1894 V-Nickel

The V-Nickels are a popular series of 5-cent coins that, as a regular production, ran from 1883 to 1912. These coins have gained a lot of attention from collectors both in the US and abroad. As a pivotal part of US coinage history, it really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that these coins are highly valued by collectors.

The V-Nickels have not been regularly seen in circulation for several decades. However, because so many still exist, it is not at all uncommon to find them tucked away in trunks, old cans, or boxes. They may also be parts of other little treasure stashes that are found in attics, basements, drawers, and buried away in the yards of older properties.

Grading the 1894 V-Nickel

These coins have been in existence for decades, and given the length of time they have been produced, the coin’s condition will be very important in determining its value. Typically, only coins that are in nearly perfect condition will be purchased by coin collectors. Finding these coins in such condition can prove challenging, however.

When you are looking at a coin, you are effectively trying to determine the coin’s grade. While coin grades are assigned by professional coin grading companies, you can use the guidelines below to see what V-Nickels in various conditions may look like.

Uncirculated: Considered to be the top condition, collectors desire to acquire coins that have not been used in circulation. Because these coins have not been used in circulation, they have not been subjected to many of the damaging issues typically encountered by coins. Just a glimpse at these coins and you will think they were freshly struck and just released by the mint.

Extremely Fine: Coins in extremely fine condition will have some very minor defects, although they may still be coveted by coin collectors. To earn this grade, the coin must have only minor imperfections such as scratches and must appear to be nearly new. It is only under a close visual inspection that the coin’s imperfections become apparent.

Fine: Coins in fine condition have been widely circulated and will show signs of wear and tear, especially as they age. While these coins may have scratches or other imperfections, the coin’s images and text still remains fully intact.

Good: Most V-Nickels on the open market today would fall into this category. These coins have been heavily circulated for years or even decades, and they will have obvious scratches, dents or other issues. Coin collectors may skip these coins in favor of coins that are in better physical shape. Nevertheless, these coins can be valuable, even to collectors, depending on mint year and relative scarcity.

Pricing the 1894 V-Nickel

To get a good idea of what you might expect to pay for a 1894 V-Nickel, you must take into account the coin’s condition. Collectors will look for coins in excellent condition, and these coins often sell for higher premiums than similar coins in a lesser condition. The chart below will help you get an idea of what you might expect to pay for a 1894 V-Nickel depending on type and condition.

V-Nickels

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1894 V Nickel	$20	$100	$240	$300
Source: Red Book