1911 United States Liberty Head 'V' Nickel
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Coin) · United States Mint
Pattern: Liberty Head 'V' Nickel (Barber Design)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Coin)
Maker
United States Mint
Material
Copper-Nickel Alloy (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is an American 'Nickel' and contains 0% silver bullion. It is often mistaken for silver due to its metallic luster.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.21 mm; Weight: 5.00 grams; Thickness: 1.95 mm. Standard US Five-Cent piece dimensions.
Description
This 1911 Liberty Head nickel is a classic example of early 20th-century American coinage. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the Mint, it represents a transition from late 19th-century aesthetics to the modern era. While it lacks precious metal content, its historical value and iconic 'V' reverse (not shown) make it a staple of American numismatics. This particular piece shows significant circulation wear, typical of a pocket-carried coin from the pre-WWI era.
Key Features
1911 date, Liberty Head bust, 13 stars, and the distinct absence of silver composition despite its silver-colored appearance.
Material & Composition
Copper-Nickel Alloy (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is an American 'Nickel' and contains 0% silver bullion. It is often mistaken for silver due to its metallic luster.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated strike with matte-grey patina. Features Lady Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed 'LIBERTY' and a wreath of wheat, cotton, and tobacco; reverse (not shown) features a Roman numeral 'V' within a wreath.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date stamp '1911' at the bottom of the obverse. No mint mark visible (would be on the reverse); 13 stars surrounding the bust representing the original colonies.
Construction Details
Die-struck at a US Mint facility. Mass-produced using heavy steam or electric presses on prepared metal planchets.
Functional Features
Standard currency denomination for the United States (Five Cents); reeded or plain edge (plain for this series).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (Coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Professional mint-quality die striking. Despite the wear, the alignment is centered, and the rim is intact, signifying a high-quality strike from the Philadelphia Mint.
Authentication Indicators
Weight-to-diameter ratio is correct; die-struck lettering and star sharp edges consistent with US Mint press pressure; authentic circulation wear patterns.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States (likely Philadelphia Mint, as 1911 Nickels were largely struck there and lack a mint mark).
Era & Period
Gilded Age / Progressive Era; Progress of the Industrial Revolution in American Mintage.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1911; specifically 113 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Reflects the 'Hard Money' era of the US.; the 5-cent piece was the cornerstone of the Gilded Age economy, used for streetcar fares and 'Nickelodeon' theater entries.
Condition Notes
Grade: Good (G-4) to Very Good (VG-8). Significant wear on Liberty's hair and coronet; the word 'LIBERTY' is likely illegible. Heavy tarnish and 'circulation grime' present in the recesses of the stars and date.
Value Estimate
Current market value for this condition is approximately $1.00 to $3.00 USD. Higher grades (Uncirculated) can reach $50-$100+; its value is historical/numismatic rather than metal-based.
Care & Maintenance
DO NOT CLEAN. Cleaning coins with silver polish or abrasives removes the 'original skin' and significantly reduces numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or acid-free paper envelope.
Similar Pieces
1883 No Cents Liberty Nickel (confused with $5 gold coins when plated), 1913 Buffalo Nickel (successor), or contemporary Barber Quarters and Dimes which WERE 90% silver.
Interesting Facts
The 1911 is the second-to-last year of the regular series. The 1913 Liberty Head nickel is one of the rarest coins in the world, with only five known to exist, often selling for millions. This 1911 specimen was part of the final mass-production run before the Buffalo Nickel was introduced in 1913.