V Nickel Values
How Much V Nickels are Worth: V Nickel Values & Coin Price Chart
Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | U-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 | MS-67 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1800 | P | Plain 4- Stemless Wreath | Red-brown | 200 | 300 | 400 | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | 1000 | 1200 | 1100 |
| Year | Mint | Variety | Designation | VG-8 | F-12 | VF-20 | EF-40 | AU-50 | MS-60 | MS-63 | MS-64 | MS-65 | MS-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1883 | (None) Phil | No 'Cents' | -- | $11.30 | $12.90 | $15 | $20 | $35 | $100 | $104 | $150 | $260 | $493 |
| 1883 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $40 | $50 | $75 | $100 | $115 | $200 | $234 | $314 | $570 | $1,553.00 |
| 1884 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $40 | $50 | $80 | $130 | $146 | $220 | $307 | $473 | $1,170.00 | $2,710.00 |
| 1885 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $562 | $705 | $1,045.00 | $1,300.00 | $1,585.00 | $2,670.00 | $4,190.00 | $5,255.00 | $7,425.00 | $10,375.00 |
| 1886 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $224 | $342 | $415 | $625 | $754 | $1,328.00 | $2,329.00 | $2,988.00 | $4,620.00 | $11,995.00 |
| 1887 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $27 | $45 | $49 | $83 | $104 | $166 | $271 | $495 | $718 | $1,552.00 |
| 1888 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $54 | $78 | $128 | $175 | $250 | $295 | $378 | $589 | $1,088.00 | $2,350.00 |
| 1889 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $30 | $40 | $65 | $86 | $130 | $215 | $272 | $346 | $637 | $1,303.00 |
| 1890 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $18 | $28.50 | $50 | $70 | $115 | $182 | $237 | $352 | $752 | $1,905.00 |
| 1891 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $17 | $30 | $45 | $75 | $120 | $164 | $238 | $341 | $534 | $1,585.00 |
| 1892 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $15 | $33 | $50 | $78 | $120 | $179 | $260 | $331 | $838 | $1,563.00 |
| 1893 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $17 | $37 | $70 | $75 | $109 | $171 | $221 | $334 | $613 | $1,120.00 |
| 1894 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $38 | $104 | $210 | $245 | $300 | $444 | $567 | $885 | $1,508.00 | $2,530.00 |
| 1895 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $17 | $35 | $60 | $79 | $125 | $202 | $312 | $490 | $1,104.00 | $2,295.00 |
| 1896 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $25 | $35 | $73 | $128 | $172 | $236 | $354 | $578 | $1,104.00 | $1,842.00 |
| 1897 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $9 | $12.30 | $23.30 | $52 | $80 | $132 | $193 | $345 | $767 | $1,513.00 |
| 1898 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $9 | $17 | $35 | $63 | $89 | $164 | $247 | $377 | $600 | $1,355.00 |
| 1899 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $10.70 | $20 | $50 | $60 | $107 | $250 | $270 | $462 | $867 |
| 1900 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $10.70 | $20 | $50 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $475 | $815 |
| 1901 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $10.70 | $15 | $39 | $60 | $150 | $162 | $235 | $475 | $842 |
| 1902 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $10.70 | $13 | $40 | $65 | $101 | $157 | $240 | $483 | $848 |
| 1903 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $15 | $37 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $275 | $461 | $826 |
| 1904 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $13 | $39 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $461 | $862 |
| 1905 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $13 | $37 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $461 | $829 |
| 1906 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $13 | $35 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $461 | $848 |
| 1907 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $13 | $37 | $65 | $101 | $157 | $232 | $527 | $1,388.00 |
| 1908 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $17 | $39 | $60 | $150 | $157 | $229 | $501 | $1,154.00 |
| 1909 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $13 | $39 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $270 | $563 | $1,403.00 |
| 1910 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $10.70 | $15 | $39 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $466 | $1,455.00 |
| 1911 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $6 | $10 | $35 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $549 | $815 |
| 1912 | (None) Phil | -- | -- | $8.40 | $5 | $15 | $35 | $60 | $101 | $157 | $229 | $461 | $1,069.00 |
| 1912 | D | -- | -- | $308 | $330 | $352 | $407 | $443 | $520 | $572 | $598 | $740 | $1,065.00 |
| 1912 | S | -- | -- | $176 | $200 | $448 | $1,140.00 | $1,433.00 | $1,895.00 | $2,116.00 | $2,263.00 | $2,780.00 | $5,475.00 |
History of the V Nickel
The V Nickel, also known as the Liberty Head Nickel, was officially minted from 1883 to 1912, though five unauthorized 1913 coins are known to exist. This nickel was designed by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver for the U.S. Mint. He also designed the one-cent, three-cent, and five-cent pieces, but only the five-cent design received approval.
The obverse features a left-facing profile of Lady Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY”, surrounded by stars and the minting year below. On the reverse, a large Roman numeral “V” indicating five cents is surrounded by a wreath. Initially, the coin’s reverse omitted the word ‘CENTS,’ resulting in the 1883 ‘No Cents’ variety. This design was modified later that year to add “CENTS” below the “V” to avoid confusion and fraud.
The V Nickel circulated widely during America’s industrial expansion and urbanization, valued for its durability. The V Nickel succeeded the Shield Nickel and, in turn, gave way to the Buffalo Nickel in 1913.
Rarest Coins in the Series
- 1883 First Year (“No Cents” then “With Cents”): The initial release lacked the word “CENTS,” leading to fraud; corrected versions display “CENTS” under the “V.”
- 1885: A low mintage of 1,473,300 makes this issue sought after by collectors.
- 1886: Another low-mintage year, valued in higher grades.
- 1913 (Proof Only): With only five specimens known, this date commands multi-million-dollar prices.
View the full list of key dates and varieties here.
Types of Collections
- Basic Date Set: Collecting one example of each year and mintmark, suitable for beginners.
- Key Date Focused Set: Collect every key date and variety.
- Proof and Mint State Set: Collecting high-grade or proof V Nickels for rarity and condition emphasis.
Beginner vs. Advanced Collecting
Beginner Collecting
The V Nickel series is accessible to beginners because many common dates are still affordable and easy to find. Start by building a basic date set from reputable numismatic dealers or major coin auctions, where coins are more likely to be authenticated and accurately graded. Pay attention to the 1883 “No Cents” and “With Cents” issues so you learn to spot basic varieties and avoid coins that appear harshly cleaned or altered. Store your coins in archival-quality holders in a cool, dry, stable environment.
Advanced Collecting
Many advanced collectors focus on scarce key dates, high-grade examples, and the 1913 V Nickel; one of the rarest U.S. coins. This level of collecting demands careful attention to authentication, subtle surface issues, and certified grading. Many advanced pieces are best purchased through major auctions or experienced specialists, and should be preserved in certified holders under professional storage conditions.
Investment Potential
V Nickels come in various grades, from circulated to gem and proof examples. Some coins are certified by grading services like PCGS or NGC, often with CAC approval for premium specimens. The 1913 V Nickel and other key dates have shown steady appreciation, offering potential for long-term investors who focus on rare varieties and high grades.