Liberty Head 'V' Nickel (No Cents Variety Transition)
Coin/Bullion · United States Mint (Philadelphia), Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber
Pattern: Liberty Head V Nickel
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
United States Mint (Philadelphia), Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: Contains no actual silver despite the metallic appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.2mm; Standard weight: 5.0 grams.
Description
A circulated Liberty Head Five-Cent piece. The reverse depicts a Roman Numeral V within a 'wreath of the staples' (wheat, corn, and cotton). Following a famous 'Racketeer Nickel' scandal in 1883 where the coin was plated in gold and passed as five dollars, the word 'CENTS' was added to the bottom of the reverse design, as seen here.
Key Features
Large Roman Numeral V, denticulated rim, and the 'CENTS' inscription at the 6 o'clock position.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: Contains no actual silver despite the metallic appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck numismatic design featuring a wreath of corn, wheat, and cotton surrounding a Roman numeral 'V'. Neoclassical aesthetic.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Reverse stamps: 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', 'E PLURIBUS UNUM', and 'CENTS'. No mint mark visible (indicates Philadelphia).
Construction Details
Machine-struck using hardened steel dies in a steam or electric toggle press.
Functional Features
Planchet with a plain edge; reeding was not used for this denomination.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Features the precise, rigid engraving style of Charles Barber, optimized for mass production and durability in high-traffic circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font serif style, authentic wear patterns, and proper die alignment for US Mint production standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America, Philadelphia Mint.
Era & Period
Gilded Age/Victorian Era American coinage (1883-1912).
Age Estimate
Circa 1883-1912; specific date is on the obverse (not pictured).
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of American commerce during the Industrial Revolution and the birth of the five-cent 'nickelodeon' theaters.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (G-VG). Significant circulation wear: the wreath leaves are flat, and the rim is beginning to merge with the lettering. Natural grey-brown toning.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $5.00 USD in this circulated condition; value increases exponentially for rare dates like 1885, 1886, or 1912-S.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or clean with chemicals; store in a PVC-free flip or archival capsule to prevent environmental spotting.
Similar Pieces
1883 'No Cents' Nickel (lacks bottom text), Shield Nickel (predecessor), Buffalo Nickel (successor).
Interesting Facts
The 1883 version initially lacked the word 'CENTS', leading fraudsters to gold-plate them and use them as $5 gold pieces because they were similar in size.