Liberty Head nickels, minted from 1883 to 1912, are a prized find for coin collectors. Some of these coins are worth thousands, even millions, making them a valuable piece of history. Whether you’re a collector or just curious about your coin collection, here’s what you need to know about these valuable coins.
Key Features of Liberty Head Nickels
The front side (obverse) of the Liberty nickel showcases a portrait of Lady Liberty surrounded by stars. On the back (reverse), there’s a large “V” in the middle, which represents the Roman numeral for five, encircled by leaves. This design earned the coin its nickname—the “V-nickel.”
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Top Liberty Head Nickels Worth Big Money
Although every Liberty nickel is worth at least five cents, most are valued much higher, especially those in good condition. Let’s take a look at some of the most sought-after coins:
1913 Liberty Head Nickel
Known as “the king of 20th-century coins,” the 1913 Liberty Head Nickel wasn’t meant to be minted. However, at least five examples exist, making them incredibly rare. These coins are considered some of the most valuable in the world. In fact, one sold for a whopping $3.37 million in 2010!
1910 Liberty Head Nickel, Deep Cameo Proof
Though not as rare as the 1913 version, finding a 1910 Liberty Head Nickel in deep cameo proof is still a challenge. This coin features a sharp contrast between the background and raised details, which makes it visually striking. One such coin fetched $84,000 in 2018.
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1885 Liberty Head Nickel
Collectors regard the 1885 Liberty Head Nickel as a “key date” coin due to its rarity, especially in uncirculated condition. In 2017, an uncirculated coin in superb gem condition sold for $43,000.
1912-S Liberty Head Nickel
The 1912 Liberty Head Nickel holds special significance since it was the last year the coin was minted (with the exception of the secret 1913 versions). Coins from the San Francisco Mint, marked with an “S,” are particularly rare and valuable. A pristine example sold for $37,375 in 2012.
1886 Liberty Head Nickel
Although fewer nickels were minted in 1885, the 1886 Liberty Head Nickel is also considered rare. Finding one in excellent condition is a tough task, and a premium gem example sold for $34,800 in 2017.
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Tips to Identify Valuable Liberty Nickels
If you’re sorting through old coins, keep these tips in mind to spot Liberty Head Nickels that could be worth much more than their face value:
- Look for rare years. The rarest Liberty Head Nickels were minted in 1913, but coins from the 1880s are also highly sought after.
- Check condition. Early 20th-century nickels (1910, 1911, and 1912) in mint condition are popular among collectors.
- Spot proofs. Proof coins, with their shiny surfaces and crisp details, are often worth more.
- Use a magnifying glass. Check for tiny details like mint marks or errors that could increase a coin’s value.
By keeping these pointers in mind, you can better identify whether any Liberty Head Nickels in your collection might be worth a small fortune.
Ethan is a passionate rare coin collector with years of experience uncovering the stories and history behind unique coins. His insightful articles are a go-to for anyone curious about coin values or their fascinating backstories.