Liberty V Nickel 1883 w/ Cents Almost Good

The Liberty Head Nickel, also known as the “V Nickel” due to the large Roman numeral “V” on its reverse, is one of the most iconic late 19th-century coins struck by the United States Mint. The 1883 issue with the word “CENTS” added to the design is especially significant, as it represents the Mint’s response to one of the most notorious coin controversies in American numismatics. An example of this issue in Almost Good (AG) condition offers collectors a fascinating piece of history, even if it shows extensive circulation wear. Its appeal lies not only in its design and background but also in its direct link to a colorful chapter of American coinage history.

The Liberty Head Nickel was designed by Charles E. Barber, Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty, wearing a coronet inscribed with the word “LIBERTY.” She is encircled by thirteen stars, representing the original colonies, with the date “1883” positioned below. The simplicity and neoclassical styling of Barber’s design reflected the artistic tastes of the late 19th century, while also providing a dignified image of liberty as the central theme. Over time, however, heavy circulation causes most of these details to fade, particularly in grades such as Almost Good, where only the outline of Liberty’s head and the date may still be visible.

The reverse carries the large Roman numeral “V” in its center, which designates the value of five cents. Around it is an ornate wreath composed of corn, wheat, and cotton, symbols of America’s agricultural abundance. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arc across the top, while the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is found above the numeral. The key feature of the later 1883 design, however, is the word “CENTS,” which was added below the wreath to clarify the coin’s value. This addition was a direct response to public confusion and fraud associated with the earlier version of the coin, which had been struck without the denomination spelled out. The omission had allowed unscrupulous individuals to gold-plate the coins and pass them off as $5 gold pieces. The resulting outcry forced the Mint to quickly modify the design by including the word “CENTS.”

The 1883 Liberty Nickel with “CENTS” was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, the only mint to produce this denomination in that year. Unlike branch mint issues of other coins, there are no mintmarks on Liberty Nickels until 1912. Mintage of the “CENTS” variety totaled approximately 16 million pieces, a figure far higher than the roughly 5.4 million struck of the “No CENTS” version. This larger mintage ensured that the corrected issue circulated widely, satisfying the public’s demand for clarity and helping to restore confidence in the denomination.

As with all coins, the condition of a Liberty Nickel greatly affects both its value and the details visible to collectors. In Almost Good condition, the coin is heavily worn from years of circulation. On the obverse, Liberty’s portrait may be little more than an outline, with most facial features and the coronet details completely worn away. The stars around the border may be faint or nearly merged into the rim, and the date may be weak but still discernible with careful examination. On the reverse, the large “V” remains visible, though weak, and the surrounding wreath may show only traces of detail. The word “CENTS” is typically visible but may be faint due to wear. Despite the extensive loss of detail, coins in AG condition remain collectible, particularly for type sets and for those seeking affordable examples of historically important issues.

The Liberty Head Nickel series ran from 1883 to 1913, spanning three decades of American history. The 1883 issues stand out not only as the first year of the series but also as the year of the famous “racketeer nickel” controversy. This episode has ensured the enduring popularity of both the “No CENTS” and “With CENTS” versions among collectors. The “With CENTS” variety marks the resolution of the controversy, making it a key part of any Liberty Nickel collection. Even in low grades such as AG, these coins are valued for their role in one of the most memorable coinage stories of the 19th century.

From a historical perspective, the Liberty Head Nickel is also notable as one of the last U.S. coins designed by Charles Barber before the shift toward more artistic designs in the early 20th century. Its simple and utilitarian style reflects the Mint’s focus at the time on practicality and consistency. While Barber’s work has often been criticized for its lack of artistry compared to later designs by artists like Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the Liberty Nickel remains a classic and enduring series, beloved by collectors for its straightforward symbolism and historical context.

Collectors of Liberty Nickels often pursue complete date sets, and the 1883 “With CENTS” coin is an essential component. Its relative availability compared to the scarcer “No CENTS” issue makes it a more affordable acquisition, particularly in lower grades. In Almost Good condition, the coin provides an inexpensive entry point for beginners or those assembling a circulated set that reflects the real-world history of these coins in commerce. Many collectors also enjoy comparing AG examples to higher-grade specimens to appreciate the full progression of wear and to connect with the coin’s journey through decades of use.

In conclusion, the 1883 Liberty Head “With CENTS” Nickel in Almost Good condition is a historically rich yet affordable coin that reflects both the artistry of Charles Barber and the controversies of late 19th-century U.S. coinage. Although heavily worn, with most design elements faint or missing, it retains enough features to identify its type and date, as well as the critical “CENTS” inscription that resolved the fraud problem associated with its predecessor. For collectors, it serves as a fascinating and tangible link to one of the most famous stories in American numismatics and a necessary piece for completing a Liberty Nickel set.