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The Certified 1893 Liberty Head Nickel graded MS64 by NGC is an appealing near-Gem example from a beloved 19th-century U.S. coin series. Commonly referred to as the “Liberty Nickel” or “V Nickel,” this series ran from 1883 through 1913 and was designed by Charles E. Barber, then Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. The 1893 issue comes from a decade rich in coinage history and industrial expansion in America, and its survival in such high Mint State condition makes it a notable specimen. The MS64 grade from NGC denotes a coin with strong eye appeal, full detail, and only minimal contact marks, placing it just one step below Gem status and making it a desirable piece for both type collectors and Liberty Nickel specialists.
The obverse of the 1893 Liberty Nickel features the left-facing bust of Liberty wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” Her classical portrait is adorned with a wreath of wheat and cotton, symbolizing agricultural prosperity. Thirteen stars encircle the design, representing the original colonies, with the date “1893” at the bottom. In MS64 condition, this coin displays excellent strike definition, especially on Liberty’s hair and coronet. Most examples will show complete or nearly full stars, well-formed facial features, and strong denticles. Luster flows smoothly across the coin’s surface, often exhibiting a satiny or cartwheel effect typical of well-preserved late 19th-century nickels. Minor ticks or abrasions may be found under magnification but are not distracting to the naked eye.
The reverse design features a large Roman numeral “V” to denote the coin’s five-cent denomination, encircled by a laurel wreath. Above the wreath is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” encircle the upper perimeter. There is no mention of the word “CENTS” at the bottom, as the design had been updated in 1883 to avoid confusion with gold $5 coins, resolving an early controversy in the series. In the 1893 issue, the “V” is bold, the wreath is sharply detailed, and the legends are crisp. The surfaces of a MS64 Liberty Nickel like this are free from major distractions, and the coin may exhibit faint toning in silver-gray, gold, or light champagne hues, adding to its vintage appeal.
The 1893 Liberty Nickel was struck at the Philadelphia Mint with a total mintage of 13,368,000 pieces. As a non-scarce date in circulated condition, it is readily available for collectors; however, examples in high Mint State grades such as MS64 are much more limited, especially those that remain uncleaned and original. Most coins from this period entered circulation and suffered years of wear, while Mint State survivors were often bagged, stored, or transported in ways that exposed them to friction and contact marks. Thus, any example with minimal surface distractions and strong luster, such as this NGC MS64, becomes an attractive option for collectors seeking both beauty and affordability.
The Liberty Nickel series itself occupies an important transitional role in U.S. coinage. Replacing the Shield Nickel, which was often criticized for its unattractive design and striking issues, the Liberty Nickel offered a more refined and classical motif. Charles Barber’s design brought a sense of elegance and harmony to the denomination, and the coins were widely accepted by the public and used extensively in commerce. While often overshadowed by the dramatic story of the rare 1913 Liberty Nickel, the regular issues—particularly those in Mint State—remain a core component of 19th-century U.S. numismatics and enjoy sustained popularity among collectors.
NGC, or Numismatic Guaranty Company, is a world-renowned third-party grading service known for its consistency, accuracy, and market trust. Their certification of this 1893 Liberty Nickel as MS64 provides assurance of the coin’s authenticity and condition. In this grade, the coin retains nearly full design detail, strong luster, and above-average eye appeal. It is free from any signs of cleaning, artificial toning, or damage, and is housed in a secure holder that provides long-term protection and display. The MS64 grade also places it among the upper echelon of known surviving examples, as relatively few 1893 Liberty Nickels have been certified this high, especially with unblemished originality.
From a condition standpoint, the MS64 grade implies only minimal detractors—likely a few small abrasions in the fields or slight chatter in high points such as Liberty’s cheek or the upper left of the wreath. However, the coin’s overall strike sharpness, surface integrity, and full cartwheel luster offset these minor imperfections. Collectors often seek out MS64 coins for their superior visual quality without the significant price premium associated with Gem (MS65) specimens. As a result, MS64 examples like this strike a balance between quality and value, making them excellent additions to both type sets and date runs.
The 1893 Liberty Nickel also carries value for collectors interested in coins from the Gilded Age, a time of rapid economic growth, urbanization, and technological innovation in America. Coins from this era reflect the evolution of minting techniques and the growing standardization of coin design and distribution. Liberty’s classical depiction on the obverse mirrors America’s embrace of neoclassical ideals during a time when the nation was solidifying its economic and cultural identity. Holding an original 1893 Liberty Nickel in MS64 condition offers both an aesthetic experience and a tangible link to this transformative historical period.
Collectors of Liberty Nickels may choose to pursue the entire series by date, including all Philadelphia and branch mint issues. The 1893 date is one of the more accessible ones in the series but takes on new stature in grades such as MS64, where it becomes a representative of superior preservation. It is also a strong choice for inclusion in a U.S. type set, where each denomination is represented by a high-quality example. As Liberty Nickels remain more affordable than other classic series like Barber coinage or Morgan dollars, they offer excellent opportunities for building premium-level collections without extreme cost.
In conclusion, the Certified 1893 Liberty Head Nickel in MS64 condition by NGC is a prime example of late 19th-century American coinage, combining elegant design, strong strike, and near-Gem preservation. With its lustrous surfaces, sharp detail, and historic context, this coin provides collectors with both aesthetic satisfaction and numismatic significance. It serves equally well as a standout type coin or a high-end entry in a complete Liberty Nickel collection, all with the added assurance of authenticity and grade integrity provided by one of the most respected names in coin certification.