1903 V-Nickel

The US Mint has produced many classic coins over the years, but their collection of Nickels is easily a collector favorite. Though there are a few different types of Nickels, few are more popular than the V-Nickel. This 5-cent piece coin was produced through the late 19th and early 20th century and was incredibly popular due to its usefulness.

Knowing this, the collector must first consider the type of coin he or she is buying, and then consider the coin’s condition. Because V-Nickels were produced so long ago, it goes without saying that it is quite difficult to find one of these coins in excellent, well-preserved condition.

Grading the 1903 V-Nickel

When assessing any coin that has been produced for decades, you have to take a close look at the coin’s condition. Even though nickels may have collectible value, regardless of condition, serious coin collectors will usually focus their efforts on coins of the highest grades. Finding coins of this age that have been well-preserved can be quite difficult, however.

While coin grading is done by professional coin grading companies, you can get a good idea yourself of how your coin might be graded. Use the guidelines below to get an idea of what a V-Nickel might look like based on the coin’s grade.

Uncirculated: Coin collectors will often look to acquire coins that are in uncirculated condition. Because these coins have not been used in general circulation, they remain in top physical condition. In fact, looking at an uncirculated coin, you might never guess that the coin could be decades old. These coins look to be pristine, as if they were just struck the very same day.

Extremely Fine: Coin collectors will also tend to look at coins that are in extremely fine condition. To be assigned this grade, these coins must have only very minor surface blemishes. These blemishes are usually so minor that they are only noticed under close visual inspection. To the naked eye, these coins will appear to be in excellent overall condition.

Fine: Coins in fine condition will often show some signs of being beat up from years and years of exchange and use. While images and text on these coins remains fully discernible, the coin may have significant scratches or discoloration.

Good: Coins in good condition have very noticeable wear and tear from years of use. These coins may have very significant scratches, dents or divots, and may also be discolored. Most of the V-Nickels bought and sold today would fall into this category. Coin collectors may elect to stay away from coins in this condition, instead looking for coins in superior physical shape.

Pricing the 1903 V-Nickel

When trying to assess your coin’s value, the coin’s condition is of extreme importance when it comes to value. Coins in better condition can sell for vastly larger sums than similar coins that are in a lower condition. Use the chart below to get an idea of what you might expect to pay today for a 1903 V-Nickel based on grade.

V-Nickels

DATE	GOOD	FINE	EXTREMELY FINE	UNCIRCULATED
1903 V Nickel	$2	$4	$30	$60
Source: Red Book