Lot #493: Rare 2004 USA Five Cents - "Peace Medal" Nickel - Tomahawk - Calumet Peace Pipe - Unusual Clasped Hands - Thomas Jefferson

Obverse: Features the classic portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Felix Schlag, which had been used since 1938. The word LIBERTY is to the left, and the date 2004 is to the right. Reverse: Features a rendition of the reverse side of the original Jefferson Peace Medal. The design shows two hands clasped in friendship: one in a military uniform cuff (representing the U.S. government) and the other in a silver band (representing Indigenous American nations). Above the hands is a crossed tomahawk and a peace pipe ("calumet"). The full inscription reads LOUISIANA PURCHASE / 1803 / E PLURIBUS UNUM / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. The 2004 "Peace Medal" Nickel (sometimes referred to as the "Louisiana Purchase" Nickel) is a significant piece from the United States Mint’s "Westward Journey" Nickel Series. This series was commissioned to commemorate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and the subsequent Lewis and Clark expedition. The original Peace Medals were carried by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to be presented to Indigenous chiefs as tokens of peace and sovereignty during their 1804–1806 expedition. This was the first time in 66 years that the reverse of the nickel was changed from the depiction of Jefferson's home, Monticello. This "Peace Medal" Nickel was issued for a single year only, in 2004. Dimensions: 75% Copper, 25% Nickel. 21.2 mm. 5.0 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}