The United States Mint at Philadelphia was honored with a historic marker for its production of the Nation's first new nickel in 66 years. The Mint is producing about half of the Nation's circulating Westward Journey Nickel Series™ coins, which mark the bicentennials of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark expedition.

"This commemorative marker reflects our commitment to producing American coins that reflect our Nation's history," said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. "The reverse of the Jefferson Peace Medal, which Lewis and Clark gave to American Indian leaders as tokens of peace and friendship, is the image chosen for both this marker and the United States Mint's first new nickel of the series."

Vice Admiral Conrad Lautenbacher, the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, along with Charlie Challstrom, Director of the National Geodetic Survey, and Dr. Nancy Morgan, Executive Assistant to Philadelphia Mayor John Street, joined Director Fore at the United States Mint at Philadelphia to celebrate the placement of the "Corps of Discovery II" geodetic marker.

"NOAA takes great pride in its historical roots that date to the time of Lewis and Clark. The placement of this marker salutes their work in the early mapping and charting of the United States," said Lautenbacher. "Today NOAA's National Geodetic Survey continues to serve the nation by maintaining the National Spatial Reference System that provides the foundation for much of our economic infrastructure."

Following the ceremony, Director Fore, Undersecretary Lautenbacher, Director Challstrom and Dr. Morgan joined area officials and United States Mint personnel for a brief tour of the United States Mint at Philadelphia to see the new nickels being produced.