Liberty Nickel Value Guide

The Liberty Nickel, also known as the "V" Nickel or Barber Nickel, is a classic U.S. coin that was minted from 1883 to 1912. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the U.S. Mint's Chief Engraver at the time, this five-cent piece succeeded the Shield Nickel.

The obverse side of the Liberty Nickel features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." Thirteen stars, symbolizing the original American colonies, surround Lady Liberty, with the coin's minting year appearing below.

The reverse side showcases a large "V" (Roman numeral for five) in the center, representing the coin's denomination. It is surrounded by a wreath, with the words "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "CENTS" inscribed on the border.

The Liberty Nickel has a noteworthy history, particularly during its first year of production in 1883. Initially, the coin's reverse did not include the word "CENTS," leading to confusion and fraud, as people gold-plated the nickel and passed it off as a $5 gold piece. The U.S. Mint quickly added the word "CENTS" to the reverse later that year to prevent further deception.

Throughout its mintage, the Liberty Nickel became a collector's favorite. Some key dates, such as the 1885, 1886, and 1912-S Liberty Nickels, are particularly valuable due to their low mintages and increased demand among coin enthusiasts.