1909 Liberty Head Nickel
Base
About This Coin
The 1909 Liberty Head Nickel is a United States nickel from the Liberty Head Nickels 1883-1912 series — a late issue, 27th of 31 years in the series. In 1909, coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a combined mintage of 11.6 million. This ranks 9th of 31 years by total mintage, below 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. Produced during the Progressive Era, when President Theodore Roosevelt championed a renaissance in American coin design that produced some of the most beautiful coins ever struck. Struck in 75% copper, 25% nickel, weighing 5 grams, 21.2 mm in diameter, with a plain edge. Produced 4 years before the celebrated 1913 key date. Across its variants, estimated values range from $4 to $344 depending on mint mark, grade, and strike type. A notable auction result reached $14K in PR68 grade at Heritage Auctions. Designed by Charles E. Barber.
Value Estimates
Values as of May 2026 — range across all strike types, reflecting typical grades (G-4 through MS-63). Coins in lower or exceptional grades may fall outside this range.
