Liberty V Nickel 1904 Fine

The 1904 Liberty V Nickel, a coin of considerable historical and numismatic significance, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of American coinage at the turn of the 20th century. Designed by the renowned engraver Charles E. Barber, this series, which ran from 1883 to 1913, captures the essence of an era marked by rapid industrial growth and cultural shifts in the United States. The 1904 edition of this nickel symbolizes not only the monetary value of its time but also reflects the artistic and societal trends of the early 1900s, holding a special place in the annals of American numismatics.

At the forefront, of the coin’s design, is the iconic profile of Lady Liberty, a hallmark of Barber's artistic mastery. The obverse showcases Liberty adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." The precision in the detailing of her hair and facial features is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship characteristic of this era's coinage. Surrounding this portrait are 13 stars, symbolizing the original United States colonies, and the year of minting, '1904', is placed at the bottom, integrating historical context into the coin's design. The reverse side, of the nickel, is equally notable. It features a large Roman numeral "V," indicating the coin’s denomination of five cents. This central element is encircled by a wreath made up of staples of American agriculture - corn, wheat, and cotton - reflecting the nation’s agrarian heritage. The inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and the national motto "E PLURIBUS UNUM" encompass the design, reinforcing the themes of unity and diversity that are central to the American ethos.

In terms of condition, a 1904 Liberty V Nickel in fine grade exhibits moderate wear consistent with its age and usage. The wear is most evident on the high points of Liberty’s profile, particularly the coronet and the hair, which, while worn, maintain most of their original detail. The fields of the coin, though showing signs of circulation, preserve a level of detail that enhances the coin's aesthetic appeal. On the reverse, the wreath design remains distinct, with the individual elements of the wreath still discernible, albeit with some merging, due to wear.

The mintage of the 1904 Liberty V Nickel was robust, with a significant number of coins produced. Despite this high production, finding these coins in fine condition has become a challenge. Over time, many of these nickels have been lost or heavily circulated, and those that have survived in better grades are now treasured by collectors for their historical and numismatic value.

The historical significance of the Liberty V Nickel, minted from 1883 to 1913, is considerable. This period was marked by profound changes in the United States, including rapid industrialization and societal shifts. The 1904 nickel, thus, represents not just a piece of currency but also a piece of American history, reflecting the era's spirit of innovation and progress. Its exquisite design by Charles E. Barber, coupled with its historical significance and relative rarity in higher grades, makes it a highly sought-after item among coin collectors and historians.

• Denomination: 5c
• Year: 1904
• Diameter: N/A
• Mint Mark: N/A
• Thickness: N/A
• Grade: N/A