The initial changes proposed by the Mint for the 2003 nickel were met with some opposition by Congressman Eric Cantor. There was concern that the design would not pay tribute appropriately to Lewis and Clark or to the Louisiana Purchase. As a result of the passage of Cantor's law, the Mint proposed the Westward Journey Nickel Series. The action created two nickel designs to be released in 2004 and two for 2005. The first design of the 2004 nickel honored the Lewis and Clark expedition with a copy of the Indian Peace Medal designed by Norman Nemeth. The second design in 2004 featured a view of the keelboat, representing the expedition through the rivers of the Louisiana Territory. Historically accurate and beautifully represented, this coin was designed by Al Maletsky. The 2005 Westward Journey designs both included an updated depiction of Jefferson. The first reverse design depicted the American bison. This marked the return of the bison on the nickel after being absent for 67 years, providing collectors with a great juxtaposition of American eras and values. The US Mint responded to lobbying to include the American bison on the nickel to keep the public aware of the near extinction of the animal. The reverse side of the last in the Westward Journey Nickel Series depicts the Pacific Ocean with the words "Ocean in view! O! The Joy!" by William Clark. The original words in William Clark's diary had the spelling of "ocean" as "ocian." The controversial change was made by the US Mint to modify the spelling. Fortunately for collectors, this kind of debate is only likely to add to the coin's cache and eventual value.
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