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 obverse features Liberty facing left wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY, surrounded by stars, while the reverse displays a Roman numeral V (five) within a wreath of corn, cotton, and wheat. Designed by Charles E. Barber. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Charles Barber's Liberty Head Nickel replaced the Shield design. The first 1883 coins omitted the word "CENTS," leading to gold-plated examples being passed as five-dollar gold coins — a problem quickly corrected with the "With Cents" variety. The famous 1913 Liberty Head Nickel (only five known) is one of the most valuable U.S. coins. The 1883 "No Cents" variety is an affordable and popular type coin. The 1885, 1886, and 1912-S are key dates. The 1913 examples (unauthorized production) have sold for over $4 million.