Liberty V Nickel 1885 Almost Good

Following the disastrous production of the Shield nickel, the Liberty V nickel, also known as the Liberty Head nickel, was birthed as the new nickel. From 1883-1912, the Liberty V nickel was struck as the five cent piece in US currency. The US Mint Chief Engraver, William Barber, was approached to create a new design for the nickel since the Shield nickel was extremely difficult to strike. Barber offered a few options including a one and three cent piece but the Liberty V nickel won the vote. After 30 years of serving as the US nickel, the Liberty V nickel would be replaced by the Buffalo nickel in 1913. Although there is no formal record of any Liberty V nickel being struck in 1913, there are five known to exist.

The Liberty V Nickel 1885 contains an average mintage and is not difficult to find in most conditions. The Liberty V Nickel 1885 is in almost uncirculated condition and will be packaged in a coin flip. The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Lady Liberty donning a coronet and wreath on her head. The reverse design contains an enlarged letter "V," which is also the Roman Numeral symbol for the number five.