Nickel Stops Here 09/07/05

Fort Clatsop Fire 10/04/05
National Art Exhibition 10/14/05

The Nickel Stops Here - September 7, 2005
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The dramatic launch for the recent "Ocean in View" Nickel, the fourth coin in the Westward Journey Nickel Series TM that debuted August 5th at Cape Disappointment, WA has an ironic twist! Not only can you step where Lewis & Clark stepped in Washington and Oregon, but we find the inspiration for the nickel image through the lens of Andrew E. Cier. The "Ocian In View! O! The Joy!" image is attributed to Andrew E. Cier, an Oregon photographer, who lives at the end of the Lewis & Clark Trail very near Fort Clatsop in Astoria, Oregon where the famed Corps of Discovery wintered over 1805-1806. His photograph was used by independent artist Joe Fitzgerald as the basis for the fourth design of the United States Mint’s Westward Journey Nickel Series.

Jubilant upon reaching what Clark thought was the Pacific Ocean; his November 7th1805 journal entry read "Ocian In View! O! Joy!" Their long journey West culminated with scenes such as this image of Cier’s reflecting all the drama of the majestic ocean set against a rugged coastline and an often-stormy sky. The Corps of Discovery spent 119 days in Oregon near the Mouth of the Columbia River from December 7th 1805 through March 23rd1806.

The United States Mint launched the "Ocean In View" nickel, the only nickel to have it's debut on the West coast, August 5, 2005 at Cape Disappointment, WA to an enthusiastic crowd of over 950 people. At this time no one was aware that the photographer whose image appears on the nickel lived and worked just across the Columbia River. It has proved to be an amazing discovery!

Andrew E. Cier is quite familiar with the coastline, having photographed the Oregon and Washington coasts for over 25 years, submitting many of his Lewis & Clark related images to the Fort Clatsop National Memorial Park, soon to be the Lewis & Clark National Park. His professional images have been published in various books and postcards, he worked with Fort Clatsop creating "Fort Clatsop: The Story Behind the Scenery" in the mid-1980's and currently sold in the bookstore, and his images have been purchased by Fort Clatsop and Destination: The Pacific over the years. He has been a strong supporter of creating an accurate picture of the legendary Lewis & Clark story as evidenced by his attention to detail and mood.

Time Upon Time produces his images on custom cards, journals and prints featuring the Oregon Coast and historic architecture. Cier’s work is currently included in a special exhibition of Lewis & Clark art at the Salem Oregon state capitol. His photos are part of the Bicentennial Edition of Destination: The Pacific, a guidebook to the Lewis & Clark sites at the Mouth of the Columbia River. Cier continues to "winter over" in the small town of Astoria, Oregon where the majestic Columbia River meets the ever-changing Pacific Ocean. To order or view other Lewis & Clark related images or enjoy a sampling of Cier's diverse work please see www.andrewecier.com.
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Westward Journey Nickel Series is a trademark of the United States Mint.
Submitted by LaRee Johnson (contact 503.325.4469)