24kt Gold Plated 2005 Keelboat Nickel ... Rare in Near Mint Condition See Photos, Includes FREE Shipping ... The 24kt gold-plated 2005 Keelboat Nickel is a popular collectible that showcases a significant moment in American history with an added aesthetic flourish. While the original 2005 Keelboat Nickel, part of the U.S. Mint's "Westward Journey Nickel Series," was composed of a copper-nickel alloy, many of these coins have been subsequently plated with 24-karat gold by private companies. This plating enhances the visual appeal of the coin, transforming its typical silvery hue into a lustrous golden one, making the intricate details of the keelboat design stand out. The reverse of this nickel depicts the 55-foot keelboat used by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to navigate the rivers of the Louisiana Territory during their epic expedition, with Captains Lewis and Clark themselves visible in full uniform at the bow. These privately gold-plated versions are not official U.S. Mint issues in their altered state, but they remain sought after by collectors who appreciate the historical significance of the design combined with the radiant beauty of the gold finish. Note the U.S. valuable coin market on-average 7% return Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) projected collectible coin market to reach $160 Billion revenue by 2033.