1891 Liberty Head 'V' Nickel (Cupro-Nickel)
Coin / Numismatic Item · United States Mint, Philadelphia (No mint mark)
Pattern: Liberty Head (V) Nickel, designed by Charles E. Barber
Type
Coin / Numismatic Item
Maker
United States Mint, Philadelphia (No mint mark)
Material
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (No silver content)
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Weight: 5.00 grams; Thickness: 1.95 mm
Description
An 1891 Liberty Head Five-Cent piece commonly referred to as a 'V Nickel'. It features the Neoclassical profile of Liberty on the obverse. Despite its silvery appearance, this coin contains no actual silver, being composed of a copper-nickel alloy. The coin shows significant circulation wear typical of 19th-century currency.
Key Features
Coronet design with 'LIBERTY' on headpiece (worn down), 13 stars representing the original colonies, and the 1891 date.
Material & Composition
75% Copper, 25% Nickel (No silver content)
Finish & Decoration
Original struck finish with Lady Liberty's profile facing left, 13 stars, and date 1891; reverse features a Roman numeral 'V' inside a wreath
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as this is circulation currency. Dated 1891 on the obverse.
Construction Details
Machine-struck via die and collar at the US Mint
Functional Features
Planar coin with reeded-edge appearing smooth due to wear; intended for legal tender exchange
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; handheld numismatic object
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial mass-production; die-struck with evidence of high-relief design that has since worn flat through decades of use.
Authentication Indicators
Die-consistent profile, correct numeral font for 1891, and natural wear patterns consistent with cupro-nickel hardness.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Philadelphia Mint
Era & Period
Late Gilded Age / Victorian Era (Late 19th Century)
Age Estimate
Dated 1891 (133 years old)
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard five-cent denomination during the expansion of the American industrial era and the standardization of US coinage under Chief Engraver Charles Barber.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good (G-4) condition. Significant surface wear, flattening of the hair details, and visible environmental spotting/tarnish on the left and right fields. No major gouges but substantial circulation smoothing.
Value Estimate
$1.00 to $5.00 USD in this circulated condition. High-grade uncirculated examples can exceed $100.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or use silver cream. Numismatic value is destroyed by cleaning. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or archival holder to prevent further environmental oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Shield Nickel (predecessor), Buffalo Nickel (successor), and 1883 'No Cents' Liberty Nickel.
Interesting Facts
The early 1883 version of this coin lacked the word 'Cents', leading 'racketeers' to gold-plate them and pass them off as $5 gold pieces.