Just came across this today.. any idea what it is? Don't have a scale so I can't weigh it, but has anyone seen this before? The rim is also a yellowish gold color.
It is one of the nickels from the "Westward Journey" series which the Mint produced from 2004-2006. In all, there were five different reverses and three obverses used for the coins. 2004 - The obverse was the classic design with the full profile of Jefferson facing left. The two reverses used for that year were the "Peace Medal" & "Keelboat". 2005 - The obverse was changed to show the partial bust of Jefferson looking slightly forward and to the right. The two reverses used for that year were the "Bison" & "Ocean in View" (like yours). 2006 - The obverse was a radical design change in that Jefferson was facing fully forward which was a first for U.S. coinage. The reverse depicted a redesign of Monticello, Jefferson's home. The 2006 coin was dubbed "Return to Monticello" as part of the Westward Journey series. Chris
Sorry should have made my question more clear. I was just asking about the yellowish gold color it has.
It's quite common for nickels to take on this coloration. I'm guessing it has to do with the way the planchettes are prepared before striking.
Oh I see OK thank you. Just stood out like a sore thumb. Should I keep it until I can get a scale just for the heck of it or throw it back into the pond lol
I liked this series I believe they had some problems with this issue. I think the term is sintered. Try looking that up.
i know one of the tv coin shows were selling gold plated westward journey nickels. i don't think that is one of them, but can't really tell with the pictures. i have a set of gold and platinum ones:rolling:. my best friend gave them to me and didn't want to tell him they were junk.
