Why are modern nickels minted with an 1803 date?

Answer

The 1803 is there because the reverse is a copy of the 1803 Indian Peace Medal which Lewis and Clark presented to Native American tribe leaders as they explored the Louisiana Purchase.

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Minted pure nickels? Why is 1803 an important date in us history? If the nickel is only 5 cents then why was it printed saying 1803?