WASHINGTON– The United States Mint is encouraging customers who wish to order products that contain 2004 or 2005 nickels to do so this month (no later than December 1, 2005) for guaranteed delivery. The authorizing legislation for the Westward Journey Nickel Series™ requires that the reverse (tails side) of any 5-cent coin (nickel) issued after December 31, 2005, shall bear an image of Thomas Jefferson’s home of Monticello. Therefore, the 2004 Peace Medal and Keelboat nickels and the 2005 American Bison and Ocean in View nickels may not be sent to customers after December 31, 2005.

Orders will continue to be taken through December 25, 2005, although the United States Mint cannot guarantee fulfillment of orders that are received after December 1, 2005. The following 16 products, which include Westward Journey Nickel Series coins, will be affected:

• 2005 United States Mint Proof Set®

• 2005 United States Mint Silver Proof Set™

• 2005 United States Mint Uncirculated

Coin Set®

• 2005 Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Coin Set

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Coin and Die Set – American Bison “D”

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Coin and Die Set – Ocean in View “P”

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Coin and Die Set – Ocean in View “D”

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ – Ocean in View Design “P” 500-coin bag

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ – Ocean in View Design “D” 500-coin bag

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ – Ocean in View Design “P” 1,000-coin bag

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ – Ocean in View Design “D” 1,000-coin bag

• Westward Journey Nickel Series™ – Ocean in View Design Two-roll Set

• 2004 Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Official First Day Coin Cover - Peace Medal Design

• 2004 Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Official First Day Coin Cover - Keelboat Design

• 2005 Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Official First Day Coin Cover – American Bison Design

• 2005 Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Official First Day Coin Cover – Ocean in View Design

• *Westward Journey Nickel Series™ Coin and Die Set – American Bison “P”

* Sold out product.

Customers can purchase the Westward Journey Nickel Series by using the United States Mint’s secure website, www.usmint.gov, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders. To guarantee delivery, orders must be placed by December 1, 2005.