The value of a Liberty Head nickel (also known as a V-Nickel) depends on its year of mintage, condition (grade), and the presence of any rare varieties or errors.
- Common Dates (most years from 1897-1912, circulated): Likely worth between face value and a few dollars, depending on wear.
- Better Dates (e.g., 1883 with CENTS, some earlier dates): Can range from $20-$200 or more in better condition.
- Key Dates (e.g., 1885, 1886, 1912-S): Can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, particularly in higher grades.
- Rare Varieties/Errors (e.g., 1883 No CENTS variety, certain Doubled Die varieties): Values can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- The Infamous 1913 Liberty Head Nickel: This is an exceptionally rare coin, with only five known examples, [according to Wikipedia] . These are considered some of the most valuable coins in U.S. numismatics, with prices reaching millions of dollars at auction.
- Mintage Figures: Low mintage numbers generally correlate with higher value. The 1912-S is the lowest mintage regular-issue Liberty nickel with 238,000 produced, [notes Coin ID Scanner].
- Condition (Grade): Coins are graded on a scale from 1 (poor) to 70 (perfect), with higher grades fetching significantly higher prices. Professional grading services like PCGS or NGC can authenticate and grade your coin, which can enhance its value to collectors.
- Mint Mark: Coins from the Denver (D) and San Francisco (S) mints can be more valuable than those from the Philadelphia (P) mint for certain years.
- Varieties and Errors: Some Liberty nickels have unique features, such as doubled dies, overdates, or other errors, which can increase their value. For instance, the 1883 “No CENTS” variety was initially issued without the word “CENTS” on the reverse, and while some were gold-plated for fraudulent purposes, authentic circulated examples with appropriate wear can be valuable.
- Cleaning: Never clean your Liberty nickels, as this can severely damage the coin and reduce its collector value.
- Authenticity: Be wary of counterfeits, especially for the rare 1913 Liberty nickel. Professional authentication is crucial for any potentially valuable coin.
Disclaimer: The values listed above are approximate and can fluctuate based on market demand and other factors. For precise valuations, consult a professional numismatist or a reputable coin dealer.
What is the Liberty 5 cent coin?
Good point! The Liberty Head nickel, sometimes referred to as the V nickel because of its reverse (or tails) design, is an American five-cent piece. It was struck for circulation from 1883 until 1912, with at least five pieces being surreptitiously struck dated 1913.