such errors make them even more attractive. Prices can move from modest levels into the low hundreds depending on condition.

Die Cracks and Cuds

Over time, dies develop stress fractures that leave raised lines on coins, known as die cracks. When a piece of the die actually breaks away, the blank area fills with metal during striking and produces a thick, raised blob attached to the design, known as a cud. On 2004 nickels, these can appear along the rims or sometimes across lettering. While small cracks usually only add minor interest, larger cuds that distort the design are rare and much more valuable, with prices ranging from a few dollars to several hundred depending on size and placement.

Wrong Planchet Errors

One of the most dramatic mistakes occurs when a nickel is struck on a blank intended for another denomination. For example, if a cent or dime planchet was fed into the press, the resulting coin would have the design of a nickel but the size and weight of another coin. These wrong-planchet pieces are highly prized, instantly recognizable, and extremely scarce. They often sell in the hundreds and sometimes cross into the thousand-dollar range when confirmed by grading services.

Proof Varieties from San Francisco

Alongside the regular circulation issues, the San Francisco Mint produced collector-only proof nickels in 2004. These coins feature mirror-like fields with frosted designs, and the sharpest examples are classified as Deep Cameo. Ordinary proofs are inexpensive, often just a few dollars each, but coins graded PR69 or PR70 with strong Deep Cameo contrast can command impressive premiums. Collectors of modern proofs look for these high-grade examples, making them an important variety for anyone interested in the full picture of the Westward Journey series.

Where to Buy

What to Check Before Buying

To make sure your purchase is solid, verify:

• Mint Mark: P, D, or S, and whether they’re proofs or regular strikes.

• Condition / Grade: Uncirculated or proof coins cost more; check photos or grading reports. Try Coin ID Scanner app. 

• Certification: Coins verified by PCGS, NGC, etc. are more trustworthy.

• Authenticity of Variety or Error (if any): If it has special features (die crack, off-center, etc.), those should be clearly shown.

• Returns Policy: Especially online, so you can return if it’s misrepresented.

Investment Opportunities

The 2004 nickels are easy to find in circulation, but the real investment value lies in choice examples. Coins graded at the top of the scale, especially MS66 and above, are far scarcer than average pieces and tend to appreciate steadily as condition rarities. Proof issues, particularly those with strong Deep Cameo contrast, are also popular among modern collectors and have shown consistent demand. The best opportunities are in dramatic errors such as major off-center strikes, wrong planchet coins, and bold doubled dies, which command strong prices whenever they appear at auction.

For a collector looking beyond face value, these nickels offer two paths: affordable entry into a historic U.S. series, and the chance to build a portfolio around high-grade or error pieces with long-term potential.