1890 V-Nickel

The US Mint has produced many historic coins over the years, however, their collection of Nickels is easily a collector’s favorite. The V-Nickel has been an important piece of U.S. coinage since it was first produced in 1883. Because the series was only produced by the mint for 30 years, several coins may be considered rare and collectable. In fact, rare dated coins may trade for double the premium of common date coins.

When it comes to collecting these coins, regardless of its type, a collector will always look at the condition the coin is in. Seeing as only the most beautiful pieces are added to most people’s collections, it follows that collectors are willing to pay to get their hands on a V-Nickel in excellent shape.

Grading the 1890 V-Nickel

For any coin as old as the 1890 V Nickel, the condition of the coin is in is immediately called into question by collectors. Striving to find only the best coins on the market, collectors will pour over the faces of this coin in order to find any imperfections.

When the judging of condition is done by a professional grading company, the coin receives a grade that is nothing more than a one-word description of what kind of condition the coin is in. Understanding that not everyone has the time and money to send his/her coin away for grading, we have provided specifications below that will give you a good idea of what coins of a specific grade will look like.

Uncirculated: An Uncirculated V-Nickel is one that spent no time in circulation and was not subject to sources of wear and tear. These coins will have retained much of their original luster and will appear like they were minted only a few days ago. In pristine condition, the 1890 V-Nickel is quite difficult to find.

Extremely Fine: For the most part, an Extremely Fine V-Nickel will be in pristine shape. Apart from some light scratching and minor wearing of the leaves surrounding the shield, the coin will be blemish-free. Of course, due to circulation, the coin’s luster will have faded over the years.

Fine: If a coin is given the grade of Fine, it means that it was circulated for an extended period of time, but not destroyed in the process. You will see that the faces of coins of this grade will be smoother than normal, and the boundaries separating images and inscriptions from the rest of the coin will be a bit more difficult to make out.

Good: This is the grade given to coins that are in rough shape. These are the coins that were circulated for decades on end and have plenty of scratching, chipping, and other signs of wear. The images and inscriptions are difficult to make out, but they are there. The faces of the coin will be free of texture and smooth to the feel.

Pricing the 1890 V-Nickel

As is the case with any coin more than 100 years old, the price you are going to pay will directly coincide with the condition the coin is in. For 1890 Nickels especially, collectors are willing to pay a fair amount of money for one of these coins in great condition.

V-Nickels

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1890 V Nickel	$10	$25	$65	$110
Source: Red Book