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Nicknamed the "V nickel" for the large Roman numeral V on its reverse, this coin's very first design (1883) omitted the word "CENTS" entirely -- a mistake fraudsters exploited by gold-plating the coin and passing it off as a $5 half eagle, the famous "Racketeer Nickel" scheme. The Mint added "CENTS" within the same year to stop it. The series ended in 1912, but five specimens dated 1913 exist despite no Mint record of an authorized 1913 Liberty nickel -- among the most valuable coins in the world.
Every date below is a recognised key date or variety. Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
How many of each were struck — the shortest bar is the scarcest date in the series.
Bars are scaled to keep the smallest mintages visible; the exact figure is printed on every row. Mintage is coins struck, not coins surviving — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further.
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About Liberty Head Nickel values
The 1885 tops this series: a top-grade example is estimated around $4,247. Condition drives that figure — the same date in worn condition is worth a fraction of it, which is why each guide shows a range rather than a single number.
By mintage, the 1913 is the scarcest key date tracked here, with 5 struck. Mintage is coins struck rather than coins surviving, though — melting and circulation wear thin those numbers further, so survival estimates run lower still.
This guide covers 7 key dates and varieties from the Liberty Head Nickel series (1883–1913). Common dates from the same series are worth far less and are usually valued closer to their metal content.
Grading takes practice, and the gap between adjacent grades is real money on a key date. Compare your coin against the photographs on each date's page, and for anything potentially valuable consider having it certified by PCGS or NGC — a graded coin settles both authenticity and condition in one step.
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Every US series with key dates priced here.
