Liberty Head (V) Nickel Value
1883-1913 · 5¢ · 75% copper 25% nickel
Value by Grade
| Grade | Est. Value |
|---|---|
| Poor (P-1) | $2.00 |
| Good (G-4) | $6.00 |
| Fine (F-12) | $20.00 |
| Uncirculated (MS-63) | $100.00 |
| Gem (MS-65) | $300.00 |
| Perfect (MS-70) | $1,500 |
Key Dates & Rare Varieties
| Date/Variety | Why It's Special | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1913 | Unauthorized issue, only 5 known — one of America's greatest rarities | $3,000,000–$5,000,000 |
| 1885 | Low mintage of just 1.47 million, key to the series | $400–$3,000 |
| 1886 | Second-lowest mintage at 3.33 million | $200–$1,500 |
| 1912-S | Only San Francisco issue with 238,000 minted | $150–$1,500 |
| 1883 | No CENTS variety, millions gold-plated for fraud | $5–$50 |
Coin Specifications
- Designer
- Charles E. Barber
- Years
- 1883-1913
- Denomination
- 5¢
- Composition
- 75% copper 25% nickel
- Diameter
- 21.2 mm
- Weight
- 5 g
Quick Value
Where to Buy/Sell
Liberty Head (V) Nickel: History & Background
The Liberty Head Nickel, commonly called the V Nickel for its Roman numeral reverse, was designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber. The original 1883 issue lacked the word CENTS, leading to gold-plating fraud where people passed the nickel-sized coins as five-dollar gold pieces; the denomination was quickly added later that year. The series ran until 1912, but five mysterious 1913-dated specimens are known to exist despite never being officially authorized, making the 1913 Liberty Nickel one of the most famous rarities in all of numismatics. One example sold for over $4.5 million in 2018.
How to Grade a Liberty Head (V) Nickel
Accurate grading is the single most important factor in determining a coin's value. A difference of just a few grade points can mean 10× or more in value. Examine the highest points of the design first — these are where wear appears earliest. For the finest grades, luster, strike quality, and surface preservation all matter. Professional grading by PCGS or NGC adds certainty and typically increases resale value. Read our complete grading guide →