Mint stops nickel sales

The U.S. Mint stopped sales of all products containing 2004 and 2005 nickels at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 25.

An announcement on the matter was issued Dec. 21. The law authorizing the 2004 and 2005 nickels stipulates that the reverse of any five-cent coin issued after Dec. 31, 2005, must have the home of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello.

If pending legislation allows, the Mint could resume selling its inventory of 2004 and 2005 nickels as part of numismatic sets in the future.