Liberty Head Nickels, also known as the “V Nickel” was minted from 1883 to 1912, with a few being minted in 1913. This coin received its nickname because the reverse features a large Roman number “V” for five, which indicates its face value of five cents.
The coin was designed by then U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. Before this design, the five-cent coin included the unpopular Sheild Nickel. Barber also created the design for the one- and three-cent coins. One design that was proposed but not adopted was the “blind man’s nickel.” This nickel had five notches on the rim so blind people could identify the coin.
Value of V Nickels
Like most coins, the value varies greatly by year, rarity, and condition. Some VG-8s may be worth only a few dollars, while an MS-66 may fetch over $10K. Good years to search for include1885, 1886, and 1912 (according to our coin value guide). Before buying a V Nickel, check our value guide and the sale and auction price from a few sources to determine if you are getting a good value with your purchase. If you are looking to collect the entire series, again, check prices to ensure you are paying a fair rate.
1885
The reason 1885 is a good year for this nickel is because only 1,472,700 coins were minted.
1886
This year is also sought after as only 3,326,000 coins were produced.
1912
This was the first year these coins were minted in the West. Very few were produced in San Francisco for this year.
1913
According to government records, no V Nickels were minted this year. However, in 1920, Samuel W. Brown displayed a 1913 Liberty Head Nickel. Before he displayed it, he had offered to buy any 1913 Liberty Nickels that existed, and he bought five.
If you come upon one of these years and it is in good condition, it may be worth getting appraised and then graded if your appraiser thinks it is worth the extra investment.
Liberty Head Nickel Condition
The easiest way to estimate the condition of the coin is by examining raised portions of the coin. Are the star’s edges sharp or worn down? Can you read all the words unaided? Is Liberty’s hair defined as well as her crown? After examining unaided, use a magnifying glass or loupe. The initial examination should give you some idea of the condition of the coin.
The V Nickel Swindle Legend
Opportunists tend to seize “the opportunity.” One such opportunist was Josh Tatum. It could just be an urban myth, but it may be true. The V Nickels looked close to the five-dollar gold coin. The legend is that he acquired 1000 nickels and had them gold-plated to pass off as gold coins to naive proprietors. Supposedly, this is where the expression “are you Joshing me?” originated. He was not convicted due to his disability as a deaf-mute.
Eventually, in 1913 the V Nickel was replaced by James Earle Fraser’s Buffalo Nickel.
