1883, the Liberty Head Nickel—often called the “V Nickel”—debuted, replacing James B. Longacre’s Shield Nickel, which had been in use since 1866. Designed by U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Charles Barber, the coin featured a left-facing portrait of Liberty on the obverse, adorned with a coronet inscribed with “LIBERTY” and surrounded by 13 stars. The reverse showcased a large Roman numeral “V” (denoting five cents) encircled by a wreath of cotton and corn.
Yet, the coin’s launch was far from smooth. In a surprising oversight, the initial design omitted the word “CENTS”—a decision that was neither accidental nor unnoticed. Mint and Treasury officials, including Mint Director Horatio Burchard and Treasury Secretary Charles Folger, had reviewed Barber’s work and believed the prominent “V,” combined with the coin’s size and plain edge, would clearly indicate its value. After all, the Three-Cent Nickel had long used Roman numerals without issue. But reality proved otherwise.
The “Racketeer Nickel” Scandal
Almost immediately, reports surfaced of con artists gold-plating the new nickels and passing them off as five-dollar gold pieces. Newspapers sensationalized the story, claiming swindlers had duped unsuspecting victims from Boston to New York. While some accounts may have been exaggerated, the U.S. Secret Service raised alarms, pressuring the Mint to act.
By mid-1883, Barber modified the design, shrinking “E PLURIBUS UNUM” and relocating it above the wreath while adding “CENTS” at the bottom, flanked by dots. This revised version, now called the “With CENTS” type, remained in production until 1912.
The Mysterious 1913 Liberty Head Nickel
In December 1912, Mint Director George E. Roberts instructed the Philadelphia Mint to halt production of Liberty Nickels, anticipating the release of the Buffalo Nickel in 1913. However, five Proof Liberty Nickels dated 1913 mysteriously surfaced years later, almost certainly struck without authorization. Today, these coins rank among the most valuable in U.S. numismatics, with examples selling for millions of dollars.
Collecting Liberty Head Nickels
The “With CENTS” series (1883–1912) is widely collected, with most dates readily available in circulated and lower Mint State grades. Key points for collectors:
- Common Dates: 1883–1898 and 1899–1912 (Philadelphia strikes) are affordable even in higher grades.
- Branch Mint Rarities: The 1912-D (Denver) and 1912-S (San Francisco) issues were the first nickels struck outside Philadelphia and command significant premiums.
- Conditional Rarities: The 1885 and 1886 nickels are the series’ key dates, particularly in MS-66 or finer.
- Proof Issues: Struck annually from 1883–1912 (plus the infamous 1913 coins), Proofs are accessible for most dates, though 1885 and 1886 are notably pricier.
Design Details
- Obverse: Liberty faces left, her hair tied in a bun, wearing a coronet inscribed “LIBERTY.” Thirteen stars encircle the portrait, with the date at the bottom.
- Reverse: The Roman numeral “V” sits within a wreath, with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the rim and “CENTS” at the base. Mintmarks (D or S) for the 1912 issues appear near the left dot.
- Edge: Plain, without reeding or lettering.
Notable Varieties
While most Liberty Nickels lack major varieties, a few stand out:
- 1887 and 1900 Double Die Reverse (business strikes)
- 1884/1883 Overdate (Proof only)
About the Designer
Charles E. Barber, son of former Chief Engraver William Barber, served as the U.S. Mint’s sixth Chief Engraver from 1879 until his death in 1917. Beyond the Liberty Nickel, he designed the Barber Dime, Quarter, and Half Dollar, leaving a lasting mark on U.S. coinage.
Coin Specifications
- Years of Issue: 1883–1913
- Composition: 75% copper, 25% nickel
- Weight: 5.0 grams
- Diameter: 21.2 mm
- Edge: Plain
- Mintmarks: None (Philadelphia), D (Denver), S (San Francisco)
Further Reading
For deeper study, consider:
- A Guide Book of Shield and Liberty Head Nickels by Q. David Bowers
- Million Dollar Nickels by Paul Montgomery (exploring the 1913 mystery)
- The Official Red Book (Whitman Publishing) for current valuations
Why Collect Liberty Head Nickels?
This series offers a fascinating glimpse into late 19th and early 20th-century America, blending artistry, history, and even a bit of scandal. Whether pursuing a complete date set or hunting for elusive Proofs or branch-mint issues, the Liberty Nickel remains a rewarding challenge for collectors at all levels.