2004 Nickel Value: How Much Is It Worth Today?
There are only a few instances of single-year coins through the years, and the 2004 nickel is one with a value to match its limited production. There were actually two designs exclusive to the 2004 nickel, each divided between 3 mints for a total of 6 2004 nickel varieties.
The value of the 2004 is steady regardless of which variety you come across. Most circulated coins are worth face value, while higher grades sell for $0.10 to $0.85 or higher. Proof 2004 nickels sell for about $4.95.
Keep reading to learn more about the Westward Journey nickel designs exclusive to 2004 and how these designs impact the value of the coins. We also touch on grading these nickels and rare errors that may increase the value of your coin.
2004 Nickel Value Chart |
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| Mint Mark | Good | Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated | Proof |
| 2004 P Peace Medal Nickel Value | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.50 | $0.85 | / |
| 2004 D Peace Medal Nickel Value | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.50 | $0.87 | / |
| 2004 P Keelboat Nickel Value | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.50 | $0.87 | / |
| 2004 D Keelboat Nickel Value | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.50 | $0.87 | / |
| 2004 S Proof Peace Medal Nickel Value | / | / | / | / | $4.95 |
| 2004 S Proof Keelboat Nickel Value | / | / | / | / | $4.95 |
2004 P Peace Medal Nickel Value
A total of 361,440,000 peace medal nickels were minted by Philadelphia in 2004. These coins are marked with a P, and they’re worth a small premium on face value if they’re in “Fine” condition or better.
Those taken out of circulation later have more wear, and they’re only worth about $0.10. Higher graded 2004 Peace Medal Nickels are worth $0.50 to $0.85, making them the least valuable of the 2004 nickel varieties.
The auction record for this coin belongs to a MS68 P Peace Medal nickel sold from the Steven Strom collection. This coin is one of 7 at this grade, with none finer, and it sold for $4,230 in 2016.
2004 Peace Medal Nickel Features
The 2004 nickels have the Jefferson obverse of previous years and retain the original details of the coin (21.21 mm diameter, 1.95 mm thickness, 5 gram weight, and 75/25 percent copper/nickel composition). The reverse is what distinguishes them from surrounding years.
The reverse on the Peace Medal nickel shows clasped hands in a modern rendition of the 1801 Jefferson Peace Medal. This design by John Reich symbolizes peace and friendship.
Inscriptions that differ from the normal nickel include LOUISIANA PURCHASE (underneath UNITED STATES OF AMERICA at the top) and 1803 to mark the year of the Louisiana Purchase.
2004 D Peace Medal Nickel Value
The Denver mint also struck several Peace Medal nickels (372,000,000). Overall, these D nickels are worth the same as the 2004 P Peace Medal nickels.
They are only worth slightly more than the 2004 P nickels when found in “Uncirculated” condition, about $0.87. Despite this similar price, the auction record for the 2004 D Peace Medal nickel is a MS68 that sold for $900.
2004 P Keelboat Nickel Value
The second nickel design to debut in 2004 was the Keelboat design. The Philadelphia mint produced 344,880,000 of these, and they’re worth similar amounts to the 2004 D Peace Medal nickel.
Thoroughly circulated coins remain at $0.05, but coins in “Fine” or greater condition bring in $0.10 to $0.87. The auction record for the 2004 P Keelboat nickels is an NGC MS68 that sold for $895 in 2021.
2004 Keelboat Nickel Features
The Keelboat nickel debuted in the Fall of 2004. This coin also retains the original Jefferson bust on the front, but features the Keelboat design of Al Maletsky on the reverse.
The Keelboat appears in full sail. This was the transportation that Lewis and Clark utilized while searching for a northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. The 55-foot keelboat designed by Captain Lewis sailed, rowed, poled, and towed its way through the rivers of the Louisiana Territory as they journeyed.
On the coin, Lewis and Clark are in full uniform while they lead the exploration, and the coin acknowledges them with the LEWIS & CLARK inscription underneath the boat.
2004 D Keelboat Nickel Value
The Denver mint produced the same number of Keelboat nickels as the Philadelphia mint, marking each one with a D. These coins are worth a similar amount as others in the series, selling for about $0.10 to $0.87 as long as they aren’t worn down.
The auction record for the 2004 D Keelboat nickel is another from the Steven Strom collection. This coin, graded PCGS MS68, sold for $940 in 2016.
2004 S Proof Peace Medal Nickel Value
The San Francisco mint struck all proof nickels in 2004. A slightly larger quantity of Peace Medal proofs were produced at 2,992,069, but this doesn’t make them any less valuable.
Most 2004 proof Peace Medal nickels sell for $4.95 to $9.14, although they sell for more at auction. The auction record holder sold as part of a completed matched PR70 set for $1,725 in 2005.
This particular coin was graded PCGS PR70 DCAM but had a small planchet flaw between the “G” and “O” in GOD.
2004 S Proof Keelboat Nickel Value
Like the Peace Medal nickels, the 2004 S proof Keelboat nickels sell for about $4.95 to $9.14. While San Francisco struck fewer Keelboat nickels, the 2,965,422 marked are close enough that they aren’t any more valuable.
PCGS acknowledges the auction record holder as a PR70 DCAM 2004 S Proof Keelboat nickel that sold for $270 as part of a 5 coin proof set in 2013.
2004 Nickel Grading
While several 2004 nickels have ended up in circulation, many remain in the hands of collectors determined to preserve these single year coins. If you come across a 2004 Peace Medal or Keelboat nickel, the easiest way to evaluate the condition is by comparing it to a Mint State example.
Professional grading aside, you can usually determine the general grade of a coin by checking a few things. The lowest graded coins are obvious, but coins with less wear can be difficult to distinguish from each other.
The highest graded 2004 nickels have no wear whatsoever, including on high points of their designs. A magnifying glass is helpful when you come across seemingly untouched nickels.
Rare 2004 Nickel Errors
Mint errors occur in nearly every year and denomination, and the 2004 nickel is no exception. This coin has seen several of the more common (and yet still rare) errors that occur during production.
The value of a rare 2004 nickel error depends mostly on the original grade of the coin. Sometimes, an error will not have an effect on the value of a thoroughly circulated coin.
More dramatic errors are often more desirable and valuable, but they require professional verification to ensure the error is not a counterfeit or due to post-mint damage.
2004 Improperly Annealed Planchet Nickel
An improperly annealed planchet is an error that occurs in many nickel years. An error in the planchet preparation causes the copper core to rise to the top of the coin, resulting in a thick layer on the surface.
These nickels may be copper or red, as well as black, brown, or gray. The amount of copper on the surface varies in severity, and more common examples of the error are called “Black Beauty” nickels due to their dark appearance.
An example of this is a 2004 Keelboat MS66 nickel that sold for $115. Lower quality nickels sell for about $25.
2004 Broadstruck Nickel
A broadstrike occurs when the collar surrounding a coin doesn’t stay in place. When the coin is marked, it compresses the metal a bit too much and blows it out of the original round shape. The resulting coin is a bit flatter and oddly shaped.
A more dramatic broadstrike error on a 2004 peace nickel sold for $600, but most sell for far less than this.
2004 Planchet Clipped Nickel
Clipped planchets occur when exterior parts of the coin are clipped off. These may be straight or curved cuts from the rim.
As long as the clip doesn’t take out the mint mark or the year, you can get about $25 for a 2004 clipped planchet nickel. More dramatic variations include multiple clips, like a double clipped 2004 nickel that sold for over $100.
2004 Doubled Die Nickel
A doubled die coin is struck with a die that has doubled details. These differ from double struck coins that are hit twice with a die of normal singular details.
Doubling on a die is more evident around the lettering and date, although you may enlist the assistance of a microscope in verifying the error. An example of this error on a 2004 Peace Medal nickel sold for $100.
2004 Struck Through Nickel
Struck through coins are marked with contaminants from the minting process, such as a staple that gets in the way when the coin is struck or grease that modifies the intended surface of the coin.
More serious errors garner more attention and profit, but most are only worth a few dollars over the original value of the coin. One example is a PR67 2004 nickel that sold for $15.
2004 Nickel FAQs
What Is Special about the 2004 Nickel?
The 2004 nickel features two new reverse designs to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase. While the Westward Journey nickel series continued in 2005, the “Peace Medal” and “Keelboat” nickels were only produced in 2004.
Is a 2004 Lewis and Clark Nickel Rare?
While the 2004 Lewis and Clark nickel was only produced for one year, there are a significant number in circulation today. The coins are not overly rare unless found at Mint State.
How Much Is a 2004 Nickel with a Ship on the Back Worth?
The 2004 Keelboat nickel (with a ship on the back) is worth about $0.05 to $0.87 or greater depending on the mint mark and condition of the coin. Coins at Mint State or coins with a rare mint error are often worth much more.
What Is the 2004 Nickel with a Boat on the Back?
The 2004 nickel with a boat on the back is the Keelboat Nickel, the second release in the Westward Journey series. This design depicts the boat used by Lewis and Clark as they traveled through the Louisiana Territory searching for a way to the Pacific Ocean.
How Much Is a 2004 Nickel Worth with Shaking Hands?
A 2004 nickel with shaking hands (the Peace Medal nickel) is worth about $0.05 to $0.87 depending on the mint mark and the condition of the coin. Higher graded coins, especially those at Mint State, are worth more, as well as any 2004 nickels with a verifiable mint error.
What Is the Error on a 2004 Nickel?
There are several errors found on 2004 nickels, including clipped planchets, improperly annealed planchets, broadstrikes, double die reverses, off center strikes, and struck through nickels.
Where Is the Mint Mark on a 2004 Nickel?
The mint mark on a 2004 nickel is found just after the “4” on the coin’s obverse. The coins are either marked with a “P” for the Philadelphia Mint, “D” for the Denver Mint, or “S” for proof coins from the San Francisco Mint.
What Is a 2004 Gold Nickel?
A 2004 gold nickel is a modified version of the original commemorative coins produced by the U.S. Mint. These are not the original design of the coin, and they do little (if anything) to increase the rarity or value of the coins.
What Are 2004 Nickels Made Of?
Nickels from 2004 are made of 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. The clad coins have a wholly copper center while the nickel gives them their color.
How Many Different 2004 Nickels are There?
There are six nickel varieties from 2004 when you consider all reverse designs and mint mark combinations. The two reverse designs, the Peace Medal and the Keelboat, were produced at three different mints in 2004.
