1902 V-Nickel

The V-Nickels were not the first 5-cent piece produced by the US Mint, but they are popular. Produced mostly during the late part of the 19th & early 20th century, V-Nickels make up a vital portion of the early 20th century US coinage. Collectors love these coins for a number of different reasons, but mostly because they are so beautiful and increasingly difficult to find.

When it comes to collecting these coins, 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 a hefty price to get their hands on a V-Nickel in excellent shape.

Grading the 1902 V-Nickel

When considering coins that are decades, if not a century old, you have to take a close look at the coin’s condition. While a coin may have some collectible value in any condition, it is typically only coins that are in pristine condition that are sought after by coin collectors. Finding coins in this condition can be quite difficult, however, given how long ago many of them were minted.

When you are looking at a coin’s physical condition, you are really trying to determine how that coin might be graded. While a grade can only be assigned by a professionally recognized coin grading company, you can use the guidelines below to get a good idea of what a V-Nickel might look like according to its grade.

Uncirculated: Coins that are in uncirculated condition are highly sought after by coin collectors. Because these coins were never used in circulation, they have not been exposed to millions of human hands over the years and countless exchanges. These coins will appear to be brand new and freshly minted, and will show no signs of age.

Extremely Fine: While coins in extremely fine condition may have some very minor forms of damage or wear, they may still be highly coveted by collectors. To be assigned a grade of extremely fine, a coin may have only very minor surface scratches or discoloration. In fact, the coin will appear brand new and its blemishes can likely only be seen upon a very close visual inspection.

Fine: Coins that have been assigned a grade of fine have been used in circulation and have been exchanged and handled countless times. These coins may have some serious scratches or surface imperfections, although the coin’s images and details will still be completely intact.

Good: The vast majority of coins that are bought and sold today are assigned a grade of fine. These coins have very obvious signs of age related wear and tear, and may have serious scratches, dents or discoloration. A coin collector will likely overlook coins in this condition in favor of similar coins in better physical shape.

Pricing the 1902 V-Nickel

To get an accurate estimate of a 1902 V-Nickel value, you must make a careful assessment of the coin’s condition. Collectors care a great deal about condition, and coins in top condition often sell for far more than coins in only good condition. The chart below will help you determine what you might expect to pay for a 1902 V-Nickel based on its type and grade.

V-Nickels

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1902 V Nickel	$2	$4	$30	$60
Source: Red Book