1883 Liberty Head Nickel

About This Coin

The 1883 Liberty Head Nickel is a United States nickel from the Liberty Head Nickels 1883-1912 series — the first year of the series. In 1883, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 21.5 million. This ranks 19th of 31 years by total mintage, above the series median of 16.8 million. The obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by stars and the reverse displays a Roman numeral V (five) within a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat. First year of the Liberty Head Nickel. The initial "No CENTS" variety was quickly exploited by fraudsters who gold-plated them to pass as $5 gold coins, prompting the Mint to add "CENTS" to the reverse mid-year. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Collectors have cataloged 34 known die varieties for this date across 6 categories, including cud, overdate, pre-cud and 3 other types. Across its variants, estimated values range from $25 to $344 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $35K in MS67 grade at American Numismatic Rarities. Designed by Charles E. Barber.