Liberty Head Nickels (V Nickel)

Liberty Head Nickels V Nickel Coin

The Liberty Head nickel or which is more commonly referred to as the V nickel coin. This is because of the large “V”  that is on its reverse. The “v” is actually the Roma numeral value of five. The V nickel was minted from 1883-1913 and replaced the Shield nickel. The V nickel’s design consists of a left-facing head of liberty, and the reverse states the face value of the coin in its roman numeral. The coin was design by int engraver Charles Barber.

V Nickel Collectibility and Design

The V nickel is extremely popular amongst collectors. They are an old and rare breed of cons, so the well kept coins have a much higher value then some might think. Some of the rarest V nickels are the 1885, 1886, 1912-S, and there is rumor that there are five 1913 V nickels! These nickels can cost thousands of dollars depending on the condition, some of them at lower grades such as VF and EF can cost hundreds as well.

The Liberty Head Nickel was designed by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint at the time. The obverse of the coin features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet and wreath, symbolizing the nation's ideals of freedom and democracy. The word "LIBERTY" is inscribed on the coronet, emphasizing the coin's representation of American values.

The initial 1883 design did not include the word "CENTS" on the reverse, leading to confusion and fraudulent practices where the coin was gold-plated and passed off as a $5 gold piece. This issue was quickly rectified by adding "CENTS" beneath the V on the reverse, creating two varieties for the year: the "No CENTS" and the "With CENTS" nickels.

Throughout its thirty-year production, the Liberty Head Nickel saw minor modifications but largely retained its original design. The series includes several key dates and rarities, most notably the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Only five examples of the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel are known to exist, making it one of the most coveted and valuable coins in numismatic circles.

Rare V Nickel Value

The Liberty Head Nickel series, produced from 1883 to 1913, includes several rare and valuable coins that are highly sought after by collectors. Among these, the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel stands out as the most famous and valuable, but there are other key dates and varieties within the series that also command significant interest and value. Here's a list of the most rare Liberty Head Nickels and their approximate values, keeping in mind that the values can fluctuate based on the coin's condition, market demand, and other factors:

1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is the crown jewel of the series, with only five known examples. Its rarity is attributed to its mysterious origins, as no records exist of its official minting. The value of each 1913 Liberty Head Nickel can vary greatly depending on its provenance and condition, with sales prices ranging from $3 million to over $4 million at auctions.

2. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel: The 1885 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the key dates for collectors due to its low mintage numbers. In uncirculated condition, this coin can fetch between $600 to over $10,000, with the price increasing significantly for coins in higher grades.

3. 1886 Liberty Head Nickel: Similar to the 1885 nickel, the 1886 Liberty Head Nickel also had a very low mintage, making it another key date for collectors. Prices for this coin in uncirculated condition can range from $700 to $20,000 or more, depending on the grade.

4. 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel: The 1912-S is notable for being the only coin in the series minted at the San Francisco Mint, with a relatively low mintage of just over 238,000 coins. In uncirculated condition, it can command prices from $200 to $2,500 or more.

5. 1888 Liberty Head Nickel: While not as rare as the 1885 or 1886 nickels, the 1888 Liberty Head Nickel is still considered a semi-key date with higher values in uncirculated conditions, ranging from $200 to several thousand dollars.

6. 1894 Liberty Head Nickel: The 1894 nickel has a slightly higher mintage than some of the other key dates but is still considered a semi-key date, especially in higher grades. Uncirculated examples can range from $150 to $2,000 or more.

Where to buy V Nickels online

You can buy V nickels in a couple different ways, most commonly people buy them individually or in rolls. You can get these coins from Bullion Shark. We sell them online or on the phone if you prefer a more personal and customized experience.

Collectors of the Liberty Head Nickel appreciate the series for its historical significance, design beauty, and the challenges it presents in assembling a complete set, especially with the inclusion of the rare 1913 specimen.

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