2005-D 5C Western Waters MS65 Certification #25176039, PCGS #4161

Jaime Hernandez

In 2005 the U.S. Mint introduced a new obverse design for the Jefferson Nickel. Rather than having a portrait of Thomas Jefferson facing left on the obverse of the coin as it had been from 1938-2004. The new 2005 design now has a closer depiction of Thomas Jefferson and this time he's facing right. In 2005 the Mint used this obverse design for all Jefferson Nickels. However, it used two different designs for the reverse of the coin which were the Bison and Western Waters designs.

Most 2005-P Western Waters Nickels are very common in circulated grades and up to MS63 condition. In MS64condition some searching is required but still easily obtainable from circulation. In MS65 condition they become more difficult to find in circulation and most examples were probably found in original bags or rolls. In MS66 condition they tend to be scarce, while examples grading MS67 and higher become very difficult to find.