WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of shiny nickels sporting their first new look in 66 years are being shipped to the Federal Reserve, the supplier of the nation's cash, officials of the U.S. Mint said Tuesday.

The new nickels — which honor the 1803 Louisiana Purchase on the back but retain Thomas Jefferson on the front — should start showing up in cash registers in several weeks.

A total of 180 million new nickels have been sent to the Federal Reserve as of March 1, said Mint spokeswoman Becky Bailey.

Another nickel honoring the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark expedition will be released in the fall.

story (http://www.usatoday.com/money/2004-03-03-nickel_x.htm)

eh, i don't like 'em. of course i'm not one for change (not pocket change but change as in to replace with another :p)

IMO, nickels are more worthless than pennies. I handle substantial amount of currency at my job every day, and we always have a surplus of nickels. Just can't seem to get rid of the darn things! :p :| BTW, I was at the bank this morning, and the teller didn't even know that the Mint was releasing a new design.