Coin Identifier
Liberty Head 'V' Nickel
5 Cents ($0.05)

Liberty Head 'V' Nickel

United States of America · 1883-1912

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty surrounded by 13 stars, while the reverse prominently displays a Roman numeral 'V' within a wreath.

Country
United States of America
Year
1883-1912
Denomination
5 Cents ($0.05)
Metal
75% Copper, 25% Nickel

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Overview

The obverse features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty surrounded by 13 stars, while the reverse prominently displays a Roman numeral 'V' within a wreath.

Historical significance

Designed by Charles E. Barber, this coin replaced the Shield Nickel. 1883 issues famously lacked the word 'Cents', leading 'racketeers' to gold-plate them and pass them off as $5 gold pieces, which forced a design change mid-year.

Estimated value

$1.00 - $50.00 (depending on date and condition; rare dates or proofs can exceed $1,000)

Care & preservation

Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent oxidation. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes the original surface (patina) and significantly reduces its collector value.