Welcoming the New Nickel

Circulation of the newest 5 cent coin is set to begin on Monday, Feb. 28 at the U.S. Mint. The coin is the latest in a series of redesigned five-cent coins that honor Thomas Jefferson and his patronage of explorations conducted by Lewis and Clark.

The coin now features a side view of Jefferson, where previously it featured his entire face. An American Bison is depicted on the backside of the coin, whose picture has been restored after its retirement from the mint since 1938.

Later this year, a second nickel in this year's series will be released; it will replace the bison with a scene from the American Northwest. It will be inscribed with the words, "Ocean in view! O! The Joy!" The quote is taken from the journal of William Clark, who wrote down his emotions upon reaching the mouth of the Columbia River.

To see pictures of the new coin click below:
http://money.cnn.com/pf/features/popups/new_nickels/frameset.1.exclude.html