The V nickel came to be because of the problems the mint was having with its predecessor, the Shield nickel. The V nickel got its name from its reverse design which depicts the roman numeral V, which means five, for its five cent value. The V was surrounded by a wreath, arching across the top of the reverse was “United States of America”, and curving across the bottom was the phrase “E Pluribus Unum”. The V nickel’s obverse contained the left facing head of liberty surrounded by 13 stars. Shortly after release the word “Cents” was place at the bottom and the phrase “ E Pluribus Unum” was moved above the V. Continue reading to learn more about V Nickel Value.
These V nickels are very popular amongst collectors, some uncirculated editions costing from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Although there is no silver content in the V nickels, they remain popular due to their age and rarity of the well preserved coins.
V Nickel Value
The V nickel was minted from 1889-1913, it was minted in Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. However, in 1912, the V Nickels were only produced at the Denver and San Francisco mints. Each V Nickel's mint mark can be found on the reverse lower left hand side of the coin. There are very few known V nickels that were minted in 1913 this particular coin is extremely expensive!
The V Nickel is composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Some of the key dates in the V Nickel series are as follows:
-1885 V Nickel
-1886 V Nickel
-1912-S V Nickel
-1913 V Nickel (supposedly a mint employee struck five of these coins)
The Liberty Head Nickel, often referred to as the "V Nickel" due to the Roman numeral V (five) on its reverse, was minted from 1883 to 1912 and is a popular series among collectors. Some of the most sought-after V Nickels are known for their rarity, historical significance, and unique minting errors. Here's a list of the most coveted V Nickels and their approximate values, which can vary based on the coin's condition and the current market:
1. 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous and valuable U.S. coins, with only five known specimens. Its value can range from $3 million to over $4 million, depending on the specific piece and its history.
2. 1885 Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: As one of the key dates with the lowest mintage in the series, the 1885 V Nickel can fetch between $600 in Good condition to over $20,000 in Uncirculated (MS60 or higher) condition.
3. 1886 Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: Another key date with low mintage, the 1886 V Nickel's value ranges from $200 in Good condition to $15,000 or more in Uncirculated condition.
4. 1912-S Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: The only V Nickel minted in San Francisco, the 1912-S is highly sought after, with values ranging from $100 in Good condition to over $2,000 in Uncirculated condition.
5. 1888/7 Overdate Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: This overdate, if authenticated, is extremely rare and valuable, with prices potentially exceeding $10,000 for examples in Fine condition or better.
6. 1912 Liberty Head Nickel with Doubled Die Obverse
- Value: A rare variety, this coin can be worth over $1,000 in Fine condition, with prices increasing significantly for higher grades.
7. 1883 "No CENTS" Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: The first year of issue, which initially did not include the word "CENTS" on the reverse, can fetch $30 to $100 in Uncirculated condition, with proof versions worth more.
8. 1883 "With CENTS" Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: After the design was modified to include "CENTS," these coins in Uncirculated condition can range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the grade.
9. 1894 Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: This year is considered semi-key, with values ranging from $15 in Good condition to over $1,000 in Uncirculated condition.
10. 1887 Liberty Head Nickel
- Value: The 1887 V Nickel, while not as rare as some others, is still sought after, with values ranging from $15 in Good condition to over $500 in Uncirculated condition.
V Nickel Mintage
| Date | Mintage | Good | Very Fine | Extremely Fine | Uncirculated | |
| 1883 V Nickel (No CENTS) | 5,474,300 | $8.00 | $11.00 | $15.00 | $35.00 | |
| 1883 V Nickel (With Cents) | 16,026,000 | $30.00 | $55.00 | $85.00 | $150.00 | |
| 1884 V Nickel | 11,270,000 | $30.00 | $55.00 | $85.00 | $190.00 | |
| 1885 V Nickel | 1,473,300 | $550.00 | $1,000.00 | $1,200.00 | $2,000.00 | |
| 1886 V Nickel | 3,326,000 | $265.00 | $500.00 | $700.00 | $1,200.00 | |
| 1887 V Nickel | 15,260,692 | $20.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 | $140.00 | |
| 1888 V Nickel | 10,715,901 | $40.00 | $120.00 | $175.00 | $275.00 | |
| 1889 V Nickel | 15,878,025 | $20.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 | $140.00 | |
| 1890 V Nickel | 16,256,532 | $20.00 | $40.00 | $65.00 | $160.00 | |
| 1891 V Nickel | 16,832,000 | $12.00 | $45.00 | $70.00 | $160.00 | |
| 1892 V Nickel | 11,696,897 | $10.00 | $40.00 | $65.00 | $140.00 | |
| 1893 V Nickel | 13,368,000 | $6.00 | $40.00 | $65.00 | $140.00 | |
| 1894 V Nickel | 5,410,500 | $35.00 | $165.00 | $225.00 | $350.00 | |
| 1895 V Nickel | 9,977,822 | $8.00 | $45.00 | $70.00 | $140.00 | |
| 1896 V Nickel | 8,841,048 | $18.00 | $65.00 | $90.00 | $190.00 | |
| 1897 V Nickel | 20,426,797 | $5.00 | $27.00 | $45.00 | $100.00 | |
| 1898 V Nickel | 12,530,292 | $5.00 | $27.00 | $45.00 | $150.00 | |
| 1899 V Nickel | 26,027,000 | $3.00 | $20.00 | $30.00 | $90.00 | |
| 1900 V Nickel | 27,253,733 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $90.00 | |
| 1901 V Nickel | 26,478,228 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1902 V Nickel | 31,487,581 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1903 V Nickel | 28,004,930 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1904 V Nickel | 21,403,167 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1905 V Nickel | 29,825,124 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1906 V Nickel | 38,612,000 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1907 V Nickel | 39,213,325 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1908 V Nickel | 22,684,557 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1909 V Nickel | 11,585,763 | $4.00 | $18.00 | $35.00 | $100.00 | |
| 1910 V Nickel | 30,166,948 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1911 V Nickel | 39,557,639 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1912 V Nickel | 26,234,569 | $3.00 | $15.00 | $30.00 | $85.00 | |
| 1912-D V Nickel | 8,474,000 | $4.00 | $40.00 | $90.00 | $300.00 | |
| 1912-S V Nickel | 238,000 | $155.00 | $450.00 | $850.00 | $1,500.00 | |
*Source 2020 Red Book
FAQ
What is a V Nickel?
A V Nickel, or Liberty Head Nickel, is a five-cent coin produced by the United States Mint from 1883 to 1913. It features the Goddess of Liberty on the obverse and a V (Roman numeral five) on the reverse, hence the nickname.
How much is a V Nickel worth?
The value of a V Nickel can range from a few dollars for common, circulated coins to over $100 for coins in uncirculated condition. Key dates and rarities, such as the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel, can fetch millions.
What are the key dates for V Nickels?
Key dates that are highly sought after by collectors include 1885, 1886, 1912-S, and the extremely rare 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.
Why is the 1913 V Nickel so valuable?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most valuable U.S. coins because only five specimens are known to exist. They were not officially released by the U.S. Mint, making their origin a mystery and highly coveted by collectors.
Can I find a valuable V Nickel in circulation?
While it's highly unlikely to find a key date V Nickel in circulation today, more common dates can still be found. However, the chances of finding a coin of significant value in circulation are slim.
What is the most expensive V Nickel ever sold?
The most expensive V Nickel ever sold is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. One of the five known specimens sold for over $4.5 million at auction.
How do I determine the value of my V Nickel?
The value is determined by the coin's date, mint mark, condition, and rarity. Key dates and higher grades are worth more. Consulting a coin value guide or a professional numismatist can provide a more accurate valuation.
What condition factors affect the value of a V Nickel?
Condition, or grade, significantly affects value. Factors include the level of detail remaining, the presence of any wear, and the coin's overall eye appeal. Uncirculated coins with original luster are typically the most valuable.
Are V Nickels made of nickel?
Yes, V Nickels are composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, which was a point of contention when they were first introduced due to the absence of the word "cents" on the initial 1883 design.
What should I do if I think I have a rare V Nickel?
If you believe you have a rare or valuable V Nickel, consider having it authenticated and graded by a reputable coin grading service like PCGS or NGC. This can help verify its authenticity and potentially increase its value.
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