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The Certified 2004-S Jefferson Nickel “Keelboat” graded PF70 by NGC is a perfect-condition modern U.S. commemorative coin that celebrates a key moment in early American exploration. As the second release in the Westward Journey Nickel Series, this coin honors the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition by depicting the vessel that carried the Corps of Discovery up the Missouri River. The PF70 designation, awarded by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), represents the highest grade possible on the Sheldon scale, signifying that the coin is flawless under magnification, with full strike, pristine surfaces, and impeccable eye appeal. For modern coin collectors, U.S. history enthusiasts, or Jefferson nickel series specialists, this coin is a showcase of excellence.
The Westward Journey Nickel Series was launched by the United States Mint in 2004 to commemorate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It marked the first redesign of the nickel in over 60 years and featured four new reverse designs issued in 2004 and 2005. These designs highlighted different phases of the journey westward across North America. The “Keelboat” nickel followed the “Peace Medal” design and featured an entirely different artistic style, capturing the adventurous spirit and logistical challenge of navigating the early American wilderness.
The obverse of the 2004-S Keelboat Nickel carries the original 1938 left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson designed by Felix Schlag. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and “2004” surround the image. In a PF70 specimen, Jefferson’s profile is fully frosted, crisp, and completely unmarred by abrasions or strike issues. The fields surrounding the bust are deeply mirrored, producing the classic “deep cameo” effect seen in modern proof coinage. The San Francisco “S” mintmark beneath the date confirms its proof-only production, meaning the coin was struck specifically for collectors using specially prepared dies and planchets.
The reverse features a detailed image of the keelboat used by the Lewis and Clark expedition. Designed by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Al Maletsky, it shows the vessel cutting through water, manned by the crew in uniform, complete with a sail and oars. Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark are believed to be positioned prominently near the front of the vessel. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION,” and the denomination “FIVE CENTS” frame the reverse. In PF70 quality, the intricate lines of the boat, rigging, crew members, and water are rendered with absolute precision, and the mirror-like fields behind the design amplify its three-dimensional effect.
The coin was struck at the San Francisco Mint in 2004 and sold only in official U.S. Mint proof sets. As a proof coin, it was struck multiple times on polished dies to create an enhanced, deeply reflective finish and sharper details. While many thousands were produced for collectors, only a select portion of those achieved the perfect PF70 grade. Most proofs, even when fresh from the Mint, display tiny imperfections such as faint hairlines, spots, or weak frost on the devices, which limit them to PF69 or lower. The PF70 grade ensures the highest level of quality possible, making the coin an elite choice for collectors who demand absolute perfection.
NGC’s encapsulation provides confidence in both authenticity and grade. NGC, one of the most reputable and globally recognized third-party grading services, uses a stringent evaluation process that includes magnified inspection, surface analysis, and consistency checks. The sealed holder not only preserves the coin’s pristine condition but also displays all relevant information, including the coin’s name, year, mintmark, and PF70 grade, making it ready for competitive registry sets or investment portfolios. NGC coins are highly liquid in the modern coin market and are favored for their reliability and long-term value.
The Westward Journey Nickel Series was a major numismatic milestone and helped usher in a renewed interest in modern circulating and collectible coinage. The Keelboat design, in particular, is noted for its historical depth and artistic execution. It captures a rarely seen aspect of early American history—the physical means of exploration—and connects collectors to the practical achievements that allowed the Lewis and Clark Expedition to succeed. For collectors who focus on American exploration, the Louisiana Purchase, or Jefferson-era coinage, the 2004-S Keelboat nickel holds special thematic significance.
The 2004-S Keelboat nickel is part of a larger legacy in the Jefferson nickel series, which began in 1938. The introduction of commemorative reverse designs in 2004 marked a historic break from the decades-long uniformity of the Monticello reverse and sparked the U.S. Mint’s broader trend toward more dynamic and narrative-driven designs. For this reason, the Keelboat reverse has earned a permanent place in the evolution of modern U.S. coinage and is considered a landmark moment for both artistic design and educational storytelling on coinage.
From a collector’s standpoint, a PF70 Keelboat nickel is a critical addition to any complete Jefferson nickel set, modern U.S. proof set, or history-focused coin collection. It also makes an excellent standalone piece for educational display, given its historical subject matter and perfect visual presentation. While many collectors may own the coin in PF69 or raw form, owning it in PF70 condition places the piece in the top echelon of preserved U.S. modern coins, offering both collector prestige and market desirability.
The Certified 2004-S Jefferson Nickel “Keelboat” graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless tribute to the ingenuity, determination, and exploration spirit of early America. With its perfect condition, superb design, and NGC-certified assurance, it represents the best possible version of a historically important modern U.S. coin. Whether you’re a Jefferson nickel enthusiast, a commemorative series collector, or someone who values perfection in numismatics, this PF70 example is a lasting symbol of American achievement and minting excellence.