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    36.98

    1888 V-Nickel

    The V-Nickel is an important piece of American coinage not only because of how long ago it was produced, but also due to the fact that the coin was essential in the everyday lives of Americans. Despite being minted well over 100 years ago, many V-Nickels have survived and are still around today. Unfortunately, because of how much these coins were used, very few have survived the years in excellent condition.

    For collectors, the condition of a coin is everything because most every collector only wants to add pristine pieces to their collection. With regard to the 1888 V-Nickel, finding a well-preserved piece is no easy task.

    Grading the 1888 V-Nickel

    For a coin that has been around for over 100 years, the key to a coin’s potential value lies in its condition. While some coins may be valuable regardless of condition due to other factors such as scarcity or mint year, collectors are typically looking for coins that are in pristine condition and appear to be freshly minted. Finding such coins can prove challenging, however, as most have been circulated for some time now.

    When examining a coin’s condition, you are effectively assigning a grade to your coin. Grading is often performed by professional numismatists, but you can use the guidelines below to get a good idea of what a graded V-Nickel might look like.

    Uncirculated: The uncirculated V-Nickel is the type most sought after by coin collectors. Because these coins have never been circulated, they have not been subjected to normal everyday wear and tear. A simple look at these coins will give you the impression that they were just minted today, and they will appear brand new.

    Extremely Fine: 1888 V-Nickels that are graded extremely fine are still coveted by coin collectors; however, these coins will have some minor surface damage or other imperfections. To the naked eye, the coin may look perfect, but under closer inspection these blemishes may be revealed.

    Fine: A coin that is assigned a grade of fine has typically been in circulation for some time. Having exchanged hands many times over, these coins will show wear and tear from handling. This wear and tear, however, is not significant enough to lessen the integrity of the coin’s images or markings.

    Good: The majority of V-Nickels on the market today are assigned this grade. These coins have been heavily circulated, and show their age. Collectors will most often pass on these coins, and look for coins in better condition.

    Pricing the 1888 V-Nickel

    To give the 1888 V-Nickel an accurate price, you must first look at its type. Secondly, the condition means everything to most collectors. Coins in excellent condition can sell for more money than coins in good condition. The chart below will provide you with a good idea as to how much you may pay for a V-Nickel given its type and grade.

    V-Nickels

    DATE GOOD FINE EXTREMELY FINE UNCIRCULATED
    1888 V Nickel $30 $60 $175 $220
    Source: Red Book

    All Market Updates are provided as a third party analysis and do not necessarily reflect the explicit views of JM Bullion Inc. and should not be construed as financial advice.