2004-S Smithsonian 5 Cent Jefferson Peace Medal PF69UCAM

Lewis & Clark Collection

Not long after the Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned a lengthy journey to the Pacific coast that began in 1804 and lasted two years. Each Lewis & Clark Silver Dollar and Jefferson Nickel Peace Medal was struck to commemorate the bicentennial of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's role in the first American expedition. Each Jefferson Nickel Peace Medal was inspired by the original peace medals first designed in 1801 by the U.S. Mint. They were presented to Native American chiefs on behalf of President Jefferson as gestures of goodwill.