The 1883 date for the Liberty Head Nickel was an important one as it marked the start of a popular series of US Nickels. The US Nickel known as the Liberty Head Series was designed by the 6th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint, Charles E. Barber. The Liberty Head design was technically in production for exactly 30 years and was just the second coin design since the introduction of copper-nickel five-cent pieces. Now, certified 1883 Liberty Head V Nickels are available to you for purchase online from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Coins arrive inside protective plastic slabs courtesy of the NGC!
- 1st year for the Liberty Head V Nickel!
- Limited availability of certified coins!
- Contains 75% copper and 25% nickel.
- Issued a face value of $.05 (USD) by the United States.
- Bears a Grade of Mint State 65 from the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation.
- Obverse depicts Lady Liberty.
- Reverse features the Roman numeral V.
- Later 1883 issue with the word CENTS included!
Prior to the US Civil War, the United States Mint issued a five-cent piece that was unlike the modern nickel. In fact, the coin was made with actual silver content and was known as the Half Dime. During the Civil War, the intrinsic value of the silver in those coins exceeded the modest face value, resulting in many of the coins disappearing or being hoarded by Americans.
After the Civil War, a new US Nickel was introduced that featured a metallic alloy of 75% copper and 25% nickel. Industrialist Joseph Wharton owned nickel mining and production businesses, and was behind the push for the use of nickel in the new US five-cent piece. The first coin was the Shield Nickel released between 1866 and 1883, with the Liberty Head design taking over in 1883.
Obverse designs on these 1883 Liberty Head Nickels include a bust of Lady Liberty. This portrait of Liberty is set in left-profile relief and includes both a coronet crown and laurel wreath on her head. The field comes with a date mark of 1883 at the bottom and a ring of 13 stars around the field.
Reverse visuals on 1883 Liberty Head V Nickels feature a large Roman numeral V at the center. There is a wreath around this, with the nation of issue noted along the top rim of the field. Starting in June 1883, the US Mint released redesigned reverse sides that included the word CENTS at the bottom.
These 1883 Liberty Head V Nickels are certified in Mint State 65 condition. Coins in this condition showcase an attractive, high-quality mint luster with clusters of small contact marks throughout. It is also possible for the coins to show two larger marks, noticeable patches of hairlines, and noticeable scuffs.
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