New Nickel Design More than Meets the Eye

The new 2005 nickels are here, and their design marks a rather special event. Their introduction marks the first time in nearly sixty years that the obverse portrait of a circulating coin has been changed. Think about it. In the U.S., we have only four coins that really play a part in circulation: the cent, nickel, dime and quarter. Halves and dollar coins simply do not circulate. The obverse portrait on the cent is 96 years old, the nickel is 67 years old, the dime is 59 and the quarter is a ripe old 73 years old. (While the state quarters saw a rearrangement of the lettering on the obverse, the basic portrait remained essentially unchanged.) The reverses have seen more frequent revisions but as most collectors will attest, it's the obverse that really counts.

The new obverse nickel design is… well, NEW. Jefferson's face appears in an extreme closeup, angled view, unlike the traditional side views of the entire head. The word "Liberty" appears in script, and the entire effect is unlike anything seen before on U.S. coins. While the critique of any design is a matter of individual taste, we here at PCGS think its quite good. It's innovative, bold and speaks clearly to the new century.

To top off the package, the coin comes with new reverses. The first, hearkens back nearly a century ago to the beloved buffalo. Now facing right, the animal looks powerful and noble. While some might criticize the "floating in air" appearance, there are people who'll criticize anything. We like it. The other reverse is a view of the Pacific. We're not as fond of this one, as we believe it might show better on a larger coin. But new is new, and after going so long with the same old designs, we welcome anything fresh in our pockets.