-
Inventory:
Available
- Product ID: 15650
Checkout
Introduced in 1883, the Liberty V Nickel was a fresh representation of American coinage, reflecting both the artistic and industrial progress of the era. Designed by Charles E. Barber, the Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint, this coin replaced the Shield Nickel, heralding a new chapter in American numismatic design.
The obverse of the coin is graced with a classical profile of Lady Liberty, featuring a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." This design was in line with the neoclassical art trends of the period, showcasing a blend of American ideals and Greco-Roman aesthetics. The obverse also features 13 stars around the periphery, symbolizing the original 13 colonies, along with the coin's issuance date. The reverse of the 1883 Liberty V Nickel is simplistic yet elegant. It prominently features a large Roman numeral 'V', denoting the coin’s five-cent denomination, surrounded by a wreath. Notably, the initial batches of this coin, including the 1883 "No Cents" variety, did not bear the word "CENTS" on the reverse. This omission led to a significant historical episode where some individuals, exploiting the absence of the denomination, plated these nickels with gold and passed them off as $5 gold pieces.
The U.S. Mint later in 1883 amended this oversight by adding "CENTS" beneath the 'V' on the reverse. The "No Cents" coins from early 1883 thus became an intriguing part of numismatic lore, sought after by collectors for both their rarity and historical significance. Regarding mintage, the 1883 Liberty V Nickel saw a substantial production run, as it was the inaugural issue of a new series. The "No Cents" variant was minted in the millions before the design change, making it relatively common in circulated grades but increasingly rare in higher conditions like Very Fine.
In Very Fine condition, an 1883 "No Cents" Liberty V Nickel is a prize for collectors. It exhibits light wear on the highest points of the design. The hair details of Liberty's portrait, including the finer strands and the coronet’s inscription, are well-preserved, showing only slight flattening. The facial features remain sharp, and the stars surrounding the profile retain much of their original detail and relief. The date, prominently displayed at the bottom of the obverse, is clear and distinct. On the reverse, the Roman numeral 'V' is crisp with only minor wear, and the wreath surrounding it retains most of its intricate details. The overall field of the coin, both on the obverse and reverse, shows minimal signs of wear, maintaining a relatively smooth and even surface.
The 1883 "No Cents" Liberty V Nickel in Very Fine condition is more than a piece of currency; it is a tangible piece of American history, encapsulating a unique moment in the nation’s numismatic journey. For collectors, it is not just the physical condition that makes this coin desirable, but the rich narrative it carries—a narrative of artistic endeavor, historical quirks, and the ever-evolving nature of U.S. coinage.