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The Certified 2004-S Jefferson Nickel “Peace Medal” graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless example of modern U.S. commemorative coinage that honors a significant moment in American history. As the first release in the Westward Journey Nickel Series, this coin commemorates the diplomatic efforts of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through the symbolic design of the original peace medals presented to Native American tribes during the journey. Graded PF70 by NGC, this specimen is perfect under 5x magnification—showing no post-strike imperfections—and exhibits deeply mirrored fields with strong cameo contrast, showcasing the U.S. Mint’s highest standards of proof coin production.
The 2004-S Peace Medal nickel was introduced to celebrate the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which began in 1804 following the Louisiana Purchase. As part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, this coin marked the first major redesign of the Jefferson nickel since its inception in 1938. Alongside the “Keelboat” design released later that same year, the Peace Medal reverse reflected the theme of diplomacy and cultural exchange that defined much of the Corps of Discovery’s interactions with Native American tribes.
The obverse of the coin retains Felix Schlag’s original 1938 left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson. In this PF70 example, Jefferson’s features are perfectly defined, with sharp detail in his hair, cheekbone, and garments. The inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” and the date “2004” curve along the rim. Below the date is the “S” mintmark for the San Francisco Mint. On a proof coin of this grade, the frosted portrait sharply contrasts against the mirror-black background, creating a cameo effect with no spotting, haze, or contact marks—hallmarks of a perfect strike.
The reverse features a rendition of the original Jefferson peace medal, designed by Norman E. Nemeth. The design shows two clasped hands—one with a military uniform sleeve representing the U.S. government, and the other bare with a wristband representing a Native American. Above the hands are crossed peace pipe and tomahawk symbols, symbolizing the balance between war and peace. Encircling the design are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “LEWIS & CLARK 1804.” The denomination “FIVE CENTS” is located at the bottom. In PF70 quality, the smallest lines in the cuffs, fingers, and symbolic tools are crisply struck and richly frosted, providing ideal visual depth.
This coin was struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint as part of the annual proof set and was not released for circulation. Proof coins are produced using specially polished dies and planchets and struck multiple times under high pressure to ensure fully rendered details and mirror-like finishes. While thousands were minted, only a small fraction achieved the perfect PF70 designation from NGC. This grade indicates that the coin shows no visible imperfections under magnification, making it a premium-quality example suitable for high-end collections or registry competition.
NGC’s encapsulation of the coin provides confirmation of its authenticity, condition, and origin. Their rigorous grading process includes expert visual inspection under magnification, ensuring consistent and accurate results. The PF70 label also increases the coin’s marketability, as NGC-certified coins are widely accepted by collectors and dealers worldwide. The sealed holder protects the coin from damage and environmental degradation, preserving its pristine condition indefinitely.
The Peace Medal design is rich in symbolism. The hands represent cross-cultural cooperation, a goal that President Jefferson emphasized during the expedition. The peace medals themselves were given to tribal leaders as a gesture of goodwill and diplomacy, engraved with portraits of Jefferson and used as tangible tokens of U.S. sovereignty and friendship. This coin captures that legacy, making it one of the most meaningful of the modern U.S. commemoratives—not only for its design, but for the story it represents about early America’s expansion and diplomacy.
As the first issue in the Westward Journey Nickel Series, the 2004-S Peace Medal nickel holds particular significance for series collectors. It marks the beginning of a short but impactful program that revitalized interest in modern nickel coinage and redefined the role of circulating U.S. coins as vehicles for historical storytelling. In PF70 condition, this coin becomes even more important—it preserves a flawless version of that beginning, one with unmatched surface quality and visual clarity.
Though modern in age, PF70 examples are not common due to the difficulty of achieving absolute perfection, even with advanced minting techniques. Many coins exhibit faint imperfections such as die polish lines, haze, or handling marks that disqualify them from this elite grade. For collectors focused on building a perfect modern proof set, a complete Westward Journey collection, or Jefferson-themed registry sets, this 2004-S PF70 Peace Medal nickel is a foundational piece that elevates the overall quality of any set it joins.
The Certified 2004-S Jefferson Nickel “Peace Medal” graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless, meaningful, and beautifully executed coin that honors one of the most important diplomatic efforts in early American history. With its deeply symbolic reverse, pristine proof strike, and perfect condition, it offers both historical depth and artistic excellence. For any collector of modern U.S. coinage, bicentennial commemoratives, or the Jefferson nickel series, this PF70 example is an essential acquisition that exemplifies the best of the U.S. Mint’s commemorative vision and technical capability.