The allure of Liberty Head "V" nickels lies not only in their historical significance but also in the fascinating tales of errors and scandals that shroud these classic United States coins.
The Liberty Head nickel was first produced by the US Mint in 1883
The design created by the mint's chief engraver, Charles E. Barber, shows Lady Liberty facing left and surrounded by stars. The Roman numeral V enclosed in a wreath of laurel leaves the denomination clearly visible on the reverse.
When fraudsters began to gold plate the coins and pass them off as five-dollar gold pieces, the Mint added the word CENTS to the reverse of the coin. In the first year of production, this omission resulted in two varieties.
Five 1913 Liberty Head nickels were produced by a dishonest mint worker in 1913. He is said to have used coin dies made in case the Buffalo nickel dies couldn't be produced in time. These nickels are now valued at millions of dollars each time they are put up for auction. They are, nevertheless, also widely faked. Deals that seem too good to be true usually are.
You must carefully examine the condition of coins that have been in circulation for any length of time. Even though these coins may be valuable as collectibles despite their poor condition, collectors typically seek out coins in superb overall condition. However, because so many of these coins have been used and put into circulation over time, finding them can be difficult.
In reality, you are attempting to ascertain how a coin might be graded when examining its condition. While it is necessary to have a reliable grading company assess a coin's accurate grade, you can employ the following criteria to form a reasonable understanding of the appearance of a graded V Nickel coin.
Uncirculated: Coin collectors frequently strive to obtain coins in this condition. Since these coins were never put into circulation, they have remained mostly in original condition over time. When coins are this well-preserved, one could even believe they were struck that day.
Extremely Fine: Coin collectors also seek out extremely fine coins, which are slightly below the uncirculated grade. Coins assigned to this grade will seem to be in almost perfect condition, with the exception of very slight surface damage or wear and tear. You might only be able to see the coin's flaws up close.
Fine: Coins with a fine grade have frequently been in circulation for a long time. There will be surface imperfections on these coins, such as dents and/or scratches. Nonetheless, the pictures and engravings on coins typically hold true.
Good: Most V Nickels available on the open market today have been graded as good. These coins exhibit their age due to their prolonged usage in circulation. It is probably covered in blemishes, scratches, and surface damage. Coin collectors tend to avoid these coins in favor of better-looking coins. Even with a good grade, coins can still be worth something depending on the kind, year of minting, and relative scarcity.
The table below shows the V Nickel values in different grading conditions from various years.
| DATE | GOOD | FINE | EXTREMELY FINE | UNCIRCULATED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1883 V Nickel | $7 | $9 | $15 | $18 |
| 1883 V Nickel (with CENTS) | $20 | $35 | $85 | $120 |
| 1884 V Nickel | $20 | $35 | $85 | $130 |
| 1885 V Nickel | $550 | $850 | $1,350 | $1,700 |
| 1886 V Nickel | $275 | $425 | $700 | $825 |
| 1887 V Nickel | $15 | $35 | $75 | $110 |
| 1888 V Nickel | $30 | $60 | $175 | $220 |
| 1889 V Nickel | $15 | $30 | $75 | $120 |
| 1890 V Nickel | $10 | $25 | $65 | $110 |
| 1891 V Nickel | $7 | $25 | $70 | $125 |
| 1892 V Nickel | $6 | $20 | $65 | $110 |
| 1893 V Nickel | $6 | $20 | $65 | $110 |
| 1894 V Nickel | $20 | $100 | $240 | $300 |
| 1895 V Nickel | $6 | $22 | $70 | $115 |
| 1896 V Nickel | $9 | $35 | $90 | $150 |
| 1897 V Nickel | $4 | $12 | $45 | $70 |
| 1898 V Nickel | $4 | $12 | $45 | $75 |
| 1899 V Nickel | $2 | $8 | $30 | $60 |
| 1900 V Nickel | $2 | $8 | $30 | $65 |
| 1901 V Nickel | $2 | $5 | $30 | $60 |
| 1902 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1903 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1904 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1905 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1906 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1907 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1908 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1909 V Nickel | $3 | $5 | $32 | $70 |
| 1910 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1911 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1912 V Nickel | $2 | $4 | $30 | $60 |
| 1912 V Nickel (D) | $3 | $10 | $85 | $175 |
| 1912 V Nickel (S) | $175 | $285 | $850 | $1,400 |
Exploring the world of Liberty Head V Nickels is like opening a treasure chest of American history. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting out, understanding the history, grading, and value of these coins can be both educational and rewarding.
From the intriguing stories behind their creation to the detailed process of grading, each V Nickel has a unique tale to tell. So, as you dive deeper into this fascinating hobby, remember that every coin you find and learn about is a piece of the past waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Happy collecting!
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