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The Certified 2005-S Jefferson Nickel “American Bison” graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless and deeply symbolic modern U.S. coin that celebrates the natural heritage encountered during the historic Lewis and Clark Expedition. As part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, this design pays tribute to the majestic American bison, an animal that played a crucial role in the lives of Native Americans and became a powerful emblem of the American frontier. Struck at the San Francisco Mint and designated as a PF70 by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin represents the highest level of preservation and eye appeal, showcasing a perfect proof strike with no visible flaws under 5x magnification.
The 2005-S “Bison” Jefferson Nickel was the third coin issued in the Westward Journey Nickel Series, which was initiated by the U.S. Mint to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This series included four new reverse designs issued in 2004 and 2005, with the bison design standing out as a direct nod to the natural beauty and challenges of the uncharted American West. During their expedition, Lewis and Clark frequently encountered vast herds of bison, and these animals became a vital symbol of the wild and expansive frontier the explorers documented.
The obverse of the coin features a bold, forward-facing portrait of President Thomas Jefferson, designed by artist Joe Fitzgerald and sculpted by Donna Weaver. This modern interpretation, introduced in 2005, was notable for its departure from the traditional profile view that had been used since 1938. The portrait is inscribed with “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the left, “LIBERTY” in Jefferson’s own script on the right, and the date “2005” with the “S” mintmark below. In PF70 condition, the frosted portrait is absolutely pristine, set against flawless mirrored fields that produce a striking cameo contrast characteristic of high-grade modern proofs.
The reverse, designed by Jamie Franki and engraved by Norman E. Nemeth, features a detailed rendering of an American bison standing on a grassy plain. The image is strong and naturalistic, capturing the animal’s power and significance. Surrounding the bison are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “FIVE CENTS.” In PF70 grade, every strand of the bison’s fur, curve of the horns, and blade of grass is rendered with razor-sharp clarity. The fields are deeply mirrored and immaculate, perfectly highlighting the contrast between frosted design elements and polished background.
This coin was struck only in proof format at the San Francisco Mint and was not issued for circulation. Proof coins are produced using carefully prepared dies and planchets and struck multiple times to achieve extraordinary sharpness, detail, and brilliance. Although hundreds of thousands of 2005-S bison nickels were struck for collectors, only a small percentage have received the coveted PF70 grade. Many otherwise attractive proof coins show faint hairlines, die polish, or microscopic flaws that limit their grade to PF69 or lower. A PF70 coin stands as the pinnacle of modern numismatic craftsmanship and preservation.
NGC’s encapsulation ensures the coin’s authenticity and condition. As one of the most trusted third-party grading services globally, NGC applies strict standards in evaluating and certifying coins. The PF70 grade guarantees that this example has no imperfections visible under magnification, meaning it is as flawless as the day it was struck. The NGC holder provides long-term protection and includes clear labeling, making this coin ideal for competitive registry sets or high-grade collections focused on U.S. proofs or Jefferson nickels.
Historically and thematically, the American Bison design is one of the most beloved in the entire Westward Journey Nickel Series. It resonates with both collectors and the public for its direct connection to the frontier experience, the wildlife observed by Lewis and Clark, and the cultural importance of the bison to Indigenous peoples. Its artistic success lies in its simplicity and natural realism, with the solitary bison evoking the vastness of the American plains and the spirit of exploration that defined the early 19th century.
The Westward Journey Nickel Series represents a turning point in U.S. coinage. It introduced bold, story-driven reverse designs on circulating coins, paving the way for later series like the Presidential Dollar and America the Beautiful Quarters. The “Bison” reverse, in particular, has remained a favorite among collectors, and PF70 examples are in strong demand due to their eye appeal and historical importance. This coin is often a centerpiece in collections that commemorate American wildlife, westward expansion, or the legacy of President Jefferson.
PF70 examples like this one offer more than just visual perfection—they offer the security of knowing you own one of the finest examples of a significant modern U.S. coin. While the coin was produced for collectors and is not rare in lower grades, PF70 examples are considerably more scarce, especially in older NGC holders or special label varieties. As more collectors compete for top-graded registry sets, high-end pieces like this continue to appreciate in both value and recognition.
The Certified 2005-S Jefferson Nickel “American Bison” graded PF70 by NGC is a flawless, artistically compelling, and historically meaningful addition to any collection. It honors one of the great achievements of early American exploration, showcases the beauty of the American frontier, and preserves the finest example of U.S. Mint craftsmanship from the modern era. Whether you are building a complete Jefferson nickel set, a modern proof collection, or a U.S. wildlife-themed set, this PF70 bison nickel represents the highest standard of beauty, quality, and legacy.