1895 V-Nickel

The V-Nickel (Liberty Nickel) was minted in the 19th century and are a great collection to any series. If you think about Liberty Head nickels for a moment, they really do not constitute a large series. The design ran for only 29 years; 30 if you count the 5 rare 1913 Liberty Head nickels produced. The V-Nickel is popular in the eyes of coin collectors.

V-Nickels can be collected as a set, and many people today try to collect every date in the series. However, there are some people buying V-Nickels today that are trying to build type sets. Type sets include one example of every design for a certain kind of range of coins — either by denomination, year, decade, or century, coin designer; etc.

Grading the 1895 V-Nickel

For a coin of this age, the focus must be on the overall condition of the coin. While coins in lower conditions may still have some collectible value, coin collectors generally only want coins that are in perfect condition. Finding coins in this condition can be extremely difficult, however, given the amount of time that these coins have been minted.

When you are trying to judge a coin’s condition, you are actually trying to get an idea of how that coin might be graded. Although the coin grading process is performed by professional grading companies, you can use the simple guidelines below to get a feel for what a graded Jefferson Nickel might look like.

Uncirculated: Coin collectors will typically look to acquire coins that have not been used in circulation. Because these coins have not been used in circulation, they will not have the normal signs of damage and wear that circulated coins exhibit. Just looking at coins in this condition will make you think they were struck that day and are hot off the mint’s presses.

Extremely Fine: While coins in extremely fine condition may have very minor defects, these coins may still be actively sought after by coin collectors. To be given this grade, any damage must be very minor in nature, so minor that it is usually only noticed under a very close physical examination of the coin.

Fine: Coins in fine condition have been in circulation for some time, and the numerous exchanges are obvious. While the coin’s images and text remain intact, they may have serious scratches or discoloration.

Good: Most of the V-Nickels on the market today are in good condition. Due to the fact that they have been widely used and circulated, often for many years, these coins may have significant scratches, discoloration or other blemishes. A collector may choose to pass on coins in good condition for coins in extremely fine or uncirculated condition.

Pricing the 1895 V-Nickel

To obtain an accurate estimate of the 1895 V-Nickel’s value, you must also assess the coin’s condition. Collectors know and understand that coins in better condition typically sell for much higher premiums than similar coins of a lower grade. Use the chart below the get an idea of what you might expect to pay for a 1895 V-Nickel based on type and grade.

V-Nickels

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1895 V Nickel	$6	$22	$70	$115
Source: Red Book