Liberty Head Nickel — V Nickel Key Dates, 1913 Rarity & Value Guide 1883–1912
1883–1912 • No Cents & With Cents Varieties • Key Dates • The 1913 Liberty Head • Proof Issues
An Iconic Chapter in U.S. Coinage
The Liberty Head Nickel — widely known as the "V Nickel" — stands as a defining piece of late 19th-century American coinage. Introduced in 1883 and designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber, it features a classical portrait of Liberty surrounded by thirteen stars symbolizing the original colonies. Its earliest reverse displayed only a large Roman numeral "V," a choice that immediately led to an infamous fraud: unscrupulous individuals gold-plated the coins and passed them as five-dollar gold pieces. The Mint corrected this within the first year by adding the word "CENTS," creating two distinct and highly collectible varieties.
The 1883 No CENTS variety is commonly called the "Racketeer Nickel" — though most gold-plating was done by collectors and souvenir seekers rather than actual fraudsters. Both the No CENTS and With CENTS 1883 issues are essential type coins for any Liberty Head collection. The series ran for 30 years through 1912, during which Philadelphia was the sole mint facility — no mint marks appear on any regular-issue Liberty Head Nickels.
Design, Composition, and Production
Barber's design emphasized clean lines and classical simplicity, a departure from the more ornate motifs of earlier U.S. coinage. The obverse shows Liberty facing left with a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by thirteen stars. The reverse features a large Roman numeral V within a wreath, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the border and (after 1883) E PLURIBUS UNUM and CENTS below the V.
Struck in a durable copper-nickel alloy, the Liberty Head Nickel maintained consistent specifications throughout its entire 1883–1912 production run. Its durability and elegant design helped it become a staple of everyday commerce during a transformative period in American history — an era of rapid industrialization, population growth, and expanding urban commerce that placed enormous demands on the nation's small-denomination coinage.
Key Dates, Varieties & the 1913
1883 No CENTS — Racketeer Nickel
First-year issue with no denomination word — only the Roman numeral V on the reverse. Gold-plated examples were passed as $5 gold pieces, prompting a mid-year redesign. The No CENTS variety had a mintage of 5,479,519. Affordable in circulated grades — a popular type coin and conversation piece.
1883 With CENTS
Added "CENTS" to the reverse mid-1883 after the fraud complaints. Lower mintage than No CENTS at 16,032,983 — but both 1883 types are widely available. Together they form the essential type set for the first year of the Liberty Head series. With CENTS commands a small premium over No CENTS in equivalent grades.
1885 & 1886 — Primary Key Dates
The 1885 (mintage 1,476,490) and 1886 (mintage 3,330,290) are the two main key dates of the series. Both are scarce in all grades — circulated examples are significantly harder to find than comparable dates. MS-65 1885 nickels routinely bring $10,000 or more. Essential acquisitions for a complete date set.
1912-S — Final Year Key Date
The 1912-S San Francisco issue — with only 238,000 struck — is the lowest mintage regular-issue Liberty Head Nickel and the only branch mint issue in the series (along with the 1912-D Denver). The 1912-S is scarce in all grades and genuinely rare in MS-65 and above. An essential coin for date set collectors.
Common Dates (1884, 1887–1912)
Most Liberty Head Nickels from 1884 and 1887 through 1912 (excluding 1885, 1886, and the 1912 branch mints) are affordable in circulated grades. The series offers good opportunities for collectors building date sets on a budget. Strike quality and surface preservation make the biggest difference in value for these common dates.
1913 Liberty Head — Holy Grail
Five examples exist — all struck under mysterious circumstances with no official Mint authorization, as the Buffalo Nickel had already replaced the design. Each specimen has a documented pedigree. One sold for $4.56 million at auction. The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is among the most famous coins in the world and a perennial fixture in discussions of America's most valuable coins.
Liberty Head Nickel Value Quick Reference
| Date / Type | Good (G-4) | Fine (F-12) | MS-63 | Notes | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1883 No CENTS | $10–$20 | $20–$40 | $150–$400 | Racketeer Nickel — first-year type coin | eBay → |
| 1883 With CENTS | $12–$25 | $25–$50 | $200–$500 | Mid-year redesign — both 1883 types essential | eBay → |
| Common date (1884, 1887–1911 P) | $5–$15 | $15–$35 | $100–$300 | Most dates accessible in circulated grades | eBay → |
| 1885 Philadelphia | $350–$600 | $700–$1,200 | $3,000–$6,000 | Primary key date — 1.47M struck | eBay → |
| 1886 Philadelphia | $200–$400 | $450–$800 | $2,000–$5,000 | Semi-key — 3.33M struck | eBay → |
| 1912-D Denver | $30–$60 | $80–$150 | $1,500–$4,000 | Only D-mint Liberty Head — 8.47M struck | eBay → |
| 1912-S San Francisco | $80–$150 | $250–$500 | $2,500–$6,000 | Key date — 238,000 struck, only S-mint issue | eBay → |
| Proof Liberty Head | — | — | $500–$3,000+ | Annual proofs 1883–1912; DCAM examples premium | eBay → |
| 1913 Liberty Head | $3,000,000–$5,000,000+ — only 5 known | Unauthorized issue — most famous US nickel | eBay → | ||
Shop Certified Liberty Head Nickels on eBay
PCGS and NGC graded V Nickels — common dates for type sets, key dates like the 1885 and 1912-S, and proof issues from specialist dealers.
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Market Dynamics and Key Challenges
The Liberty Head Nickel offers collectors a series rich with market nuances, especially when evaluating strike quality and surface preservation. Because these coins were heavily used in commerce, many surviving examples show significant wear, making sharply struck, problem-free pieces far more desirable. Advanced collectors pay close attention to details such as star definition, hair strands on Liberty, and the clarity of the wreath on the reverse. These subtle diagnostics help distinguish truly premium examples from average survivors, shaping both market demand and long-term value.
The series is particularly rewarding for collectors who enjoy building complete date sets. With only 30 Philadelphia dates plus the two 1912 branch mint coins to collect, a full date set is a realistic goal for most advanced collectors. The 1885 and 1886 are the primary obstacles — both require meaningful investment — but the remaining dates are accessible. An eye for quality and strike sharpness pays dividends throughout the series.
Varieties and Specialist Appeal
Beyond date collecting, the series includes several intriguing varieties that appeal to specialists. Die cracks, repunched dates, and minor hub differences appear throughout the 30-year run, offering opportunities for deeper study. The 1883 "No CENTS" and "With CENTS" varieties remain the most famous, but other subtle die states add layers of complexity for those who enjoy detailed attribution work. This variety-rich landscape makes the Liberty Head Nickel a rewarding pursuit for collectors who appreciate both history and technical numismatics.
Role in U.S. Coinage Evolution
The Liberty Head Nickel serves as an important bridge between earlier 19th-century designs and the more modern artistic direction that emerged in the early 20th century. Its long production span reflects a period of stability in U.S. coinage, yet its eventual replacement by the Buffalo Nickel in 1913 signaled a shift toward more expressive, uniquely American themes. As a result, the Liberty Head Nickel occupies a meaningful place in the broader narrative of U.S. Mint design evolution, offering collectors insight into changing artistic priorities and national identity. For related series, see our guides on Shield Nickels, Buffalo Nickels, and our Coin Price Guide.
Where to Buy Liberty Head Nickels
eBay — Certified V Nickels
PCGS and NGC graded examples from all dates including the key 1885, 1886, and 1912-S. The most active marketplace for Liberty Head Nickels with specialist listings daily.
Shop Certified on eBay →JM Bullion
Major US coin dealer with a broad inventory of classic 19th-century coinage. Competitive pricing with insured shipping on certified nickel series coins.
Shop JM Bullion →Kitco
Well-established coin and precious metals dealer. Transparent pricing and a trusted reputation among collectors of classic US series coinage.
Shop Kitco →Money Metals Exchange
Competitive premiums on classic US coins with a straightforward buying experience. Solid selection of certified 19th and early 20th-century pieces.
Shop Money Metals →eBay — 1883 No Cents Variety
The famous Racketeer Nickel — an affordable and historically fascinating first-year type coin. Certified and raw examples in all grades from circulated to gem uncirculated.
Shop 1883 No Cents →FRC Coin Price Guide
Research current values for Liberty Head Nickels and all classic US coinage before buying or selling. Updated price data across all grades and dates.
View Price Guide →Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Liberty Head Nickel?
The Liberty Head Nickel (1883–1912) — commonly called the V Nickel — is a copper-nickel five-cent piece designed by Charles E. Barber. It features a classical portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a large Roman numeral V within a wreath on the reverse. Two first-year varieties exist: the 1883 No CENTS (which was gold-plated by some to resemble a $5 gold piece) and the 1883 With CENTS (added mid-year to prevent fraud). All regular-issue Liberty Head Nickels were struck at Philadelphia with no mint marks.
What are the key dates in the Liberty Head Nickel series?
The two primary key dates are the 1885 (mintage 1,476,490) and 1886 (mintage 3,330,290) — both scarce in all grades and essential for a complete date set. The 1912-S (238,000 struck) is the only San Francisco mint issue and the lowest-mintage regular business strike in the series. The 1912-D is the only Denver mint issue and carries a premium over Philadelphia dates. All of these require certified examples for confident purchasing at significant prices.
What is the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel?
The 1913 Liberty Head Nickel is one of the most famous coins in American numismatics — five specimens were struck under mysterious circumstances with no official Mint authorization, as the Buffalo Nickel had already replaced the design for 1913. The coins surfaced publicly in 1920 under the ownership of Samuel Brown, a former Mint employee. Each of the five known specimens has a complete documented pedigree. One sold for $4.56 million at auction; the most recent public sale exceeded $3 million. They are not available to most collectors but appear at major auctions every decade or so.
What is the Racketeer Nickel?
The "Racketeer Nickel" is the nickname for gold-plated 1883 No CENTS Liberty Head Nickels. Because the first 1883 reverse showed only the Roman numeral V with no "CENTS" denomination word, and because the coin was the same size as a gold coin, some individuals gold-plated them and attempted to pass them as $5 gold pieces. The Mint added "CENTS" to the reverse mid-year to eliminate the confusion. Today, both the original No CENTS and the With CENTS 1883 varieties are collected as distinct types, and gold-plated examples are popular novelty items.
How much is a Liberty Head Nickel worth?
Common dates in Good condition are worth $5–$15. The 1883 No CENTS starts around $10 and the With CENTS around $12 in Good. Key dates jump significantly: the 1885 starts around $350 in Good, the 1886 around $200, and the 1912-S around $80. High-grade MS-65 examples of common dates run $500–$2,000; key dates in MS-65 can reach $10,000–$15,000. Proof examples start around $500 in PR-63 for common dates. The 1913 is in a category of its own at millions per coin.
Why do Liberty Head Nickels have no mint mark?
Almost all Liberty Head Nickels were struck exclusively at the Philadelphia Mint, which by tradition did not place a mint mark on its coins (only branch mints used mint marks to identify their output). The only exceptions are the 1912-D (Denver) and 1912-S (San Francisco) issues — the final year of production saw limited runs at both branch mints. These two 1912 branch mint coins do carry their respective D and S mint marks and are significantly scarcer than the Philadelphia issues of the same year.
A Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels - Features hundreds of full-color photographs, including high-resolution enlargements of key overdates and errors.
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