The director of the United States Mint was in Southwest Florida today, introducing the nation’s newest coin – the American Bison Nickel. Henrietta Holsman Fore says the image on the new coin is bold and strong – an American Bison on one side – and a new image of Thomas Jefferson on the other. The original “Buffalo” nickel was minted from 1913 and 1938. Fore says this is a limited edition nickel - aimed in part at collectors and commemorating the bi-centennial of the Louisiana Purchase and Louise and Clark Expedition. Fore says since the introduction of the State quarters two years ago – there’s been a renaissance in coin collecting.

“The 50 state quarters and nickels has created millions of new collectors – 130 million Americans are collecting – almost one in every household – it’s a really really popular family activity. They they are educational, you learn about American history and they are multigenerational – parents do it with children and grandparents do it too.”

The American Bison Nickel is the third of four nickels in the Lewis and Clark series. 31 of the 50 states have commemorated in quarters. A new one is minted every ten weeks – and for ten weeks only. They will be coined for two more years. Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore says lessons plans – for teachers and parents are available at the website – U.S. mint.gov.