Liberty Head Nickel

1883-1913 • United States • 5¢

About This Coin

The Liberty Head Nickel, also called the "V Nickel" for its Roman numeral denomination, features Liberty wearing a coronet on the obverse and a wreath with "V" on the reverse. The legendary 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of America's rarest coins.

Specifications

Composition

75% Copper, 25% Nickel

Weight

5 grams

Diameter

21.2 mm

Edge

Plain

Designer

Charles E. Barber

Mintage

Varies by year (5,000,000 to 80,000,000) plus 5 illegal 1913s

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	$2-5
Good (G)	$5-10
Fine (F)	$15-30
Very Fine (VF)	$30-60
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	$75-150
Uncirculated (MS)	$150-500+

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

Look for "LIBERTY" on the headband and the large "V" (Roman numeral 5) on the reverse. 1883 comes in two varieties: "No CENTS" (first type, caused scam artists to gold-plate them and pass as $5 gold pieces) and "With CENTS" (added mid-year). Check for the designer's "B" initial at the base of Liberty's neck. The legendary 1913 (only 5 known) is worth millions.

Historical Context

Designed by Charles E. Barber and produced from 1883-1912 officially, this nickel replaced the Shield Nickel. The 1883 "No CENTS" variety led to fraud - con artists gold-plated them and passed them as $5 gold pieces, prompting the mint to add "CENTS". In 1913, five unauthorized specimens were secretly struck by a mint employee, becoming legendary rarities worth millions. The series ended in 1913, replaced by the Buffalo Nickel.

Notable Varieties

1883 No CENTS
1883 With CENTS
1912-S
1913 (5 known, illegal)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?

Only 5 exist, secretly and illegally struck by a mint employee. They're worth $3-5 million each. One appeared on the TV show "Hawaii Five-O" and sold for $3.7 million in 2010. They're among America's most famous rare coins.

What is the "No CENTS" variety?

The first 1883 Liberty Head Nickels omitted "CENTS", showing only "V". Fraudsters gold-plated these and passed them as $5 gold pieces. The mint quickly added "CENTS" below the "V". Both varieties exist from 1883, with "No CENTS" slightly more valuable due to historical significance.