Why Is There a B on This Nickel? The Mystery of the 'Westward Journey' Series
Flip through some early 2000s nickels and you might do a double-take. What's with the giant "B" on the back of some? And why does one have a canoe?
You've stumbled upon the Westward Journey Nickel Series (2004-2005)—a brief, fascinating detour in Jefferson Nickel history commemorating the Lewis & Clark expedition's bicentennial .
The Four Designs:
Why It Matters:These are circulating commemoratives—special designs released into your pocket change. While common (hundreds of millions minted), they're a fun, affordable way to collect American history . The 2005 Bison nickel with the "B" is a favorite among collectors for its striking, modern design.The Takeaway:That "B" isn't an error or a mystery mark—it's the artist's signature. But the real magic is in the stories these coins tell. Want to track which ones you've found? Use the coin appraisal to catalog your Westward Journey collection and explore each design's full history.
