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The 1904 Liberty V Nickel is a distinguished piece of early 20th-century American numismatic history, representing a significant chapter in the Liberty Head series of U.S. coinage. Minted during a period of economic and social transformation in the United States, this coin embodies the design, craftsmanship, and production techniques that defined the era. As part of the Liberty Head series, the 1904 Liberty V Nickel reflects the design ethos of the time and serves as a testament to the coin's enduring legacy.
Introduced in 1883, the Liberty V Nickel was designed by Charles E. Barber and succeeded the Shield Nickel. The Liberty Head design was a departure from the previous style, incorporating more elaborate elements to enhance its visual appeal and symbolic meaning. The Liberty V Nickel was produced with the intent of evoking classical beauty and national pride, with Lady Liberty featured prominently on the obverse and a simple yet effective design on the reverse. The 1904 Liberty V Nickel continues this tradition, representing the coinage of the early 20th century.
The obverse of the 1904 Liberty V Nickel showcases a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, adorned with a coronet inscribed with the word "LIBERTY." This image captures the essence of classical design, symbolizing freedom and strength. Surrounding Liberty's profile are thirteen stars, which commemorate the original thirteen colonies of the United States. These stars are arranged in a circle, reflecting the unity and continuity of the nation. The design emphasizes both historical significance and artistic elegance, embodying the values of liberty and patriotism.
On the reverse side, the 1904 Liberty V Nickel features a central "V" representing the Roman numeral for five, denoting the coin's denomination. This "V" is encircled by a wreath composed of laurel and oak branches, symbolizing victory and strength. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" arches above the wreath, while "FIVE CENTS" appears below, clearly indicating the coin's value. The wreath and lettering are designed to be straightforward yet effective, providing essential information about the coin while maintaining a clean and classic aesthetic.
The 1904 Liberty V Nickel was minted at the Philadelphia Mint, which was the principal facility responsible for producing U.S. coinage during that period. The Philadelphia Mint was renowned for its high standards of craftsmanship and its pivotal role in the development of American coinage. The coin was produced using hand-operated presses and manual techniques, which were standard practices of the time. This method ensured that each coin was crafted with precision and care, contributing to the overall quality of the minting process.
The total mintage for the 1904 Liberty V Nickel was approximately 18,244,000 coins. This relatively high mintage reflects the demand for the coin during its year of issue and the scale of production required to meet the needs of daily transactions. The 1904 issue was part of a larger production run aimed at ensuring a sufficient supply of coins for circulation while maintaining design consistency and quality. The high mintage also indicates that the coin was widely used in commerce, contributing to its historical significance.
In terms of condition, the 1904 Liberty V Nickel graded as Very Fine (VF) displays a moderate level of wear from circulation. In this grade, the coin's design elements are still well-defined, though some finer details may be softened by wear. On a Very Fine 1904 Liberty V Nickel, Lady Liberty's profile remains clear, and the inscription on her coronet, along with the surrounding stars, is readable but may show signs of wear. The reverse design, including the large "V" and the surrounding wreath, is recognizable, though the details may exhibit some erosion and wear.
The Very Fine grade indicates that the coin has been used in commerce but has retained enough detail to be appreciated by collectors. The overall appearance of the coin is characterized by even wear, with no significant damage or corrosion. The 1904 Liberty V Nickel in this condition remains a valuable and sought-after item for collectors, reflecting both its historical significance and the artistic quality of the coin.
Overall, the 1904 Liberty V Nickel is a notable example of early 20th-century American coinage. Its design, minting history, and condition reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the time. As a piece of numismatic history, the 1904 Liberty V Nickel continues to be a cherished item for collectors and enthusiasts, representing a tangible link to America's past and its enduring tradition of coinage.