A newly designed nickel will be released by 2004 in commemoration of the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis & Clark expedition. Thomas Jefferson, who was instrumental in the “purchase” and expedition, will stay on the front, but the reverse will be changed from the familiar Monticello image to one that evokes the Lewis & Clark history. Fearful of losing the prestige and free advertising afforded by an image of a state landmark on the coin, Virginia politicians made certain that an item was added to the bill guaranteeing the reinstatement of Jefferson’s home in 2006. The bill, signed into law by Bush last week, also dissolves the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee and replaces it with a new Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. I can’t help but wonder if there is an active Lewis & Clark lobby responsible for the nickel design and the Sacagawea dollar coin.