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The 2004-S Keelboat Nickel, part of the Westward Journey Nickel Series, represents a pivotal moment in modern U.S. coinage and commemorates one of the most significant explorations in American history—the Lewis and Clark Expedition. A full roll of these proof nickels from the San Francisco Mint contains forty coins, each carefully struck for collectors with exceptional detail and luster. This issue was the second of two nickels released in 2004 to honor the bicentennial of the expedition, and its proof version offers an elevated level of craftsmanship, making it a standout among 21st-century numismatic releases. The roll offers not only investment potential but also a tangible connection to the spirit of exploration that defined early America.
The Westward Journey Nickel Series began in 2004 and continued through 2006, marking the first time the Jefferson Nickel underwent a major redesign since its 1938 debut. These changes were authorized by the American 5-Cent Coin Design Continuity Act of 2003 and sought to honor the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The journey, which began in 1804 under the direction of President Thomas Jefferson, aimed to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and chart a path to the Pacific Ocean. The Keelboat Nickel specifically celebrates the vessel that carried the Corps of Discovery along the Missouri River, symbolizing their courage, innovation, and determination.
The obverse of the 2004-S Keelboat Nickel remains faithful to the traditional portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Felix Schlag, which had been a mainstay on the coin since 1938. His left-facing profile is accompanied by the inscriptions “IN GOD WE TRUST” and “LIBERTY,” with the date “2004” to the right. The “S” mintmark, denoting the San Francisco Mint, appears prominently under the date. Though this design was replaced with a new Jefferson image in 2005, the 2004 obverse pays tribute to the coin’s historical continuity, providing a familiar visual anchor for collectors while allowing the reverse design to introduce a fresh narrative perspective.
The reverse of the Keelboat Nickel, designed by artist Al Maletsky, is the focal point of the coin and depicts the famous keelboat used by Lewis and Clark in their expedition. The boat is shown sailing to the right, filled with members of the Corps of Discovery dressed in early 19th-century military attire. Above the scene is the inscription “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while below are the denomination “FIVE CENTS” and the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The artistry captures both motion and purpose, highlighting the teamwork and resolve that powered one of America’s greatest exploratory missions. The intricate detail of the boat’s rigging and figures is particularly striking in the proof version, where high relief and mirrored fields create a dramatic contrast.
The 2004-S Keelboat Nickel proof coins were struck exclusively at the San Francisco Mint, which has been responsible for producing high-quality proof coinage for many decades. These coins were not intended for general circulation but were included in annual proof sets and, in some cases, distributed in rolls or bags directly from the U.S. Mint to collectors. Proof coins are distinguished by their meticulous production process, which involves hand-polished planchets and dies, and multiple strikes under higher pressure to ensure sharp details. The result is a frosted appearance on the raised elements of the coin and mirror-like fields that make the images and inscriptions stand out with exceptional clarity.
The mintage for the 2004-S Keelboat Nickel proof issue was 3,298,547 coins, a figure consistent with other proof coins produced during the early 2000s. While not extremely rare, the proof Keelboat Nickel is far scarcer than its business strike counterparts from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints, which saw production totals in the hundreds of millions. A full roll of forty 2004-S Keelboat Nickels in pristine proof condition is less commonly encountered, especially when all coins remain untouched, consistent, and free of post-mint handling. Such a roll represents a higher echelon of numismatic preservation and appeals to collectors who value completeness and uniformity.
The condition of a 2004-S Keelboat Nickel proof roll is defined by its uncirculated and mirror-finish quality. Each coin retains full mint luster, undisturbed surfaces, and sharp edge definition. The deeply mirrored fields reflect light with a liquid-like appearance, while the frosted design elements—including Jefferson’s profile and the figures aboard the keelboat—exhibit a soft, satiny contrast. Coins within a proof roll are often excellent candidates for grading, with many examples qualifying for the highly coveted Cameo or Deep Cameo (DCAM) designations. These classifications are awarded by grading agencies such as PCGS and NGC to coins with strong, uniform contrast between fields and devices, and they enhance both the visual appeal and market value of the coins.
Storage and handling play critical roles in preserving the proof condition of these nickels. Original rolls housed in Mint-issued tubes or protected archival holders are typically well-preserved, though environmental factors like humidity, light, and temperature can impact their long-term condition. Properly stored, the coins will maintain their brilliant surfaces and sharp reliefs. Occasionally, coins on the ends of the roll may display light toning—subtle hues of gold, blue, or violet—caused by exposure to air through the tube’s opening. For many collectors, this natural toning adds beauty and uniqueness without detracting from the coin’s proof status.
The 2004-S Keelboat Nickel roll also holds a special place in the evolution of the Jefferson Nickel series. The Westward Journey program not only revitalized interest in the five-cent denomination but also marked the beginning of significant design changes that would continue into the 21st century. These coins serve as educational tools and artistic commemorations, offering a glimpse into the challenges and achievements of the Lewis and Clark expedition. A proof roll of these nickels allows collectors to preserve a complete and undisturbed grouping of one of the series’ most important and meaningful issues.
Beyond its aesthetic and historical appeal, the 2004-S Keelboat proof roll carries investment potential. With increasing interest in modern proof coins and special series like the Westward Journey Nickels, demand for untouched rolls has grown. The scarcity of complete rolls in pristine proof condition ensures that they remain desirable among registry set participants, series specialists, and new collectors alike. The combination of beautiful design, low relative mintage, and flawless surfaces offers both emotional satisfaction and tangible long-term value, especially as coins from this era become more difficult to locate in quantity and quality.
The 2004-S Keelboat Nickel proof roll is more than just a roll of coins—it’s a unified presentation of American artistry, history, and minting excellence. It serves as a tribute to the legacy of exploration that shaped the nation and to the enduring vision of coinage as a medium for storytelling and celebration. Collectors fortunate enough to own such a roll possess not only a highly refined numismatic product but also a direct connection to the monumental journey that redefined the map of the United States. Whether preserved intact or carefully graded, this roll remains a cherished piece of modern American coinage and a proud chapter in the continuing story of the Jefferson Nickel.