Liberty Head "V" Nickel

Brief Description

The obverse features a left-facing bust of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY," encircled by 13 stars (representing the original colonies). The date "1908" is at the bottom. The reverse typically features a large Roman numeral "V" (for five cents) within a wreath, surrounded by "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

Historical Significance

The Liberty Head Nickel, often called the 'V' Nickel, was minted from 1883 to 1912. It replaced the Shield Nickel due to design issues and difficulties in striking. The earlier versions lacked the word 'CENTS' and were sometimes gold-plated by fraudsters to pass them off as five-dollar gold pieces, leading to the addition of 'CENTS' on the reverse mid-1883. The 1908 issue is a common date within the series.

Estimated Value

For a 1908 Liberty Head Nickel in good to fine condition, the value typically ranges from a few dollars to around $10-$20. Higher grades can fetch more, with uncirculated examples potentially reaching $50-$100 or more, depending on strike quality and luster. (Note: These are estimates, and actual value depends on condition, market demand, and dealer appraisal.)

Care Instructions

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin, which can cause tarnishing. Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in an inert, archival-safe holder such as a Mylar flip, slab from a grading service, or non-PVC coin album. Avoid cleaning the coin, as cleaning can permanently damage its surface and significantly reduce its numismatic value.

Created At: 2025-11-18T02:16:39.837558