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The Certified Liberty Nickel 1883 No Cents MS66 NGC is a spectacular high-grade example of one of the most intriguing and historically significant coins in U.S. numismatics. Graded Mint State 66 by Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC), this coin represents an exceptional specimen from the first year of the Liberty Head nickel series—specifically the initial design type that famously omitted the denomination. Known as the "No Cents" variety, the 1883 issue became the subject of a well-known fraud scheme, making it a fascinating conversation piece and a sought-after type coin, especially in superb mint state condition like this MS66 example.
The Liberty Head nickel, also commonly referred to as the "V" nickel due to the Roman numeral on its reverse, was designed by Chief Engraver Charles E. Barber and debuted in 1883 as a replacement for the Shield nickel. The original design, issued early in that year, bore the word “LIBERTY” on the obverse and a large “V” (for five) on the reverse but did not include the word “CENTS.” This omission, combined with the coin’s gold-like appearance due to its nickel-copper alloy, created an opportunity for con artists to plate the coin in gold and pass it off as a $5 gold piece—especially since the Liberty Head design bore resemblance to U.S. gold coinage of the time.
The obverse of the 1883 No Cents Liberty Nickel features a classical profile of Lady Liberty facing left, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” She is surrounded by thirteen stars representing the original colonies, with the date “1883” centered at the bottom. In MS66 condition, Liberty’s hair, coronet, and facial features are fully struck with razor-sharp clarity. The stars are bold and well-defined, and the fields around the design are smooth, lustrous, and virtually free of abrasions. The coin may display brilliant, satiny, or frosty surfaces depending on the strike, with premium eye appeal enhanced by any subtle toning or cartwheel luster.
The reverse of the coin shows the Roman numeral “V” encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and honor. The upper legend reads “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” but the absence of the word “CENTS” at the bottom is the defining feature of this early version. In response to the fraud that ensued, the Mint quickly revised the reverse design later in 1883 to include the denomination “CENTS,” creating a clear distinction between the two types. In this MS66 example, the wreath is sharply rendered with strong detail in each leaf and ribbon, and the surfaces are immaculate, showing no signs of wear and minimal contact marks under magnification.
The total mintage of the 1883 No Cents variety was approximately 5.5 million coins, a substantial figure for the time. However, many of these coins circulated before the change was made, and uncirculated examples are much scarcer—particularly those in high grades. MS66 is a superb grade, placing this coin among the finest survivors of the issue. Fewer still have earned such a lofty designation from NGC, and coins at this level are especially prized by registry set collectors and Liberty nickel enthusiasts.
The coin is composed of a copper-nickel alloy (75% copper, 25% nickel) and has a diameter of 21.2 mm and a reeded edge. It was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which produced all Liberty Head nickels from 1883 until branch mints began contributing much later. Like other Philadelphia coins of the period, this nickel bears no mintmark. Its bright, silvery appearance, hardness, and durability made it ideal for circulation, though the alloy’s resemblance to gold in freshly struck coins was a key factor in the denomination omission controversy that defines this variety's legacy.
Certified by NGC and housed in their secure, tamper-evident holder, this MS66 example benefits from expert authentication, precise grading, and long-term preservation. The NGC label guarantees the coin’s condition and ensures its market liquidity for both resale and inclusion in top-tier collections. High-grade certified examples like this are highly sought-after and regularly command strong premiums at auction and among advanced collectors.
The story of the 1883 No Cents nickel is among the most famous in U.S. coin lore. Con men like the infamous Josh Tatum are said to have exploited the coin’s lack of denomination by plating them in gold and using them to “purchase” five-cent items, receiving $4.95 in change. While the story may be partially apocryphal, it led the Mint to quickly revise the design, making the “No Cents” and “With Cents” varieties an intriguing two-part type set for collectors. The 1883 No Cents coin has thus become a fixture in both circulated and Mint State collections, prized for its origin story and its place in coinage reform.
In MS66 condition, this example stands near the top of the population, offering collectors a chance to own a near-gem piece that combines pristine surfaces, strong strikes, and excellent eye appeal. While lower-grade examples are more common, those at the MS66 level and above become exponentially rarer, especially when housed in a trusted NGC holder. This coin’s preservation and visual impact make it an outstanding centerpiece for a Liberty nickel date set or a U.S. type set highlighting transitional or design error coinage.
The Certified Liberty Nickel 1883 No Cents MS66 NGC is more than a high-grade vintage coin—it is a vivid reminder of how design choices can influence public perception and usage of currency. Its connection to a historic minting blunder, combined with its elegant classic design and superb state of preservation, make it one of the most compelling and visually impressive U.S. nickels from the 19th century. Whether acquired for investment, historical interest, or aesthetic appeal, it is a superior specimen of an iconic American coin.