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1883 No CENTS Liberty Head nickel value guide -- the "Racketeer Nickel" story, and grade-by-grade prices.
The reverse originally showed only a Roman numeral "V" with no "CENTS," and fraudsters gold-plated the coin to pass it off as a $5 half eagle -- the famous "Racketeer Nickel" scheme. The Mint added "CENTS" to the design within the same year to stop it.
A first-year, one-year-only type coin that survives more plentifully today than the later "With CENTS" 1883 variety, since it was heavily hoarded at the time due to the controversy.
Live listings matching the 1883 No CENTS Liberty Head Nickel
Other dates and varieties in this series
Condition drives price more than any other factor on a coin like this — two examples of the same date can be worth very different amounts depending on wear and authentication.
The value table above is organized by grade for a reason — a coin's condition, not just its date, sets where it lands on that range. If you're not sure how to grade, a seller's photos and description should call it out.
A professionally graded (PCGS/NGC) example carries more certainty than a raw coin, and usually a small premium for it. Both are fine to buy — just factor grading into the price you're comparing.
Prices vary between individual sellers here, not one retailer's price list. Sort by price, check the seller's Metal Points and order history, and message the seller if photos don't show enough detail to grade confidently.
About the 1883 No CENTS Liberty Head Nickel
Value depends heavily on condition. A well-worn example brings closer to $9, while an uncirculated one can reach $61 or more.
The reverse originally showed only a Roman numeral "V" with no "CENTS," and fraudsters gold-plated the coin to pass it off as a $5 half eagle -- the famous "Racketeer Nickel" scheme. The Mint added "CENTS" to the design within the same year to stop it.
For anything you believe is a key date or an error, professional grading protects both buyer and seller by settling condition and authenticity before money changes hands.
List it free on PeerMetals — flat 2.75% seller fee, zero listing fees, 1–3 day payouts.
