Looks like you win, Samuel! There were two new designs on the back of the nickels in 2004, but the front of the nickels looked the same. There will also be changes this year on the front of the nickels. Thomas Jefferson's picture will be bigger, and the word "Liberty" will be written in a style that looks like his own handwriting.

The first new design on the back will be of a buffalo. Lewis & Clark were sent by President Jefferson to explore the new land purchased from France (The Louisiana Purchase) and find a water route to the Pacific Ocean if there was one. As they explored, Lewis & Clark saw many, many buffalo that roamed the Great Plains. This coin also reminds us that the Indians used the animal for food, clothing and shelter and was an important part of their life on the plains.

The other new design shows a view of the Pacific Ocean. After more than a year of hard travel, when they reached the ocean Captain Clark was so excited he wrote the following words in his journal: "Ocean in view! O! The joy!" These words from his journal are written on the coin along with the ocean view. Cool, huh?

Be sure and watch for these coins. It's like having history in your pocket!

Did You Know?

Thomas Jefferson's picture is on the nickel because he was president when the Louisiana Purchase was done. Also, he sent Lewis and Clark to explore the West.