Coin Identifier
Liberty Head "V" Nickel
5 Cents

Liberty Head "V" Nickel

United States · 1894

The obverse of the coin features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY". Thirteen stars encircle her head, and the date "1894" is below. The reverse, though not visible in this image, typically displays a large Roman numeral "V" (for 5 cents) encircled by a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat.

Country
United States
Year
1894
Denomination
5 Cents
Metal
Copper-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified More united states coins →
Explore Liberty Head "V" Nickel in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

Overview

The obverse of the coin features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with "LIBERTY". Thirteen stars encircle her head, and the date "1894" is below. The reverse, though not visible in this image, typically displays a large Roman numeral "V" (for 5 cents) encircled by a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat.

Historical significance

The Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the "V" Nickel, was minted from 1883 to 1912. It replaced the Shield Nickel due to design and production difficulties. The initial 1883 issues did not include the word "CENTS" on the reverse, leading to them being gold-plated and passed off as $5 gold pieces. This prompted the quick addition of "CENTS" to the design. The 1894 mintage is a common date for this series, though specific mint marks (not visible here) can affect rarity.

Estimated value

The estimated value for an 1894 Liberty Head Nickel in comparable circulated condition (Good to Very Good) typically ranges from $5 to $20. Higher grades or rare mint marks would command significantly more.

Care & preservation

To preserve the coin, handle it by its edges only. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in archival-safe holders such as Mylar flips or non-PVC pages, to prevent environmental damage and further wear. Avoid cleaning the coin, as this can devalue it significantly.